Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
- Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system.
- Practitioners of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this noninvasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.
- An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body. This activates the body's Qi and promotes natural healing.
- It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
How safe is Acupuncture?
- It is extremely safe.
- It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy
What is Qi?
- Qi (pronounced "chee") is 'Life Energy' that flows throughout the body.
- Qi is at the core of ancient medicine philosophy and helps animate the body to protect it from illness, pain and disease.
- A person's health is influenced by the quality, quantity, and balanced of Qi.
- Qi circulates through specific pathways called meridians in the body.
What will my acupuncturist do?
- During the initial exam a full health history will be taken.
- Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle.
- Your acupuncturist may also check your pulses, tongue and conduct a physical exam.
- This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced.
- Visits with you acupuncturist may last from 30-90 minutes.
What should I expect during treatment?
- Where the acupuncture needle has been inserted, you may experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache.
- Sometimes people experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle, called "Qi sensation."
- All these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment is working.
- After the treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.
Why do they want to look at my tongue?
- The tongue is a map of the body.
- It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians.
- Your acupuncturist will look at the color, shape, cracks, and coating on your tongue.
Why do you want to feel my pulses?
- There are 12 pulse positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist will palpate.
- Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ.
- Your acupuncturist will be looking for 27 indivudual qualities that reflect overall health.
- If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse.