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- A: Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM includes both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a form of health care with over 5000 years of history. Acupuncture/TCM is in use today as the primary healthcare system in China, used to diagnose and treat millions of people, with all types of health complaints ranging from the common cold to life threatening illness.
Acupuncture is the placement of small, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body, in an effort to balance your body's life energy or qi (pronounced chee). Once in balance your body can restore itself to health. Acupuncture is a form of natural healing that enhances both physical and emotional health. It is safe, painless, and an effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.
2. Q: What is Qi (pronounced chee) and how does it travel?
- A: At the core of acupuncture is the philosophy that qi (life energy) flows throughout the body. This animating energy permeates all matter in our universe. It acts to protect us against viral and bacterial invasion, pain and disease. A person's state of health is a reflection of the quantity, quality and balance of their qi. Qi circulates along pathways called meridians. These meridians coordinate with each individual organ. Meridian pathways are like rivers which transport life-giving water to nourish land, plants and people. In the same way, qi is transported to energize cells, organs, glands, muscle and other tissues. When qi flows smoothly throughout the body, one enjoys good physical and mental well-being. An obstruction of qi anywhere in the body is like a dam, backing up the flow in one area of the body and causing a deficiency of qi to that area. As a result of the blockage there is also an excess of qi sent out along other meridians. It is either a deficiency or an excess of qi which creates disease states in the human body.
- A: Many things can influence the quantity, quality and balance of qi. Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet, lack of sleep, and excessive activity can lead to blockages or imbalances of qi. It is when these states remain for an extended period of time that disease and pain can set in.
4. Q: What will my initial visit with the acupuncturist entail?
- A: During your initial visit a full history will be taken. You will be asked questions regarding your symptoms, general state of health, lifestyle and emotional status. Your pulse and tongue will be examined for further evaluation. This information is then organized to form a more complete picture of cause and effect, leading to a comprehensive diagnosis. After the consult, you may receive an acupuncture treatment which may last from 15 to 30 minutes.
5. Q: Why do they feel my pulses?
- A: There are three pulse positions on each wrist. The strength, rate and rhythm of the pulses are assessed to determine the functional state of the internal qi, function of the nervous system, and blood flow and volume.
6. Q: Why do they look at my tongue?
- A: The tongue is a map of the body. It is an outward expression of the internal environment. The color, shape, and coating, as well as other characteristics of the tongue will aid the acupuncturist in defining your diagnosis.
7. Q: How many treatments will I need?
- A: The number of treatments varies from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief of symptoms, others may take months to experience relief. Chronic (long standing) conditions typically take longer to resolve than acute (new) ones. You should begin to see some changes in your condition within one month of beginning treatment. Each person must determine for themselves to whatever extent they wish to pursue vibrant good health; we are here only to assist you in meeting your goals.
- A: No. Generally speaking acupuncture does not hurt. Insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. It is uncommon for needle insertion to cause pain; however there are times when patients feel slight discomfort. At any rate the pain is no worse than plucking an eyebrow.
9. Q: What problems can be treated by acupuncture?
- A: The World Health Organization has publicly announced that acupuncture is suitable for treating the following:
1. Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders: toothaches, pain after tooth extraction, gingivitis, acute or chronic otitis, acute sinusitis, acute rhinitis, nasal catarrh and acute tonsillitis.
2. Respiratory Disorders: asthma, bronchitis, colds and allergies.
3. Gastrointestinal Disorders: esophageal and cardio spasm, hiccup, acute or chronic gastritis, sour stomach, chronic duodenal ulcers, acute or chronic colitis, acute bacillary dysentery, constipation, diarrhea, and paralytic ileus.
4. Eye Disorders: Acute conjunctivitis, central retinitis, near-sightedness (in children) and cataracts without complaints.
