FAQ about Acupuncture
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an age-old healing practice of traditional Chinese medicine in which thin needles are placed at specific points in the body. It's primarily used to relieve pain but also has been used to treat other conditions.
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture works on the body's motivating energy, known as qi, to help it to move smoothly through the 14 energy pathways in our body. The needles go into these channels under the skin and help the body to restore its balance. When the flow of qi is not smooth, ill health can result, so acupuncture aims to redress the balance of the qi to help the body to heal again.
The therapist may manipulate the needles from time to time to help to regulate the flow of the qi.
How many treatments will I need?
The number and frequency of treatments will vary from patient to patient. Some symptoms may be relieved after the first treatment, while others may take 10 to 20 treatments depending on the severity of the existing condition. In general, a disorder such as having an ongoing pain for many years requires two to three treatments a week for the first few weeks. Gradually, the frequency can be reduced to once or twice a month.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
I use very thin sterile needles that are disposable and used only once. Most people find acupuncture to be energizing, relaxing and even fall asleep during or after the treatment. However, the needles can cause temporary soreness. Depending on where a needle is placed, there may be some sensation (quick pinch, tingling, dull ache, or heavy feeling) during the insertion but there should not be ongoing pain during treatment. If you do experience pain, please ask the acupuncturist to either adjust or remove that point. In JMI Therapeutic Wellness Clinic only uses new disposable needles, open in front of you and disposed of after each treatment session. Thus there is no risk of infection whatsoever.
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Are there side effects to the treatment?
Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to takeplace. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
Are there any "DO'S AND DONT'S" for me on the day of treatment?
Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:
- Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
- Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
- Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
- Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.
- Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem