FAQ

-FAQ. What is acupuncture?
   Acupuncture literally means to puncture with a needle. However, the application of needles is often used in combination with moxibustion-the burning on or over the skin of selected herbs-and may also involve the application of other kinds of stimulation to certain points. the term “acupuncture” is used in its broad sense to include traditional body needling, moxibustion, electric acupuncture (electro-acupuncture), laser acupuncture (photo-acupuncture), microsystem acupuncture such as ear (auricular), face, hand and scalp acupuncture, and acupressure (the application of pressure at selected sites), cupping, blood letting &…
       Acupuncture needling is the practice of inserting ultra fine, sterile, disposable  needles into specific points of energy that are located along 14 Meridians or Channels that cover the entire body. There are 365 classical Acupuncture points associated with the 14 Meridians. These points and meridians, mapped out millennia ago and confirmed by consistent practice have show that skillful insertion and manipulation of specific points will produce predictable results in the body.
         It involves complex interactive diagnostic and treatment procedure I’m TCM field.
fAQ. Why acupuncture?
   Being a natural treatment and preventive method it has been widely used all over the world. Acupuncture uses body’s  own power to strike balance and fix health issues naturally. This system pays much attention to treat “root”of disease as much as its symptoms and manifestations. Therefor it doesn’t cover symptoms merely,  but provides healing from deep within modulating and regulating body’s natural functions. Of courses it needs a precise TCM  diagnosis and practice which should be performed by an expert practitioner.
Acupuncture can successfully prevent diseases and dysfunctions without any external or additional substance.
-FAQ. Is acupuncture safe?
   The great advantage of acupuncture is being   Side effect free and totally natural modality.    Acupuncture is totally safe when it is practiced by qualified Registered Acupuncturist. Needles used for acupuncture are fine, sterile, disposable, single use, stainless steel implements. There are virtually no adverse effects or complications because it is an all-natural, drug-free therapy.
-FAQ. Which conditions acupuncture is effective?
   The list of diseases and conditions for which Acupuncture would be an appropriate treatment is extensive. Acupuncture is a complete medical system in itself, and is also an excellent compliment to almost any therapy.
Even if you are not so sick, Acupuncture is good for balancing the body’s systems and promoting general resiliency, benefitting and modulating endocrine system, immune system and nervous system.
       The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health endorse acupuncture as being effective treatments for numerous conditions, some of which are listed below:
Mental-emotional
Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia
 Musculoskeletal and Neurologic
Headaches, Migraines, Facial Paralysis, Stroke, Neck, Shoulders, Lower Back Stiffness and Pain, Sciatica, Knee Pain, Ankle Pain, MVA.Injuries, Sport Injuries, Muscle Pain, Arthritic, Osteoarthritis, Inflammation, Frozen Shoulder, Tennis Elbow, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Tendonitis, Sprains , Trigeminal Neuralgia
Internal
Allergies, Dizziness, Low Energy, Chronic Fatigue, Cold Limps, Asthma, Diabetes, Indigestion, Constipation, Diarrhea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Stomachache
Dermatological
Acne, Herpes (Shingles)
Eyes-Ears-Nose-Throat
Hay Fever, Sinusitis, Ringing in the Ears, Sore Throat
Infections
Common Colds and Flu, Bronchitis
Reproductive
PMS, Menstrual Irregular, Menstrual Cramps, Menopause Symptoms, Hot Flash, Low Sex Drive, Impotence, Infertility and Sexual Dysfunction
Other
Anti-Aging, Weight Control, Smoking Cessation, Addiction to Drugs or Alcohol
-FAQ. Will acupuncture interfere with my medications?
      The short answer is no.  A word of caution though. In some instances acupuncture may further the therapeutic effect of your medication, which in turn may require a lower dosage. If your medication dosage is sensitive, make sure you see your Doctor to monitor your dosages. It is never a good idea to stop taking medication without your Doctor’s guidance.
-FAQ. Does acupuncture hurt?
       Acupuncture needles are 25-50 times thinner than a hypodermic needle. They are so thin that several acupuncture needles can go into the middle of a hypodermic needle. There is little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles.
While some people feel nothing at all; others experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin that can be followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling, numbness, traveling warmth, or heaviness. The needles are left in place for twenty to forty minutes. Most people find the experience extremely relaxing and uplifting and even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment.
That being said, some conditions will respond better to a thicker gauge acupuncture needle.  It is common to experience soreness during and after an acupuncture treatment.  It is important to let your acupuncturist know immediately so that they can make you more comfortable.  If you are sensitive to acupuncture or ‘needle-phobic’ your acupuncturist can use thinner needles and be gentler.  Be sure to speak up and let the practitioner know how you are feeling!
-FAQ.  How many treatments will patient need?
      That depends on case to case. You may need only as single treatment for an acute condition. A series of five to fifteen treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time. For some patients seeking general health maintenance, they may need acupuncture treatment from time to time, which is something like a car tune-up

