Acupuncture can be remarkably effective in many conditions. The effectiveness is strongly dependent upon a thorough and accurate TCM diagnosis. The needling skills and techniques of the practitioner will also influence the effectiveness of the outcome.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
The patient should feel a slight sensation as the needle contacts the Qi. This feeling is known as 'deqi', or getting Qi. Deqi is not unpleasant and the sensation can either be a dull ache, a numbness, a tingling or a sensation of heat. In some instances the sensation travels along the line of the meridian and can affect whole areas of the body or limbs.
What are the Needles Like?
Acupuncture needles have a coiled handle and an extremely fine shaft with a sharp point. The needles are solid and no substances are injected into the body. Needles come in different lengths and thicknesses according to the area of the
body which is to be treated. The majority of practitioners use pre-packed and sterilized disposable needles that are used only once. Some will still prefer to use re-usable needs that require to be sterilized. Patients should enquire about the types of needles used prior to treatment.
What Happens During a Treatment and How Many Treatments do I need?
Treatment protocols, frequency and duration are a matter of professional judgement for the practitioner, in consultation with the patient. During a treatment, the practitioner selects appropriate points for their specific actions in relationship to the identified disharmony. The points are then needled and the needles may or may not be subsequently manipulated, either manually, or with a small electrical device, to achieve certain effects. The needles are usually retained in the body for approximately 15 to 30 minutes. A common course of treatment may initially involve 10-15 treatments, once every second or third day, but may be more or less frequent depending on the condition of the disorder. Multiple courses of treatment may sometimes be required.
Is acupuncture the same as Chinese medicine?
Acupuncture is just one of the treatment modalities of Chinese medicine. Acupuncture theory is a part of Chinese medicine theory, but there is much more to Chinese medicine than acupuncture. The other modalities of Chinese medicine are internal medicine (herbal medicine), therapeutic massage, nutritional therapy, and exercise. These modalities are often used in tandem and are applied according to the same types of theory. Herbal medicine is the focus of Chinese medicine throughout most of Asia, including China, Korea and Vietnam, since it is the most widely applicable modality. It is significant that all of the modalities are applied according to the same or similar theories; without theory as a guide, techniques cannot be effective.
What is it good for?
Walking-around problems of all kinds. For life-threatening problems, go to the emergency room. A good acupuncturist may still treat you under such circumstances, but will also advise you to see an MD. The bottom line: try it for your problem and see if it helps. If your situation is not critical, you have nothing to lose.
How long does it take to work?
It starts working right away, as soon as the qi sensation is obtained. Treatments consolidate over time if you treat with appropriate frequency (i.e. before symptoms return to pre-treatment intensity). People often feel dramatic results during the initial session. A typical course of treatment is 6-20 sessions; more or less depending on a person's history, the severity of the problem, and other factors.
Is acupuncture safe?
Yes, it is very safe when practiced by a qualified practitioner. Disposable sterile needles and clean needling protocols make the risk of infection negligible. With distal-point styles of treatment, risks are reduced to an occasional small bruise. Acupuncture, as practiced throughout North America, has one of the best safety records of any form of health care.
Do I have to believe in acupuncture?
Acupuncture's theoretical models are not based on faith. Acupuncture works on horses, dogs, babies, and people in comas. Its world view arises from empirical observation, and the acid test for the validity of the view is the result of its application by skillful practitioners. Simply put: faith is not a requirement.
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