Acupuncture Treatment

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.

Acupuncture is a holistic therapy addressing the mind and spirit 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 imbalance either with or with out 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 acupuncturists 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 referral by a physician is required in Pennsylvania.

What kinds of problems can acupuncture be helpful for?

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, fibromvalgia  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 tooth-aches
  
  
•  Neurological and Psycho emotional
  
  
•  Urinary tract and menstrual disorders such as PMS, prostatits, perimenopausal symptoms and menstrual  irregularity

What will the first visit be like?

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

Are there any side effects?

These are infrequent, but may include bruising or slight bleeding at a needle site, muscle soreness, deep relaxation, and short-term feelings of light-headedness or even mild disorientation, especially with the first few treatments; these do not require andy treatment but a bit of rest.

How many treatments will be needed?

This is quite individual, even with similar complaints, but 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 and be more effective with each treatment.