| Acupuncture
· Herbs ·
Nutrition · Massage
· Yoga
Meditation · One-on-One
Personal Fitness Training
What
conditions can acupuncture treat?
Why would I see an acupuncturist?
How does acupuncture work?
What should I expect from my first visit and treatment?
Does acupuncture hurt?
Is acupuncture safe?
How long do the treatments take?
How many treatments will I need?
How do I get the most out of my treatment?
Will it conflict with my other medications?
What is
Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Do I have to be sick to benefit from acupuncture?
What is the scientific basis of acupuncture?
What is the history of acupuncture in America?
What
conditions can acupuncture treat?
Many conditions may be treated. General pain relief and control
for arthritis, cervical spondylopathy, knee pain, hand and foot
pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, lower back and neck
pain, tendonitis and many more conditions can be treated. Other
conditions such as circulatory problems with high or low blood
pressure, cold hands and feet and disorders such as anxiety, nervousness,
sleeplessness, depression, asthma, allergies and sinus problems
can be treated as well. Also digestive disorders like Crohn's
Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea,
and constipation are successfully treated. Other common ailments
that can be treated include headaches, migraines, and smoking
cessation.
Why
would I see an acupuncturist?
People typically begin acupuncture treatment to find relief from
a wide range of physical conditions. What often begins as a concern
over a few symptoms often transforms into deep personal healing
that reaches far beyond the physical condition. The greatest reason
to begin acupuncture treatment is to recover and to cultivate
your awareness of the tremendous healing power of your body. Acupuncture
awakens the senses and offers the possibility of deep healing
of the body, mind and spirit. Many patients experience increased
clarity, creativity and deeper meaning in their daily lives.
How
does acupuncture work?
There are more than 360 points on the body that connect with certain
organs and modulate bodily functions. Point Groups on the body
that apply to a specific organ or to functions are found along
meridians. In a healthy, normally functioning body, the energy
in these meridians flows freely, resulting in a balanced system.
When the flow of energy is interrupted or blocked from causes
such as stress, injury or illness, this energy is reduced or impeded,
throwing your "Qi" off balance. By performing acupuncture,
balance and proper function of QI are restored.
Research
suggests that acupuncture has a wide variety of effects on the
brain and the body. Stimulated nerve fibers transmit signals to
the spinal cord and brain, thus activating parts of the central
nervous system. The spinal cord and brain then release certain
hormones (endorphins, for example) responsible for making us feel
better overall and more specifically, feel less pain. In fact,
a study using images of the brain confirmed that acupuncture increases
our pain threshold which may explain its ability to produce long-term
pain relief.
Acupuncture
has been endorsed by the World Health Organization as an effective,
natural treatment for over 42 different conditions. Acupuncture
can increase blood circulation and body temperature. It may also
affect white blood cell activity (responsible for our immune function),
reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and regulate blood
sugar levels. In general, acupuncture appears to transmit its
effects via electric, neurological, hormonal, lymphatic, and electromagnetic
wave pathways.
back
to top
What
should I expect from my first visit and treatment?
One of our specialists will conduct a comprehensive intake evaluation
at your first appointment, focusing on your health concerns, your
particular condition, and how your symptoms impact your quality
of life. Following your initial consultation, the first treatment
will be administered. You may experience an immediate, total or
partial relief from pain or other symptoms. Some patients experience
a sudden burst of energy while others may feel a relaxed, calming
satisfaction. You will experience the intensity of energy and
a sense of wellbeing and healing which results from the rebalancing
of energy, making you look forward to future treatments.
Does
acupuncture hurt?
Most people are surprised and relieved to learn that acupuncture
needles are extremely thin (and made from stainless steel) and
completely unlike the hypodermic needles you’ve seen at
the doctor's office. Our needling technique is very gentle, and
we work closely with you to make sure your experience is comfortable
and positive. You may feel a little discomfort as the needles
are inserted, but normally, the process is typically painless.
Most patients experience a profound sense of relaxation and wellbeing
during and after the treatment. All in all, acupuncture treatment
is usually a highly enjoyable experience.
Is
acupuncture safe?
Originating in China thousands of years ago, today, acupuncture
has become the treatment of choice for one-fourth of the world's
population! The needles are FDA approved, individually packaged,
pre-sterilized and disposed of after a single use. There is no
transmission of communicable disease from patient to patient.
