Acupuncture

Active Family Chiropractic & Wellness Centre
Acupuncture: what is it?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.

How does acupuncture work?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.

Eliminating obstructions in the meridians
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points so that the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, reestablishing the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, as well as in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The science behind acupuncture
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the body's own internal regulating system.

Promoting healing
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

What is contemporary acupuncture? Is it different from ordinary acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Contemporary acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine that has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.

What is the scope of contemporary acupuncture?
Contemporary acupuncture is a system that can influence three areas of health care:

•Promotion of health and well-being
•Prevention of illness
•Treatment of various medical conditions

Effectively treating wide range of medical issues
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medial treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:

•Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation and diarrhea
•Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma and recurrent chest infections
•Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain and rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica and osteoarthritis
•Urinary, menstrual and reproductive problems

Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions. If you have questions about a specific illness or disorder not listed above, just ask our Clinic Director, Dr. Ongko, when you come in for your appointment.

How many treatments will I need?
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.

Are there any side effects to the treatment?
There are usually not any side effects from acupuncture. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.

What are the needles like? Do they hurt?
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted, while some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles, which are made from stainless steel, are very thin and solid. Active Family Chiropractic and Wellness Centre uses only the best quality disposable needles.

Does acupuncture really work?
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 Europe. It is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time as other techniques such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments. It is important that your acupuncture provider know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from your treatments.

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
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.

What should I do and not do to get the most out of my treatment?
To enhance the value of treatment, the following guidelines are important:

•Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
•Do not over-exercise, engage in rigorous activity or consume alcoholic beverages within six hours before or after the treatment.
•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.
•Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol), especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.
•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

Is acupuncture covered by health insurance?
Some insurance companies currently cover acupuncture costs. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits. More and more insurance companies are recognizing the value of providing coverage for acupuncture services.