Acupuncture
is part of a system of healing which originated in China over
two thousand years ago. Very fine sterile disposable needles
are inserted with minimal discomfort into specific points
on the body to help restore harmony and the free flow of energy,
or Qi. In classical Chinese theory, this Qi flows through
channels all over the body, which, if blocked, may cause discomfort
and dysfunction.
The acupuncturist gathers together various types of information
to form a picture of each person’s individual patterns
of disharmony and then develops a treatment plan. Acupuncture
is a holistic therapy addressing the mind and spirit of as
well as the body of the person and encouraging their natural
ability to heal. Because the assessment includes all aspects
of the person, an acupuncture
treatment may also be preventative in that other potential
or actual imbalances either with or without symptoms may be
identified and addressed at the same time.
The whole system is designed to restore health rather than
fight disease. In this process, the participation of the person
is very important since the specific description of symptoms
helps the acupuncturist to design the treatment and may help
the person to discover some of the reasons why any problems
may be occurring. Acupuncture is quite compatible with Western
medicine treatments and the referral of a physician is required
in Pennsylvania.
There are over 40 common problems
for which the World Health Organization recognizes the effectiveness
of acupuncture.
Some of these include:
Musculoskeletal disorders such as Temporo-
Mandibular Joint dysfunction, back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia
and tennis elbow
Respiratory disorders such as colds, cough,
sinusitis and bronchitis Gastrointestinal disorders such as
diarrhea constipation and nausea
Ear, Nose and Throat disorders such as laryngitis,
earaches and toothaches
Neurological and Psycho emotional disorders
such as insomnia, headaches, tinnitus, anxiety and depression
Urinary tract and menstrual
disorders such as PMS, prostatitis, perimenopausal
symptoms and menstrual irregularity
You will be asked to complete and
bring with you an acupuncture assessment form. You may also
need to provide physician referral and information about any
insurance covering acupuncture. There will be a comprehensive
review of your assessment form, an acupuncture physical assessment
and a treatment altogether taking about 90 minutes.
To Get the Most Benefit from your
Treatment you Should:
Not be very hungry, full, tired,
emotionally upset, or intoxicated/abusing substances when
coming for a treatment
Wear or bring loose clothing including shorts, or you may
use a disposable gown provided
Wear as little jewelry as possible to decrease the chance
of loss
Maintain good hygiene to further decrease any possibility
of infection from bacteria on the skin
Avoid engaging in heavy exercise after treatment and drink
plenty of water
These are infrequent, but may include
bruising or slight bleeding at a needle site, muscle soreness,
deep relaxation, and short-term feelings of lightheadedness
or even mild disorientation, especially with the first few
treatments; these do not require any treatment but a bit of
rest.
Generally, the longer you have
had a problem, the more treatments it will take to resolve
or help control it. The effects of the treatments are cumulative.
You should be able to identify some improvement within three
to five treatments. Often, relief of pain and/or symptoms
will last longer/ be more effective with each treatment.
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