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Acupuncture Traditional Japanese Style

Acupuncture uses very thin sterile stainless steel needles to stimulate/treat specific points and organ systems. Acupuncture points have been “mapped” out over a period of about 2,000 years and have been recently confirmed through electromagnetic research. Acupuncture promotes health and treats organic or functional disorders by balancing imbalances in Qi.

The World Health Organization has stated that acupuncture is suitable to treat the following:

1. Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders:
   Toothaches, tooth extraction pain, earaches, sinus and nasal inflammation and dryness.
   
   
2. Respiratory Disorders:
   Uncomplicated bronchial asthma in children or adults.
   
   
3. Gastronintestinal Disorders:
   Digestive tract problems, hiccups, stomach inflammation, chronic duodenal ulcers, colon inflammation, constipation, diarrhea, and bacterial dysentery.
   
   
4. Eye Disorders:
   Conjunctivitis, retinitis, near-sightedness (in children), uncomplicated cataracts, and macular degeneration.
   
   
5. Nervous system and Muscular Disorders:
   Headaches, migraines, facial paralysis, nerve pain, post stroke weakness, nerve inflammation, bed-wetting, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain, and osteoarthritis.
   

Acupuncture has been used for centuries in China to treat many other health problems, such as knee/joint pain, sprains, strains, and most gynecological complaints.

What is “Qi”?

In Chinese Qi (pronounced “chee”) translates to mean vital energy and is considered to flow through channels called Meridians that traverse the body in a manner similar to the pathways of the nervous and circulatory systems. Acupuncture can regulate and balance the flow of this Qi by moving it away from areas that have too much Qi and by moving to areas that are deficient in Qi. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body. In Chinese there is a saying, “There is no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no free flow.”

What Will I Feel?

Acupuncture is considered to be relatively painless, however, with correct stimulation the movement of Qi in a patient may cause a sensation that has been variously described as heaviness, distention, tingling or electric. This sensation may only be at the location of the needle or may travel up or down the meridian (energy pathway) that is being affected. This sensation is what the acupuncturist wants to happen for the patient, as it is a sign that the patient’s Qi is adjusting towards balance.

How Deep Do The Needles Go?

This depends on the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patient’s size, age, constitution, and the acupuncturist’s style or school of study. Usually, the needles are inserted from 2mm to 1 inch in depth.

Are There Different Styles Of Acupuncture?

Yes. The Japanese meridian style acupuncture and moxabustion differs in the following ways:

• Use of fewer needles
• Gentler, more pain-free technique
• Rapid results
• Frequent attention throughout treatment
  
  

What Can I Expect At An Acupuncture Appointment?

After completing your initial patient questionnaire/intake form the acupuncturist will perform an extensive interview and any physical exam necessary to formulate a working Oriental medical diagnosis and treatment plan. Case taking includes a detailed history and present health concerns. Additional questions may be asked that seem unusual but are quite essential for a Chinese diagnosis and treatment.

The exam will include taking your pulse at both wrists, inspection of your tongue, palpation of the abdomen and calves, and palpation of local area of concern. The information gathered will allow the clinician to develop a personalized treatment plan for you.

How Do I Decide If Acupuncture Is Right For Me?

Some key things to keep in mind when choosing any particular mode of treatment are frequency or length of treatment and cost.

Frequency: Acupuncture can be very effective with just one treatment but in many chronic disoders that involve a patient’s constitution, several consecutive appointments may be necessary. How many and how often can be worked out between you and your acupuncturist.

Cost: Appointment costs for oriental medicine are typically much less overall than treatment from an allopathic doctor. The cost of Chinese herbs and medicines are usually very inexpensive and affordable to most people. Most of the Oriental medical treatment is done right at the clinic but on occasion, a patient may have to prepare or brew an herbal tea at home.

Finally, whether or not you can have acupuncture done on you really depends on how you feel about it. If you fear needles, perhaps Tui Na, cupping, ear seeds or herbs would be better for you. These can all be done here at the acupuncture treatment.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

That depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of five to fifteen treatments can resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative or very serious conditions may require many treatments over a long period of time.

What Should I Know About The Proposed Treatments?

Your practitioner will explain the nature of your problem and what treatment he or she is recommending. Your practitioner will tell you what benefits and risks there are to the proposed treatment, what other treatment options are available to you through this practitioner or by referral to another practitioner or physician.

Is There Anything I Need To Do Before Receiving An Acupuncture Treatment?

Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment:

1. Good personal hygiene reduces infection.
2. To prevent loss, do not wear jewelry.
3. Wear loose clothing. Do not wear one-piece dresses. Avoid wearing tight stockings.
4. Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotionally upset, or shortly after sex.
   
   

Is There Anything I Need To Do While Receiving Acupuncture?

Yes again.

1. Relax. Ask your practitioner any questions you have along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment.
   
2. Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner.
   
3. Some people experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath, or faintness during treatment. This often occurs if you are nervous. Inform your practitioner immediately so he or she can readjust or withdraw the needles. Also let your practitioner knowing if you feel an increasing amount of pain or burning sensation during the treatment.
   
4. If you find your treatment unbearable at any point, be sure to speak up so that your practitioner can make the proper adjustments or stop the treatment.
   
   

What Can I Expect After Treatment?

Patients often experience the most dramatic results in the first treatment. Some patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some pain may return. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief only to notice the pain diminish over the next couple of days. Generally, you should expect to feel better.