Acupuncture Wellness Centers
What is acupuncture? What is a Chinese herb?
How does it work? Are Chinese herbs safe?
Does it hurt? What are herbs like and how much will they cost?
How many treatments will I need? What can herbs treat?
Does health insurance cover acupuncture? Who can have herbs treatment?
Do you use disposable needles?
Training and Licensing of Acupuncturists
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient medical treatment based on regulating the body's Qi (pronounced "chee"), or "life energy," which flows in the body along pathways called meridians. Hundreds of acupuncture points can be opened like gates to balance and harmonize the flow of Qi, relieving pain and many other symptoms of disease. back to topThe Chinese believe that acupuncture treatments redirect or unblock the flow of vital energy through your body and that certain herbs soothe over-active organs or strengthen weak ones. Western medicine has its own theories about how acupuncture works -- perhaps by triggering the release of endorphins, natural pain-killers. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently approved the treatment as helpful for various kinds of pain, nausea, and addiction. Few studies in western journals have measured the effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine, but you're likely to get better results by going to an experienced herbalist than by trying to self-medicate with the "one-size-fits-all" commercially prepared formulas in health food stores. The NIH is now sponsoring research on Chinese herbs and other TCM techniques for treating conditions ranging from depression to cancer. back to top
Does it hurt?
No. Most people enjoy treatment and find it very comfortable, restful, and relaxing. Sometimes the needle insertion feels like a quick pinch that rapidly subsides. Some people report a mild tingling, heaviness, warmth, or a dull ache at the acupuncture point, which is a sensation of Qi moving. Generally sessions last about an hour, in which the patient rests or naps. After treatment, you can expect to feel less pain, more energy, and a heightened sense of well-being. back to topHow many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments required depends on the severity and duration of the symptoms to be addressed. For a cold or flu, one or two treatments can be very helpful. For chronic health conditions of years or even life-long duration, a longer course of treatment is normally required. Within the first 4-6 sessions, the effectiveness of the treatment is often evident and clear treatment goals should be established.Most people experience an improvement within their first three treatments; some patients experience immediate alleviation with the first treatment. The duration of a course of therapy varies greatly, depending upon the individual person and the condition for which they seek treatment. In general, the longer a person has a condition, the longer it takes to treat. However, every person responds uniquely. If you would like further information about your condition, please contact Stacey and she will be pleased to arrange a time to discuss your case with you. back to top
Does health insurance cover acupuncture?
Most insurance plans do not cover acupuncture yet. However, some policies are beginning to include acupuncture because of its cost effectiveness as a treatment and because consumers have shown a willingness to pay for it out of pocket. The web site www.acupuncture.com includes a list of insurers that cover acupuncture, many of which are on the west coast.In New England, some of the large insurance providers are looking closely at consumer demand for acupuncture and are offering discounted plans. Unlike covered services, the insurance companies don’t pay for acupuncture services; instead they require participating practitioners to discount their services for subscribers. Some companies and unions with self-insured plans are funding coverage for their members. In some cases injuries sustained while on the job or in a motor vehicle accident may be covered for acupuncture care under workers compensation or automobile insurance policies. A bill currently under consideration in Congress provides for covered acupuncture care for seniors under Medicare. Stacey can provide you with more details on this matter when contacting her. back to top
Is it Safe?
Acupuncture has very few
side effects. Although infrequent, the most common side effect is a
tiny, mild bruise at the point being treated. These bruises generally
disappear in about three days. Compared to the side effects of many
western medications and procedures, acupuncture is considered to be very
safe
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Do you use disposable needles?
In her practice, Stacey only uses single-use, sterile, disposable needles. The specially-made acupuncture needles are supplied factory sterilized and individually wrapped. They are opened for each patient as needed, and disposed of immediately after each treatment back to top
A TCM practitioner will ask you questions about your emotional and mental life as well as your physical symptoms. Knowing whether you are indecisive or have an explosive temper may help him determine what type of gallbladder trouble you're having, for example. He or she may also take your pulse several times, once for each internal organ, and check the color and texture of your tongue, and then craft a customized treatment designed to enhance your overall health, rather than zeroing in on an infection or injury.
