| Acupuncture Q: Does Acupuncture Really Work? A: YES. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.
Q: What Are the Needles Like? Do They Hurt? A: People experience needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle. When the needles are inserted, you should feel some cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. In any case, if you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild.
Q: Are the needles clean? A: Here at our clinic, we strictly use disposable one-time use needles. There are nearly no risks of infections from the treatments.
Q: How deep does the needles go? A: It depends on the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patient's size, age, and constitution, and upon the acupuncturist's style or school. Usually, needles are inserted from 1/4 to 1 inch in depth.
Q: How Many Treatments Will I Need? A: The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is necessary.
Q: What Should I Know About the Proposed Treatments? A: We will explain the nature of your problem and what treatment we are recommending. We will tell you what benefits and risks there are to the proposed treatment, what other treatment options are available, or by referring you to another practitioner or physician. If you do agree to go ahead with the treatments, we will tell you what the steps are and what to do if you don't experience these steps. Under no circumstances will we force you to undergo a treatment that you are uncomfortable with.
Q: What Should I Do Before and After the Treatment? A: Before the treatment, you should 1) Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment. 2) Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment. 3) 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. After your treatment, you should 1) Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed be us. Substance abuse (drug and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments. 2) 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.
Q: What Should I Do During the Treatment? A: During the treatment, you should 1) RELAX! There is no need to be frightened. Ask us any kind of questions you have along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment. 2)Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, tell us. 3) You might also experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath, or faintness during treatment. This often occurs if you are nervous. Inform us and we will readjust or withdraw the needles. Also let us know if you feel an increasing amount of pain or burning sensation during the treatment.
Q: Do I Have to Believe in Acupuncture For It To Work? A: NO! Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") Will not block the treatment results. |
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| Herbology Q: What is Chinese Herbal Medicine Good For? A: Chinese herbal medicine treats the full range of human disease. It treats acute diseases, like intestinal flu and the common cold, as well as chronic diseases, such as allergies, gynecological disorders, autoimmune diseases, chronic viral diseases, and degenerative diseases due to aging. In particular, Chinese herbal medicine is especially good for promoting the body's ability to heal and recuperate.
Q: Do Chinese Herbs Work For Western Patients? A: Yes, empirical evidence has proven that Chinese herbal medicine works for Westerners just as well as for Chinese. Chinese herbal medicine has been used successfully in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and all throughout Asia.
Q: How are Chinese Herbs Taken? A: The most common method of taking Chinese herbal medicine is as a decoction. This means that the herbs are cooked at a low boil for an hour or more and then strained and drunk 2-3 times per day. However, there are also herbal pills, tinctures, and powdered extracts for those who do not have the time to taste for drinking traditional decoctions.
Q: What are the Benefits of Drinking Chinese Herbs in Decoction? A: This method allows the practitioner maximum flexibility in writing a prescription. They can put in just what is necessary in just the right amounts. The formula can be changed even on a daily basis if necessary and decoctions tend to be more potent then other means of administration.
Q: Does Chinese Herbal Medicine Have Side Effects? A: No, not if the formula has been correctly chosen and written. Most of the medicinals in the Chinese materia medica have a very low toxicity compared to even common, over the counter Western drugs. When they are prescribed according to a correct TCM pattern diagnosis, they should have virtually no side effects, only beneficial healing results. If you experience any discomfort while taking Chinese herbs, you should tell us immediately, we will then modify the formula until there are no side effects.
Q: Can Pregnant Women Take Chinese Herbs? A: Yes, if prescribed by a professional TCM practitioner. Chinese herbal medicine has been used for over 2,0200 years to treat more than two score of diseases and symptoms occurring during pregnancy without harm to the fetus.
Q: Can Children Take Chinese Herbal Medicine? A: Yes, Pediatrics is a specialty within TCM and children can be given reduced dosages. There are also special prepared pediatric medicines in pill and powder form. Chinese herbal medicine can treat colic, the fussiness of teething, earache, diarrhea, cough, and fever in babies and children.
Q: How Long Does It Take To See Results With Chinese Herbal Medicine? A: In acute conditions, results can be expected in a matter of minutes. In chronic conditions, some results should be seen within two weeks. Although chronic conditions may require taking Chinese herbal medicine for a long time, nonetheless, signs that the medicine is working should be apparent to patient and practitioner alike almost from the very start.
Q: How does the decoctions taste? A: Generally, the decoctions have a bitter taste because they are made mostly from roots and barks where the strongest medicinal ingredients are found. If the formula is correctly written, the bad taste should go away after 1-2 days. After that time, the patient may even come to crave the taste. This shows that the medicine is working.
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