There are no contraindications. It is totally 100% safe!
How
long do the treatments take?
These regular 45 minute sessions usually include a relaxing acupuncture
treatment to keep you moving in the optimal direction until maintenance
can be established. During this time, significant signs of progress
will likely appear. As you experience improvement and enjoy a
greater sense of wellbeing, treatments may be extended to every
other week, every three weeks, monthly or even seasonally.
back
to top
How
many treatments will I need?
Since every person is unique, the numbers of treatments will vary.
The nature, severity and history of each patient's condition are
all factors that are involved in determining how many treatments
will be necessary. To reduce pain associated with an acute injury
three to four treatments may be required. For chronic conditions,
successful treatment can take from one to six months. A treatment
plan will be given to you at the conclusion of the intake.
In
general, for purposes of prevention, regular weekly sessions release
the build-up of daily pressure and tension and helps to prevent
a multitude of stress related problems. For the treatment of ailments,
the number of sessions varies, depending upon the nature of the
individual problem. Usually, one or two treatments per week will
be necessary, decreasing in frequency as the condition improves.
For athletes, the number of sessions depends upon the individual’s
needs. But, basically, most athletes choose to have treatments
before, during and after competition as acupuncture helps to tranquilize
the mind, strengthen the muscles, improve flexibility of tendons,
relieve muscular fatigue, decrease spasms and rigidity of joints,
and increase energy levels.
How
do I get the most out of my treatment?
On the day of your appointment, try to avoid the intake of alcohol,
caffeine or pain medications and make sure to eat something light
an hour or two before arriving. Also, schedule your appointment
at an appropriate time of the day so that you are not in a hurry.
Physically rushing to and from your appointment will only diminish
the benefits of your treatment.
Will
it conflict with my other medications?
Acupuncture will not conflict with any of your medications. Acupuncture
is used to complement medications and treatments provided to you
by Western medical physicians.
What
is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Chinese Herbal Medicine is a powerful method of healing used to
balance the human body. Herbs are combined into complex and customized
formulas that are specific to the patient's entire individual
condition. When used appropriately, Chinese Herbal Medicine is
safe and effective, and only the highest quality of herbs is recommended.
Chinese herbs not only address symptoms, they also nourish and
balance the body in very specific ways, thereby improving organ
function and building your constitution and immune system. In
general, these powerful herbs can alter the disease process.
back
to top
Do
I have to be sick to benefit from acupuncture?
Not at all. An increasing percentage of the population is interested
in healthcare which focuses on creating optimal vitality as opposed
to just treating the symptoms. Acupuncture is a powerful means
to experience such radiant health throughout the year. Many people
visit regularly for stress relief treatments, general "tune-ups"
and/or to prevent illness. Some even come in to address psychological
issues or to deepen their personal relationships.
What
is the scientific basis of acupuncture?
“There has been more scientific research done on acupuncture
than any other 'complementary' medical therapy. Years ago, Dr.
William Osier, the father of modern medicine in America, recommended
acupuncture as the treatment of choice for lumbago (back pain).
But not until President Nixon's 1972 visit to China did intense
acupuncture research get sparked.”
Continue
to read this interesting article, The
Scientific Basis of Acupuncture,
by David Krofcheck L.Ac.,O.M.D.
What
is the history of acupuncture in America?
Acupuncture was developed over 2000 years ago in Asia. However,
in the United States, the first publication on acupuncture did
not appear until 1826. It was written by Bache Franklin, M.D.,
the great grandson of Benjamin Franklin. In 1892, Sir William
Osler, B.T., M.D., FBS, in his fundamental work "the Principles
and Practice of Medicine," featured acupuncture as the recommended
treatment for lumbago (back pain). After this time and due to
the rapid advance of Western medicine and biological science in
the beginning of twentieth century, the practice and benefits
of acupuncture were marginalized. Furthermore, after the 1920's
acupuncture was rarely used except within Chinatowns across the
US.
It
was not until 1971 did an interest in acupuncture become revived.
Former President Nixon took a trip to China and had to have an
emergency appendectomy at the Anti-Imperialist Hospital in Peking.
