Acupuncture


Frequently Asked Questions



What conditions does Acupuncture treat?


Both the National Institute of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognize acupuncture as a holistic, safe, and effective system of health care with the capacity to treat a wide range of health concerns. The World Health Organization (WHO) has determined through clinically-based scientific research, that acupuncture is approved and highly effective in numerous medical conditions. These conditions are as follows but not limited to:


Musculoskeletal

Tennis elbow, TMJ, Sciatica, Low back pain, Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid) Fibromyalgia, Frozen shoulder, Carpal Tunnel, Meniere’s disease, Tendonitis, Bell’s palsy, Knee pain


Neurological

Post stroke paralysis, Migraines/headaches, Trigeminal neuralgia, Intercostals neuralgia, Dizziness/Vertigo


Gastrointestinal

Nausea/Vomiting, Constipation, Diarrhea, Indigestion, Food allergies, Ulcerative Colitis, Ulcers, Bloating, Diabetes, Hemorrhoids


Mental/Emotional

Depression, Anxiety, Stress management, Insomnia


Uro-Genital/Reproduction

Irregular, Heavy, Painful, or Absence of Menstruation, PMS, Infertility, Menopause, Endometriosis, Dysmenorrhea, (cramping), PCOS, Vaginitis, Cystitis, Stress incontinence, Prostatic hypertrophy, Prostatitis, Impotence


Respiratory

Colds/Flu, Allergies, Emphysema, Bronchitis, Asthma


Circulatory

Hypertension, Angina Pectoris, High cholesterol, Anemia


Ears/Nose/Throat

Toothaches, Rhinitis, Sinusitis, Ear aches, Tinnitus, Sore throat


Dermatological

Acne, Eczema, Rashes, Herpes Zoster


Immune Disorders

MS, Lupus, AIDS/HIV, Hepatitis, Chronic Fatigue


Addiction

Smoking, Weight loss


Is Acupuncture safe?


At the Family Clinic of Natural Medicine, we use only FDA approved single-use, disposable, sterile needles. In addition, the pre-sterilized needles are manufactured, packaged, and shipped in sterilized containers to ensure compliance with the law.


Does it hurt?


Acupuncture needles differ significantly when compared to the hypodermic needles used to draw blood or inject medications. Unlike a hypodermic needle, it is not hollow, and nothing is injected into the body. Acupuncture needles are much smaller in diameter, extremely fine, and are no thicker than a single piece of human hair.

For most patients, the needles produce little or no sensation upon insertion and most patients would describe acupuncture as virtually painless. While everyone experiences acupuncture differently, some individuals may experience a tingling, heavy, or achy feeling that subsides after insertion. Patients often report acupuncture as a very relaxing experience and it is not uncommon for patients to fall asleep during treatment. Needles are typically retained on average for 20 minutes.


How many treatments will I need?


Acupuncture is proven to have a cumulative effect. Therefore, in order to achieve the best results, it is recommended to receive a course of treatments. The number of treatments required varies by person, and often depends on the type of condition the patient suffers from, whether the condition is chronic or acute, and the patient’s overall health, age, and well-being.


Acute conditions require less time and frequency of treatment, while long standing disorders or chronic health issues may take more time, requiring follow-up sessions to further the healing process. Most patients will notice improvement after one to five treatments. Often a patient will be seen once or twice weekly in the beginning to obtain optimal results and decrease to once a week or once every other week. Maintenance or preventative treatments aim at seeing the patient every two to four weeks.


What can I expect during my first visit?


During the initial visit, a full health history and detailed intake will be completed in order to assess your overall condition. Generally, the first visit will take somewhat longer due to the intake process. Treatments are highly individualized in order to meet each patient’s medical needs and focus on healing the body as a whole.


Does Acupuncture really work?


Indeed it does! Today, acupuncture is one of the most utilized comprehensive alternative forms of health care, with an estimated 3.1 million American adults receiving treatment in 2007. Acupuncture is practiced worldwide throughout Europe, Canada, Russia, Asia, South America, and Australia. Currently, acupuncture is fully integrated in conjunction with conventional Western medicine, chiropractics, physical therapy, osteopathy, and naturopathy.