5. Neurological and Muscular Disorders: headaches, migraines, trigeminal neuralgia, facial paralysis (within the first three to six months), post-stroke paresis, peripheral neuritis, neurological bladder dysfunction, bed wetting, intercostal neuralgia, cervical syndrome, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain and osteoarthritis.
In addition, acupuncture has been used for centuries in China to treat a host of other problems, such as joint pain, sprains, and strains, stress, skin problems, infertility, sexual dysfunction, PMS and most gynecological complaints.
10. Q: an acupuncture treatment help with non-physical problems?
- A: Yes. Acupuncture views the body, mind, and spirit as a whole. All physical disorders will cause an imbalance in the mental outlook and spirit of a person. This may manifest as depression, anxiety, anger, sadness, and the like. Mental disturbances, stress, and emotional conflict will cause effect in the physical body such as insomnia, lack of appetite, fatigue, menstrual disorders, migraines, susceptibility to disease, aches, pains, and any labeled disease one can imagine. Any imbalance must manifest on all levels, all part of the whole. All acupuncture treatments aim to restore the harmony of body, mind, and spirit. Thus, the physical and non-physical sides of a patient are treated together.
Homeopathic Injection Therapy - In an era dominated by the side effects and toxic load of pharmaceutical medicines, NCI Medical specializes in the administration of safe, natural homeopathic medicines in injectable form. These medicines enable us to selectively stimulate and support the essential physiologic pathway(s) needed for a complete healing. Due to their natural supportive properties, homeopathic medicines foster healing by enabling the body to increase its efficiency in dealing with pathologic states, unlike drugs, which are used to suppress natural body functions, invariably interfering with the body's ability to heal itself.
Herbal Medicines - Our diet and lifestyle can sometimes be the cause of our pathology. We frequently incorporate the use non-extract herbal preparations in conjunction with other therapies such as acupuncture. These come in the form of pills, powders or even raw herbs that can be decocted (brewed) or used as food therapy. By using herbs, essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals as biologic response modifiers, we can ultimately achieve internal balance.
11. Q: What if I hate needles?
- A: For totally needle phobic people there are other types of treatments available, including acupressure, cupping, auricular (ear) therapy, gua-sha (type of massage), and herbal medicine. While these alternative types of treatments are available and are often used in conjunction with needle insertion, the elimination of needling will lengthen recovery time.
12. Q: What should I expect during treatment?
- A: Treatment takes place in a quiet environment with the patient either sitting or lying in a comfortable position. Your physician will explain to you during this process why each area is being treated. After the treatment you may feel energized or a sense of deep relaxation and well-being.
- A: First, come with any questions you may have- we are here to help you.
2. Wear loose clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
3. Don't eat large meals before or after your visit.
4. Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to 6 hours after the visit.
5. Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
6. Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or change in frequency and type of problems.
- A: Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug free therapy, yielding no side effects. Only sterile needles are used and these are discarded after each use.
15. Q: Why did my acupuncturist recommend herbs?
- A: Chinese herbal medicine can be a very powerful addition to acupuncture. Herbs can be used to enhance the healing process, strengthen (tonify), and support the body. Herbal formulas have the capacity to address the underlying root cause of various medical conditions, whether acute or chronic. When prescribed and used correctly, herbal formulas rarely cause side-effects.
16. Q: How are the herbal formulas prepared?
- A: Individual herbs are combined in order to enhance their actions and effects upon the body. When combined, a unique, synergistic formula is created which is specific for that individual. The combination of different herbs increases the benefits of a particular formula, and minimizes any harmful side effects. Formulas can be prescribed in a number of ways: raw herbs that are boiled into a tea, liquids, pills or powders.
17. Q: Are herbal formulas safe?
- A: Yes. Herbal formulas are made from whole plants. Because whole substances are utilized and not extracts or concentrates there are usually no contraindications for taking them. If you can eat food, you can take herbal formulas. If you are on medication please tell the acupuncture physician who will be able to advise you as to any cautions which might be necessary.
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