In most cases, your practitioner will use acupuncture to stimulate certain points along your meridians in order to bring your qi back into balance. But he might also apply small mounds of burning herbs (a technique called moxibustion) or suction cups (cupping), or use deep tissue massage. Then he may prescribe a combination of herbs and other ingredients designed to correct whatever imbalances he thinks are causing your troubles. Typically, you'll brew these herbs into a strong-tasting tea, or they may come in pill or extract form. Finally, your practitioner may recommend that you try practicing Qi Gong or Tai Chi, slow, gentle martial arts that combine breathing, movement, and meditation to balance and strengthen your qi. back to top
Training and Licensing of Acupuncturists
Today acupuncturists are trained in accredited, 3-4 year, graduate programs and are licensed by most states. Acupuncturists may be certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, (NCCAOM), a national organization established to regulate the practice of acupuncture. After passing national examinations, these acupuncturists are designated as board certified in acupuncture or diplomates of the NCCAOM. (Dipl.Ac.) The NCCAOM maintains a directory of certified practitioners on their web site, www.NCCAOM.org.Some physicians offer treatment known as medical acupuncture, a kind of mini acupuncture based on a much shorter course of study. While an accredited masters level program in acupuncture includes about 2500 hours or more of study, some of the programs for physicians offer about 200 hours. Acupuncturists who graduate from accredited programs have completed an extensive course of study of Oriental Medicine as well as of Western biomedical approaches to illness. Contemporary acupuncturists are prepared to work with physicians and other health care providers to bring the most effective aspects of Oriental Medicine into the conventional medical clinic. back to top
Health is more than just the absence of disease, and Chinese Medicine recognizes this with its unique capacity to harmonize and enhance our capacity for enjoyment fulfillment and happiness.
Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) is an ancient system of health care that has undergone continual development over the centuries as the causes of illness that afflict mankind have evolved. In its country of origin it is not an alternative form of therapy, but is used in the state hospitals alongside modern medicine.
Chinese Medicine is a complete medical system that is capable of treating disease in all its forms. Although your practitioner will treat whatever complaint you have come for, the traditional view places great importance on preventing disease before it occurs.
Chinese Medicine consists of:
- herbal therapy
- acupuncture
- dietary therapy
- exercise
- lifestyle management.
Chinese Medicine has been used as front line medicine by the majority of the worlds population since before recorded history, and is still the most widely utilized medical system in the world today. Adverse reactions to Chinese herbs are extremely rare and are negligible when compared to those commonly produced by pharmaceutical drugs. back to top
What are herbs like and how much will they cost?
Herbs are now available in a number of formats, both traditional and modern. The herbs will taste unusual at first to anyone who has not tried them before, hut most people will get used to the taste very quickly There are no standard prices for treatment or herbs. This will depend on the individual practitioner and the part of the country you are in. You should enquire about charges when making your appointment. Many private health insurance companies are now covering acupuncture and a few will also pay for herbal treatment. Contact your insurance company to check. back to top
Chinese Medicine can understand and treat all forms of ill health. The results that can be expected and the length of treatment required will depend on the severity of the disease, it’s duration and the general health of the patient. Chinese Herbal Medicine is probably most renowned in the west for it’s effects on:
- Ski a disease
- Gynaecology
- Digestive complaints
- Respiratory conditions
- Allergies
- Disorders of the immune system
- Pain
- Psychological problems
- Children ‘s diseases
- Addiction.
Chinese Herbal Medicine can be employed by people of any age or constitution. Your practitioner will take any previous or current illness or medication into account before providing treatment. Children and pregnant women can be, and commonly are, cared for by Chinese Herbal Medicine. back to top