-FAQ.how does acupuncture work?

     Scientific research has shown that healing is being provided by neuroelectric stimulation for the gene expression of neuropeptides. 
Here are current thoughts from the National Institutes of Health on the manner by which acupuncture might produce beneficial health results.
Many studies in animals and humans have demonstrated that acupuncture can cause multiple biological responses. These responses can occur locally, i.e., at or close to the site of application, or at a distance, mediated mainly by sensory neurons to many structures within the central nervous system. This can lead to activation of pathways affecting various physiological systems in the brain as well as in the periphery. A focus of attention has been the role of endogenous opioids in acupuncture analgesia. Considerable evidence supports the claim that opioid peptides are released during acupuncture and that the analgesic effects of acupuncture are at least partially explained by their actions. That opioid antagonists such as naloxone reverse the analgesic effects of acupuncture further strengthens this hypothesis.
Stimulation by acupuncture may also activate the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, resulting in a broad spectrum of systemic effects. Alteration in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and changes in the regulation of blood flow, both centrally and peripherally, have been documented.
There is also evidence that there are alterations in immune functions produced by acupuncture. Which of these and other physiological changes mediate clinical effects is at present unclear.
Despite considerable efforts to understand the anatomy and physiology of the “acupuncture points,” the definition and characterization of these points remains controversial. Even more elusive is the scientific basis of some of the key traditional Eastern medical concepts such as the circulation of Qi, the meridian system, and other related theories, which are difficult to reconcile with contemporary biomedical information but continue to play an important role in the evaluation of patients and the formulation of treatment in acupuncture.
Some of the biological effects of acupuncture have also been observed when “sham” acupuncture points are stimulated, highlighting the importance of defining appropriate control groups in assessing biological changes purported to be due to acupuncture. Such findings raise questions regarding the specificity of these biological changes. In addition, similar biological alterations including the release of endogenous opioids and changes in blood pressure have been observed after painful stimuli, vigorous exercise, and/or relaxation training; it is at present unclear to what extent acupuncture shares similar biological mechanisms.
It should be noted also that for any therapeutic intervention, including acupuncture, the so-called “non-specific” effects account for a substantial proportion of its effectiveness, and thus should not be casually discounted. Many factors may profoundly determine therapeutic outcome including the quality of the relationship between the clinician and the patient, the degree of trust, the expectations of the patient, the compatibility of the backgrounds and belief systems of the clinician and the patient, as well as a myriad of factors that together define the therapeutic milieu.
Although much remains unknown regarding the mechanism(s) that might mediate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture, it is encouraging that a number of significant acupuncture-related biological changes can be identified and carefully delineated.
Further research in this direction not only is important for elucidating the phenomena associated with acupuncture, but also has the potential for exploring new pathways in human physiology not previously examined in a systematic manner.
In terms of TCM philosophy, we all have a complex system of channels which flow throughout our body distributing Qi or Life Energy to all of our tissues. When there is an obstruction in the flow of Qi or an imbalance in the Yin and Yang, health problems arise. Acupuncture can help to remove the blockage and stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal.