Medical Acupuncture FAQs

 What is Medical Acupuncture?

 Medical acupuncture is acupuncture practiced by a Medical Doctor who is licensed and trained in Western medicine. As practiced in the modern Western world, medical acupuncture is usually a combination of European, British and North American techniques, which are themselves refinements based on 200 years of Western medical investigation into traditional Chinese acupuncture.

 How are medical acupuncture treatments done?

 The treatments may be done either through the use of solid stainless steel “needles” or by needle-free laser applications. The needles are unlike those used for hypodermic injections or drawing blood samples, which are hollow and have cutting edges. Acupuncture needles have smooth points, not cutting edges, and are hair thin. This allows most patients to experience virtually no pain from acupuncture. Sometimes mild electrical current is also used, which produces a tingling sensation, to increase the stimulation at some acupuncture points.

 How does medical acupuncture work?

 Acupuncture treatments stimulate the body’s nervous system and immune functions to produce biochemicals that alter the body’s chemical balance. In turn, organs are stimulated to work to overcome imbalances existing in the body and to influence the body’s internal regulating systems. Hormone secretion, endorphins in the brain, neurotransmitters and cells of the immune system can be stimulated by medical acupuncture applications.

 What conditions are treated by medical acupuncture?

 Generally, medical acupuncture is effective to:

• control and relieve pain and inflammation
• treat a variety of medical conditions other than pain
• promote general health and well being
• prevent illness

See the statement about acupuncture from the World Health Organization of the United Nations, below

 Are there any side effects?

 Some people feel energized after treatments, others feel relaxed. Some patients feel somewhat disoriented afterwards, which generally passes after a brief rest. Because the body’s chemistry balance is affected, some people may see changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns or emotional state. These are normal reactions, are usually short-term, and are an indication that the treatments are having the desired effect. They are not cause for concern.

 How many treatments are necessary?

 In most cases, you will experience significant relief after a few acupuncture treatments. Many people experience relief almost immediately, especially from some acute conditions. Treatment of other, long-term (chronic) or complex conditions will probably require several treatments over time before significant relief is apparent. The goal of treatment is to bring permanent relief from the condition, if possible.

 I’m not sure I believe in acupuncture. Can it still help me?

 Acupuncturists have successfully brought relief from medical symptoms in dogs, cats, horses and other animals, “patients” that clearly have no notion of “believing” in acupuncture. Additionally, thousands of people who did not “believe” in acupuncture have experienced complete relief of their medical symptoms even though they did not “believe.” Acupuncture works on your body’s autonomic systems, so belief in its effectiveness is not necessary for it to produce results.

 Is medical acupuncture covered by my insurance?

 Medical acupuncturists are Medical Doctors (MDs), so many of the treatments they may suggest for you will be covered the same as any other Medical Doctor you may see; consultations, examinations and office visits are normally covered by insurance. Some insurance plans may require a referral by your Primary Care Physician (PCP) beforehand. Some insurance plans cover acupuncture treatments; others cover them under certain conditions. Some do not cover them at all.

World Health Organization:
Viewpoint on Acupuncture

According to the World Health Organization Viewpoint on Acupuncture acupuncture therapy is appropriate for the conditions listed here.

DIGESTIVE

Abdominal pain
Constipation
Diarrhea
Indigestion

EMOTIONAL

Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Nervousness
Neurosis

EYE-EAR-NOSE-THROAT

Cataracts
Poor vision
Toothache
Gingivitis
Tinnitus

GYNECOLOGICAL

Premenstrual syndrome
Infertility

MISCELLANEOUS

Addiction control
Athletic performance
Blood pressure regulation
Chronic fatigue
Immune system toning
Stress reduction

MUSCULO-SKELETAL

Arthritis
Back pain
Neck pain
Muscle pain
Muscle weakness
Muscle cramping
Sciatica

NEUROLOGICAL

Headaches
Migraines
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
Parkinson’s disease
Post-operative pain
Stroke

RESPIRATORY

Asthma
Bronchitis
Common cold
Sinusitis
Smoking cessation
Tonsillitis

“Specializing in Difficult-to-Treat Medical Conditions”