Acupuncture is one of the modalities of Oriental Medicine.  It mostly consists of the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points to affect certain changes in the body.  In addition to needles, other Traditional Chinese Medicine modalities can be used.  These can include electroacupuncture, moxibustion (the burning of a dry herb above acupuncture points), cupping (glass cups that create a suction to move blood and qi) or Chinese herbal medicines.

 

 

Traditional Asian acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (a fine, essential substance which nourishes and constructs the body) through channels that cover the body.  Acupuncture adjusts this flow of qi in the body, leading it to areas where it is deficient and draining it from areas where it is in excess or stagnant.  Acupuncture promotes and reestablishes the free flow of the qi and balances the body.

 

Acupuncture safety

 

Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a competently trained, licensed professional.  All licensed acupuncturists today use sterile, single use, disposable acupuncture needles.

 

What you would feel

 

Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a hair and their insertion is practically painless.  It is nothing like receiving an ordinary injection.  In some cases, you will not even feel them.  In others, there might be some tingling, warmth, heaviness, a feeling of distention, a grabbing sensation or a feeling of qi moving up and down the channels.  Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing and many fall asleep during treatment.

 

Before an acupuncture treatment

 

Wear comfortable clothing.  Women should not wear one-piece dresses.

 

Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full or shortly after sex.

 

After an acupuncture treatment

 

Some patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some pain may return.  In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief, only to notice the pain diminish over the next couple of days.  Generally, you should expect to feel better.