Acupuncture anesthesia was used during the procedure, and his
post operative pain was relieved by acupuncture itself.
All
of this was reported by James Reston of the New York Times, and
this brought great publicity to acupuncture and a renewed interest
in this form of treatment.
In
1996, needles were removed from the "investigative"
category and were considered ‘accepted medical instruments.’
In 1997, The National Institute of Health issued the Consensus
Statement that recognized "Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention
which is widely practiced in the United States" and "may
be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative
or be included in a comprehensive management program." Since
then, the NIH has formed a department of Alternative Healthcare
to provide needed research funding for alternative avenues of
medical care.
back
to top
The
Scientific Basis of Acupuncture (cont'd)
by David Krofcheck L.Ac.,O.M.D.
There has been more scientific
research done on acupuncture than any other "complementary"
medical therapy. Years ago, Dr. William Osier, the father of modern
medicine in America, recommended acupuncture as the treatment
of choice for lumbago (back pain). But not until President Nixon's
1972 visit to China did intense acupuncture research get sparked.
In a 1992 study, Cole tabulated
the conditions of study in 365 Western and 344 Chinese research
studies. These investigated treatments
of conditions range from 22-pain, 62-neurlogic, to 54-addiction
therapies. Double blind procedures have proven the validity of
acupuncture.
Clinical research has demonstrated
the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating many disorders. For
example: arthritis, dysmenorrheal, and headache.
A 1986 single-blind trial,
studied the effects of acupuncture on patients with angina pectoris
(chest pain) unresponsive to standard medical treatment. Research
found that in addition to relieving chest pain, "compared
to patients receiving sham acupuncture, the patients receiving
acupuncture increased cardiac work capacity significantly."
In April 1996, the FDA lifted
the "investigational use" status of acupuncture needles
based upon a review of research. A 12 member consensus panel for
the National Institute of Health (NIH) met in November of 1997.
They concluded that the existing research already shows the effectiveness
of acupuncture in certain conditions, while more research is needed.
Currently 41 states have passed standards for the practice of
acupuncture. Forty of the 41 states require NCCAOM certification
standards or higher. (Michigan has not yet set such standards).
John Reed MD, wrote "The
documentation of positive results in diverse conditions, including
the medically difficult areas of chronic pain management and management
of drug addiction, suggests that acupuncture is a real and potentially
cost effective intervention."
The advent of sophisticated
research equipment has made possible the discovery of the mechanisms
of acupuncture. We have found the acupuncture points have distinct
anatomical and electrical characteristics. The body produces natural
responses to being pierced by a foreign object. Because of theses
characteristics, acupuncture can enhance and regulate the body's
natural responses which include pain relief, stimulation of the
immune system, and healing.
The effects of acupuncture
are delivered by: 1) Neurological, 2) Biochemical, and 3) Bioelectrical
mechanisms. In 1989 Deke Kendal organized tremendous amounts of
research to describe in detail the neurological and biochemical
mechanisms of acupuncture.
l) Neurological - The A-delta
and C fibers carry signals into the spinal cord and upward to
the brain. The importance of the fibers in addition to mediating
acupuncture is the connections to the internal organs through
the dorsal horns of the spinal cord.
2) Biochemical - Many bioactive
substances including bradykinin, histamine and leukotrine are
important for initiating responses at the acupuncture points.
The seratonin, enkephalin, endorphins and substance P are important
for mediating the central nervous system effects of acupuncture.
3) Bioelectrical - Electric
energy, naturally occurring in the body, has been found to stimulate
regeneration and healing. The limbs of frogs and rats were regenerated
and resistant bone fractures were healed in humans by electric
treatment. Ions of radioactive isotopes, injected into acupuncture
points, migrate along meridians.
The bioelectrical mechanisms
of acupuncture include:
A) Stimulation of electric
currents at the site of the needled acupuncture point.
C) Electric conduction along
the perineurium (the covering around the nerve) which also influences
the firing of the nerve.
The complexity of the action
of acupuncture is deceiving. It has been used effectively for
centuries in the East. Acupuncture is a safe therapy which utilizes
the body's natural healing systems. In this era of high tech medicine,
acupuncture would be considered one of the greatest discoveries—if
it hadn't already been developed centuries ago.
back to top
|
