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FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS |
Q. |
What is Oriental Medicine?
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Oriental Medicine is an ancient medical treatment based on regulating
the body's Qi (pronounced "chee"), or "life energy," which flows in the
body along pathways called meridians. According to the classical
doctrine of Chinese medicine, there is an unceasing flow of Qi
throughout the human body. This vital energy originates from the major
organs, and flows along the continuous circulatory channels called
meridians. When the energy flow is smooth and in balance, a person is
healthy; if the balance is disturbed, then a person will feel ill or
pain.
Doctors of Oriental Medicine utilize a variety of modalities such as
herbal medicine, Moxibustion, physical exercise, nutrition, meditation,
breathing exercise and more. |
| Q. |
What is
Acupuncture and how does
it work?
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| A.
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Acupuncture
is a complex system of diagnosis that views the person as a whole.
Acupuncture is based on discerning "patterns of disharmony" and
providing a treatment toward balance. The response solicited by the
acupuncture point treatment is focused on balancing the body's systems
which will in turn aid the body’s proper functioning. Hundreds of
acupuncture points can be opened like gates to balance and harmonize the
flow of Qi, relieving pain and many other symptoms of disease. |
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Acupuncture
is a therapy that uses the insertion of tiny thread-like needles to
specific acu-points on the body along meridians (energy channels of the
body). By stimulating appropriate acupuncture points along these
meridians, the energy is regulated, and health is restored. |
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A more
scientific explanation of acupuncture is that the stimulation of certain
trigger points on the body by acupuncture needles affects the autonomic
nervous system, the vascular and endocrine physiology, and the brain
chemistry, as well as the body's production of endorphins.
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| Q. |
Is
Acupuncture effective? |
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| A.
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Resoundingly YES! As early as 1980, the World Health Organization
(WHO) published 40 conditions that western, scientific studies have
shown are effectively treated with acupuncture. Later, in 1997,
the NIH (National Institutes of Health) began endorsing acupuncture
treatments with a landmark Acupuncture Consensus Statement.
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Q. |
Which conditions can acupuncture help? |
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Acupuncture has been found helpful in a variety of chronic and acute
painful conditions such as low back pain, neuralgia, headaches,
menopausal syndrome, and pain resulting from arthritis and rheumatism.
Acupuncture is used as an adjunct in treating asthma, allergies, and
sinus problems, as well as acute symptoms of viral upper respiratory
infections. Cold or flu symptoms may be completely eliminated when
treated at an early stage. The variety of symptoms and fatigue caused
by various chronic viral illnesses are treated successfully with
acupuncture.
Other conditions responsive to acupuncture include repetitive motion
injuries and muscular aches and pains from overwork or strained muscles.
Pain that persists after surgery can also be treated.
In addition, those suffering from Bell's palsy, chronic disorders of
diarrhea or constipation, and some inflammatory disorders of the
digestive system can be relieved.
Acupuncture is now widely recognized as a treatment for painful
conditions such as the pain and swelling of acute joint sprains and
bruises. If treatment can be given within 48 hours of an injury, the
results are usually very positive.
The World Health Organization has also listed conditions which have been
proven to be effectively treated by acupuncture.
See Treatments for a list of conditions treated.
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| Q. |
Is
Acupuncture painful? |
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| A. |
Acupuncture does not hurt. While most people express fear or anxiety of
needles before their first treatment, they are surprised by the
pleasantness of the acupuncture treatment. Most people enjoy treatment
and find it very comfortable, restful, and relaxing.
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Acupuncture needles are very fine - about the thickness of a human hair.
For your safety, only sterile and disposable needles are used.
There should be very little or no discomfort with needle insertion.
Sometimes the needle insertion feels like a quick pinch that rapidly
subsides. Some people report a mild tingling, heaviness, warmth, or a
dull ache at the acupuncture point, which is a sensation of Qi moving.
There
are certain transient sensations, not considered painful, associated
with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture which may include euphoria,
warmth, tingling, heaviness, distention, or numb.
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Generally
sessions last about an hour, in which the patient rests or naps. After
treatment, you can expect to feel less pain, more energy, and
a heightened sense of well-being.
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| Q. |
How many treatments will I need? |
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Since
each person is unique, the number of treatments will vary. No two
conditions or people respond exactly the same. The length of treatment
depends on the condition, the severity, and the duration of the
condition. As in any form of medical care, the patient's attitude,
diet, determination, and lifestyle will affect the outcome and course of
treatment. Some
symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while others may take
four to ten treatments. While a specific problem is being worked on, you
may visit your acupuncturist once or twice a week, and gradually reduce
the frequency to once or twice a month. To simply maintain good health,
you may limit your treatments to once every season - four times a year.
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| Q. |
What should I expect
during my treatment
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| A.
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Before each
treatment, Dr. Brown will evaluate your health by asking you questions
about how you feel. He may ask to feel your pulse to judge its
condition. He may also examine your tongue, which by its color and
texture can reveal much about your health. He may also perform some
orthopedic tests to evaluate your muscular-skeletal condition or injury.
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| Q.
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What should I do after treatment? |
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It is often
helpful to sit quietly following a treatment, and relax. A gentle walk
or very mild exercise can also be helpful. Large meals, vigorous
exercise, alcohol or excessive aggravation should be avoided. |
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| Q. |
Is Acupuncture Safe? |
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| A. |
One of the great advantages of acupuncture is the absence of side
effects. Needles generally cause no bleeding or pain. Acupuncturists are
trained in exact location, angle as well as depth of insertion of the
acupuncture needle to avoid any injuries. |
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Q.
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Does health insurance cover acupuncture?
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Some
health insurance companies are beginning to include acupuncture because
of its cost effectiveness as a treatment and because consumers have
shown a willingness to pay for it out of pocket. You should contact
your health insurance company to verify coverage of acupuncture. The
web site
www.acupuncture.com includes a list of insurers that cover
acupuncture. A bill currently under consideration in Congress provides
for covered acupuncture care for seniors under Medicare. Check back as
we will update our website with any changes that may be helpful to you
in this area.
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| Q. |
Who Practices Acupuncture?
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A.
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In the United
States, the requirements vary from state to state. Most states require
that a practitioner successfully complete of a four year post graduate
acupuncture program and pass a rigorous state/national licensing exam.
Licensing credentials include:
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L.Ac.
C.A.
D.O.M.
D.A.
Dipl. Ac.
Dipl. C.H. |
Licensed
Acupuncturist
Certified Acupuncturist
Doctor of Oriental Medicine
Doctor Of Acupuncture
Diplomat of Acupuncture (NCCAOM) A National Certification required by 37
States.
Diplomat in Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM) A voluntary National Achievement
Certification. |
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Feel free to contact Dr. Brown if you
have further questions. |
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