 
Acupuncture is performed by inserting fine needles into points along the body, stimulating the flow of the
body’s vital energy and functionality, known as Qi (pronounced ‘Chee’). These acu-points connect to the network
of meridians that flow beneath the surface of the skin, connecting them to all the major organs. When the flow of
Qi is disrupted, the body’s systems become imbalanced. This is frequently experienced as illness or pain. The goal
of acupuncture is to clear away these disruptions and revitalize the flow of energy in the meridians. What does this
mean for you: effective pain relief, reduction of stress, and a balancing of the
bodies hormones and chemicals. This process allows the body to naturally heal itself and therefore it's effects
are profound and long lasting.
The Acupuncture FAQ Does acupuncture hurt? As stated above the feeling of an acupuncture needle is unique. It is often described as feeling like a mosquito bite, a very heavy sensation at the site, or a deep feeling of heat. What can acupuncture treat? The World Health Organization has provided a long list of symptoms and illnesses that acupuncture can treat. In summary; chronic and acute pain, internal disorders, women's health issues, gastrointestinal problems, mental and emotional problems, and disease and medication side effects. Recent studies have shown particular effectiveness in helping with infertility, smoking cessation, menopause symptom relief, and migraines. What can I expect during a treatment? During the initial consultation, the practitioner takes a comprehensive history of health and illness. This provides a diagram of the overall state of the body, not just a particular symptom. The practitioner asks questions, takes your pulse, examines your tongue, and sometimes palpates your abdomen. The initial visit can last up to 1 1/2 hours including the first treatment. Subsequent visits usually last up to 1 hour and are done on a weekly basis depending on the patients need for treatment. The course of treatments can vary widely. Problems that have been around for a long time may take more treatments to resolve than ones that have come about recently. Your treatment course will be determined after the initial consultation and re-assessed after each visit. How many sessions do I have to have before I will feel better? The answer to this depends very heavily on the nature of the problem. To give acupuncture enough time to build on itself and do its work, approximately 3 - 5 visits are required. Problems that have arisen rather can see improvement within the first few treatments, while long standing disorders may take longer for your body to balance. How often do I have to come? Typically, once a week is the best schedule. In cases where the symptoms are rather acute, and also in cases of detoxifying the body (like smoking cessation), 2 - 3 times a week can be required. Does insurance cover acupuncture? Unfortunately, the answer is no for all of the state of Pennsylvania. Some insurance policies, however, do belong to a group called American Specialty Health Networks which enable their members to get discounts off of alternative medicine services. Check with your benefits coordinator to see if you qualify. Where do the needles go? The places most needled are from your elbows down to your hands, and from your knees down to your feet. Extra needles may be placed on your abdomen, back and ears, depending on your treatment. Are the needles sterile or are they reused? Every needle used in this country is a sterile, single use needle. Each needle is used one time and then immediately placed in a biohazard container. We do not reuse needles. Are there any side effects to Acupuncture? Basically the answer is no. Some people feel really energized after a treatment, others feel so relaxed they are ready for a nap. The worst thing that can happen to you from an acupuncture needle is a hematoma or a bruise. However, the needles are so thin that even when placed right at an artery or vein, the needles manage to go around them and bounce off the arterial walls. What are the acupoints? The acupoints are the major areas on a meridian where the energy flows closer to the surface and can therefore be more easily manipulated by the use of needle or pressure. What are the meridians? There are 12 major meridians in the body and many extras. Each of the 12 main meridians are connected to an internal organ and provides its respective organ with energy and blood. When the energy in the meridians are not moving properly, they can in turn effect the proper functioning of the organs. This is what we are treating by using TCM. How does acupuncture work? The answer is we have no idea. There are many theories to acupuncture's affect on the body, but nothing is actually known. The major current theories involve either the release of endorphins, or the excitation of the nerve and lymphatic system. |
| This page is part of - www.silvermanwellness.com - The Silverman Wellness Group's information on their group practice in Philadelphia, PA. Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Massage. |
| © Copyright 2003. All pages herein are property of The Silverman Wellness Group. Reproduction of any material without permission is prohibited. |