Acupuncture is a holistic system of healing, developed and refined in Asia over a period of more than 2500 years. Acupuncture points are areas of designated "electrical" sensitivity shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. While best known for pain relief, traditional acupuncture is used to maintain health and treats a wide range of conditions. Chinese Medicine focuses on the patient's overall well-being, rather than treating only specific, isolated symptoms. The basic premise of all Oriental medicine is that health is dependent on the body's life energy, "qi" (pronounced "chee"), flowing smoothly and balanced through the network of meridians (channels) connecting all major organs. Qi consists of equal and opposite movements, known as yin and yang. When the qi is disturbed, these become unbalanced, resulting in illness. The flow of qi can be disturbed by any number of factors, such as anxiety, stress, poor nutrition, weather, hereditary factors, infections, toxins and trauma. The acupuncturist restores the balance of qi by inserting fine sterilized needles into the channels of energy, stimulating the body's own natural healing mechanisms. As a holistic modality, the principal aim of acupuncture is to restore equilibrium between a person's physical, psycho-emotional and spiritual aspects.

The skill of the acupuncturist is dependent on his/her ability to make a traditional diagnosis from what is often a complex multi-layered pattern of disharmony. The nature of the disharmony is unique to each individual, and traditional acupuncture, treats it as such with a personalized treatment plan.

Acupuncture arrives at the desired results by stimulating specific points near or on the surface of the skin called acupuncture points. These points have the ability to alter biochemical and physiological conditions within the body. Because acupuncture points are designated areas of "electrical" sensitivity, inserting fine needles at these points stimulates sensory receptors. This in turn stimulates nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system of the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing both neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones (thought to be some 200 times more potent than morphine). Endorphins play a significant role in the hormonal system, which is how acupuncture is effective in treating conditions such as back pain, arthritis, PMS and infertility. The substances released by the body as a result of acupuncture relax muscles, and regulate serotonin in the brain, affecting emotional states. Other physiological effects include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief of muscle spasms, and increased T-cell count, which supports the immune system.

Western science posits that acupuncture triggers three primary body mechanisms:

Your acupuncture treatment results will depend a great extent on the provider you choose. We recommend finding an acupuncturist that you feel comfortable with. Liking and trusting your practitioner will make your experience more positive. It's also important to know about the acupuncturist's training and experience. The clearer you are about who is treating you and exactly what the treatment involves, the more you will be able to relax during the acupuncture session and benefit from this ancient form of health care.

Credentials to Look For

Acupuncture is an acknowledged and respected field of medicine, and most states, provinces and countries requires formal training and certification. In particular the United States has rigorous training standards for acupuncturists. Most states require a 4-year Masters degree in Acupuncture (MSAC) or Traditional Oriental Medicine (MSTOM) from an accredited acupuncture school. In addition, an acupuncturist must pass written and practical state and/or national board exams in order to become licensed. Training includes all aspects of Western medicine as well as Traditional Oriental Medicine.  In California, after passing the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam, a credential of L.Ac. (Licensed Acupuncturist) is earned.  This credential is necessary to practice acupuncture in California. 

There is also an advanced doctoral degree available: the Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM), which requires an additional two and a half years of schooling beyond the 4-year Masters degree. While in this advanced program,  these acupuncturists are considered Doctoral Fellows. Typically, research studies, advanced clinical training, and advanced classes are all part of DAOM degree requirements.

There is little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles as compared to the hypodermic needles that are used to administer drugs intravenously. They are much, much finer than those used for injections and blood tests - 25 to 50 times thinner than hypodermic needles. Acupuncture needles are so thin that several can fit into the middle of a hypodermic needle. While some feel nothing at all, others experience a brief moment of sensation, sometimes followed by mild cramping, tingling, or numbness (desirable sensations known as attaining "de qi"). The needles are normally left in place for 20 to 40 minutes. Most people find the experience relaxing, and some will even fall asleep during treatment.

It helps to be in a calm state. Try to arrive 10 or 15 minutes before your appointment to give yourself a chance to relax. Comfortable, loose fitting clothing should be worn, and you should remove any metallic jewelry, watches, or earrings.

Your first visit will last approximately 1.5 hours, and subsequent visits will be approximately 1 hour long.

For your initial consultation, the acupuncturist needs to assess your general health as well as the specifics of the presenting condition. You will be asked about your current symptoms and any treatment you've received so far. It is also important to gather detailed information about your medical history and that of your family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. To discover how the energies are flowing in your body, the acupuncturist is likely to check your pulse. The structure, color and coating of your tongue also provide keys to your physical health. The purpose of these diagnostic methods are to identify which energy channels or organ systems need to be adjusted in order to address your specific complaint, and which require treatment to boost your overall vitality.

Stimulation of specific areas affects the functioning of various organs. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where you are experiencing a problem. For example, if you suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted into your foot or hand. There are around 500 acupuncture points on the body, and an experienced acupuncturist will use a selection of typically 10-12 of these for each treatment. Certain acupuncture styles and certain conditions will necessitate the usage of more than the typical number of needles. The acupuncturist may also supplement needle treatment with moxa, a smoldering herb used to warm acupuncture points. Other methods include lasers or electro-acupuncture. Massage, or tapping with a rounded probe, are techniques particularly suitable for small children or for people with a fear of needles.

We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing to receive your acupuncture treatment.

Below are a few techniques that may be used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance its effect:

ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE

Electro-Acupuncture uses acupuncture needles connected to an "e-stim" machine to conduct small electrical currents. This technique is often used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance treatment, and has been proven to decrease pain, accelerate healing, and significantly reduce inflammation, edema and swelling.

MOXIBUSTION

Moxibustion is a technique in which a Chinese herb called mugwort or Artemisia Vulgaris is used to heat acupuncture points and enter the medicinal properties of the mugwort into the skin.  This is used particularly in the treatment of certain debilitating conditions as well as for arthritis and pain. Moxa is usually rolled into a stick, lit, and held over specific areas of the body. It can also be placed onto the handle of an acupuncture needle for deeper penetration of heat.

CUPPING

In cupping, a glass cup is suctioned onto the body and kept in place for about ten minutes. This stimulates circulation, relieves swelling, and enhances the acupuncture or electro-acupuncture treatment.

TUI NA

Tui Na is Chinese physical therapy or massage. It is used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance treatment of a variety of musculo-skeletal conditions.

Patients normally feel very relaxed and calm. You may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the treatment is particularly strong. You may also experience a short-term flair-up of symptoms as your qi resettles itself. 

Call 619-961-8561 (preferred) or email acudoc4you@aol.com and request a time for your appointment.