1. What is acupuncture?

• Acupuncture is a traditional complementary therapy that has a historic origin in China. It involves inserting small needles to stimulate specific parts of the body and its neural network.

• Studies show that acupuncture can help manage chronic pain, osteoarthritis, headaches, and migraine.

• Acupuncture is a gentle and non-invasive method for treating most health conditions.

• Acupuncture is very safe and can be combined with many other types of treatment and therapy

 

2. How does acupuncture work?

• Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

• Acupuncture points are located in areas where stimulation affects nerves, muscles and connective tissue. This stimulation boosts your body's natural painkillers.

• Stimulation of needles at these sites may affect pain processing in the central nervous system and muscles and increase blood flow to certain parts of the body.

 

3. What conditions can acupuncture treat

Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat the following conditions:

• Low back pain

• Migraines

• Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting

• Dental pain

• Fibromyalgia

• Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines

• Labor pain

• Lower back pain

• Neck pain

• Osteoarthritis

• Menstrual cramp

• Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis

• Tennis elbow

 

4. Is acupuncture safe?

Yes. Acupuncture is very safe and has very few risks and side effects when performed by a qualified practitioner.

 

5. What should I expect during an acupuncture treatment?

Each person who performs acupuncture has a unique style, often blending aspects of Eastern and Western approaches to medicine.

To determine the type of acupuncture treatment that will help you the most, your practitioner may ask you about your symptoms, behaviors and lifestyle. They may also closely examine:

• The parts of your body that are painful

• The shape, coating and color of your tongue

• The color of your face

• The strength, rhythm and quality of the pulse in your wrist

 

During the procedure: Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain. Your acupuncture practitioner will tell you the general site of the planned treatment and whether you need to remove any clothing. A gown, towel or sheet will be provided. You lie on a massage table for the treatment, which involves:

• Needle insertion. Acupuncture needles are inserted to various depths atstrategic points on your body. The needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes little discomfort. People often don't feel them inserted at all. A typical treatment uses 5 to 20 needles. You may feel a mild aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth.

• Needle manipulation. Your practitioner may gently move or twirl the needles after placement or apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles.

• Needle removal. In most cases, the needles remain in place for 10 to 15 minutes while you lie still and relax. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.

 

 6. How long does an acupuncture treatment last?

An acupuncture session may take up to 60 minutes, although some

appointments may be much shorter

 

 7. How many acupuncture sessions will I need?

A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one or two treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity. In general, it's common to receive 6 to 8 treatments.

 

8. Does acupuncture hurt?

You may feel a small pinch with each needle. It’s less painful than the feeling when you get a vaccine or blood draw. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than medical needles. And they’re solid, not hollow. The needles may cause some muscle sensations, such as dull aches or tingling. Your practitioner will ask you to report when you feel a deep heaviness or numbness. Those sensations usually mean the treatment is working.

 

9. Are there any side effects of acupuncture?

There are very few risks and side effect when performed by a trained acupuncturist. The most common side effect is tiredness. This is often due to the release of stored stress in your body. Other risks include bruising, bleeding, and soreness at the site of insertion. You may feel light headed during or immediately after treatment. To minimize the risks and side effects, be sure to hydrate, eat a light meal, and do some gentle movement or stretching before your appointment.

 

10. Can acupuncture be used in conjunction with other medical treatments?

Yes! Acupuncture often works best when combined with complementary treatments such as massage, chiropractic care, and physical therapy.

 

11. How should I prepare for an acupuncture treatment?

• Come in with any & all questions; they are encouraged so you feel relaxed during your treatment and comfortable with your treatment plan.​

• Wear loose comfortable clothing that can be easily rolled up to the elbows and knees. We will also likely need access to wherever your pain is.

• Avoid large meals immediately before the treatment, but don’t come on an empty stomach.

• Be open to healing and able to set time aside for yourself to relax.

 

12. How do I find a qualified acupuncture practitioner?

• Professional association. Most states that license acupuncturists have . professional associations that provide public education and outreach. These associations usually host websites providing a listing of local practitioners as well as information about educational opportunities and community events.

• Local schools. Schools of Chinese medicine usually maintain listings of alumni, providing another source for referrals. They also usually offer student and faculty clinics that are open to the public and provide quality Oriental medical services at very reasonable fees.

• Wider community. Other sources include the local yellow pages (listed under the category of "acupuncture," rather than "TCM"), health food stores and natural food cooperatives, local health clubs and spas. And keep an eye open for local alternative health publications. Aside from the interesting articles, you will often find a number of advertisements for local complementary practitioners.​                                                                              

13. Does Health Insurance Cover Acupuncture?

In the state of Oregon, many health insurance plans have benefits that do cover acupuncture. However, whether or not acupuncture is covered by your insurance depends on the details of your coverage like deductibles, co-pays, and benefit limits. One way you can find out whether or not acupuncture is covered by your insurance is by giving them a call at the customer service number on the back of your insurance card. But before calling them, gather up the following information to get a more accurate answer:

• Which clinic do you want to go to?

• Which provider do you want to see?

• What condition do you want treated?

 

14. How long has acupuncture been around?

The ancient practice of acupuncture started in China approximately 3000 years ago. The first documentation of acupuncture that described it as an organized system of diagnosis and treatment is in The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine, which dates back to 100 BCE. By this time, the Qi (vital energy or life force) flow channels were well established, and the information likely stemmed from a compilation of traditions passed down over centuries. Gradually, the practice of acupuncture was honed and insertion points became more specified, until it became a standard practice in China alongside massage, diet, and herbs.