FAQ
What is the difference between an NCCAOM Acupuncturist and other healthcare providers who can legally practice acupuncture?
To be certified as an acupuncturist by the NCCAOM a practitioner must complete an accredited national master’s or doctoral degree program in addition to passing a series of rigorous national certification examinations. At this time, the requirements for chiropractors, medical doctors, dentists and podiatrists are not even close to meeting these standards.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
No. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, flexible and sharpened to a fine point. They actually move the tissue aside as they penetrate; hypodermic needles tear the flesh as they penetrate. It is estimated that you could fit 15 – 20 acupuncture needles into one hypodermic needle such as an MD would use. The needles are often barely felt when inserted. Acupuncture feels very different from receiving a hypodermic injection; most patients find the treatment a very relaxing and calming experience. Contrary to what you often see in the media, the number of needles used in a given treatment remains low, around 5 or 10.
How Does It work?
“The data in support of acupuncture are as strong as those for many accepted Western medical therapies … In addition, ample clinical experience, supported by some research data, suggests that acupuncture may be a reasonable option for a number of clinical conditions. Examples are postoperative pain and myofascial and low back pain.” National Institute of Health (NIH), 1997 Consensus Statement on Acupuncture
It appears that the effectiveness of acupuncture and the often-amazing results are achieved because acupuncture exerts a multitude of different effects on the body, including changes in the central nervous system, changes in regard to the neurotransmitters, and effects in regard to inflammation and pain perception. Contemporary research has shown that acupuncture regulates blood pressure, increases red and white blood cell count, stimulates bone regrowth, and modulates the production of pain regulating endorphins and enkephalins. It is important to note that the current research suggests that there is no singular explanation as how acupuncture works from a scientific perspective. Acupuncture not only relieves pain, but also removes the underlying disorder leading to a permanent recovery. Chinese Medicine was developed in a culture that has radically different views of how health is achieved and maintained from our own. It sees all living systems as permeated with an energetic life force called Qi. In the human body, this life energy courses in channels of energy that run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues and organs. A deficiency of energy or an obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers causes symptoms, such as fatigue and pain. Needling the acupuncture points can influence the meridians; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians thereby creating a context where healing takes place.
How Safe is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is extremely safe! Licensed acupuncturists receive a 3-year graduate training. All needles are FDA approved, new, disposable, and pre-sterilized and are only used for one insertion. Side effects are uncommon. “One of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions.”
National Institute of Health (NIH), 1997 Consensus Statement on Acupuncture
What Should I Expect from a Treatment?
During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health, and lifestyle. I will also check your tongue and pulses, and perform a physical exam, as necessary. This will be followed by an acupuncture treatment. You will then relax with the needles for about 10 or 15 minutes. Most people find this time very comfortable and relaxing, and much like a sanctuary away from stress. The final ten minutes of your treatment will consist of various acupressure points being massaged or stimulated by hand. At the end of your session, we will discuss what herbal and/or nutritional support is available.
How Many Treatments are Necessary?
Everyone and every condition respond differently to acupuncture. The length of treatment depends on the severity and duration of the disease. It is also affected by the mindset of the patient. A patient’s willingness to comply with lifestyle and diet recommendations will greatly affect the outcome of the treatment. The most typical course of treatment consists of about 5 to 10 treatments. Ideally every treatment should be spaced 3 to 8 days from the previous one.
There Seem to be Different Methods of Acupuncture. How Do I Know Which one to Choose?
Yes, there are at least half a dozen approaches that are currently in use, including TCM (which stands for Traditional Chinese Medicine), Five Element, the Balance Method, and Japanese Acupuncture. No specific method has proven superior to any other; however, every practitioner has different preferences and training. We use mainly TCM, which has stood the test of time and is the most commonly used approach.
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