1. What is Acupuncture?
Eastern Medicine and Acupuncture is a 5,000 year old medical system; in which, 2,500 years of it has been documented in texts. Acupuncture is an effective and natural form of healthcare to address disease, pain and stress. Acupuncturist and Eastern Medical Practitioners have used this non-invasive medical system to help million's of people to become healthy, pain-free and well.
Acupuncture is the insertion of sterile, and fine needles in preset acupuncture points throughout the body. These points are area's of the body where the body's neural pathways and circulation (blood vessels/capillaries) accumulate. The stimulation of these acupuncture points access the nervous system, circulatory system and other subtle communication systems such as the endocrine system. The release of chemicals from these systems interrupt signals of pain or provoke a cascade of other chemicals responses to promote your own bodies healing abilities and self-regulating systems.
Effects of Acupuncture includes but not limited to pain relief, increased circulation, boost in immune system, regulating digestion, sleep improvement and reduction of stress.
2. What is Qi and how does it travel?
At the core of Eastern Medicine is the idea that Qi or vital energy flows throughout the body. Qi assists to protect the body from illness and propel energetics for balanced function. A person's health is influenced by the quantity, quality, and balance of Qi.
Qi circulates and travels through specific pathways called meridians or channels. There are 14 main meridians and each are connected to specific organs and glands. The meridian pathways are like rivers. When the river flows properly it transports nourishment to the land, plants and life around it. Qi nourishes the body in the same way, it transports life-giving nourishment to energize every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle.
When Qi flows freely throughout the body, we experience good health physically and emotionally. A blockage of Qi in our body is like a dam; in which, our body responds with restrictions of flow. The backing up of this flow; much like what a dam creates, hinders the distribution of vital energy of Qi and its nourishment. As your Acupuncturist, I unblock and stimulate the circulation for optimal functioning of flow of Qi to create health and balance to your body.
3. Who can benefit from Acupuncture?
Chinese Medicine is a whole system that uses Acupuncture to Herbs to treat patients. So in Asia, it is used to treat anything from a common cold, asthma, arthritis to even cancers. Patients as young as one month to senior citizens can benefit from Eastern Medicine and Acupuncture.
4. What kind of education and training do Acupuncturist receive?
Acupuncturist undertake four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate education in medicine. The graduate schools that Acupuncturist in the United States attend are nationally certified. Delaram Raisdana, MS, L.Ac. attended Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego. Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM) is considered a vanguard among Eastern Medical programs. The four-year graduate program includes 191 units and over 3,500 credit hours of theory and clinical practice. In order to practice, all Acupuncturist in the state of California must meet strict safety guidelines and pass the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam.
5. What conditions does Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is recognized by leading national and international health organizations to be effective in the treatment of a variety of medical diseases and disorders. There are many diseases or disorders for which Acupuncture treatments have been tested in controlled clinical trials and reported effective in recent literature. The World Health Organization has documented these and they are available for review on their site:
http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js4926e/5.html
6. How safe is Acupuncture, are there side-effects and are the needles sterile?
Acupuncture is extremely safe and is a drug-free therapy with no side effects. All government require Acupuncturist to follow strict safety procedure regarding needles and use of sterilized needles. The needles are sterile and manufactured, packaged and shipped in strict compliance with the law.
7. How many treatments will I need?
Treatment frequency and number of treatments needed depends on a variety of factors: your state of health (called your Constitution in Eastern Medicine), severity of condition, duration of problem, and response to treatments. Some people experience immediate relief; other may take longer to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. An Acupuncturist may suggest one, two or three treatments a week or monthly visits for your condition.
8. How should I prepare for my first visit and what should I wear?
9. What will I expect during a treatment?
Acupuncture treatment: The sterile needles are approximately the size of a cat's whisker. Depending on the Eastern Medical diagnosis from your Acupuncturist, acu-points will be selected for insertion. The points may be local (at location of complaint) or distal (elsewhere to direct Qi). The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. You may experience a heaviness, expansion, perceived numbness, or vague dull pressure often referred to "dull ache". These sensations felt by people are called a "Qi sensation". All these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment is working. The depth of insertion varies from person to person and style of Acupuncturist. After treatment, you may feel energized, or a deep sense of relaxation. In either case, you will feel better and wellness is achieved.
Different treatment modalities may also be use. Below is a description of these different Traditional Eastern Medical techniques that may be used:
Cupping Therapy: is a therapy used to stimulate the circulation of blood and Qi (vital energy) within the superficial muscle layers. It is used for many disorders and ailments including sore muscles, muscle tension, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, coughing, and even the common cold. The Acupuncturist will place clean glass or plastic "cups" over specific areas on your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. Cupping Therapy assist in detoxing the area and circulating stagnated blood or Qi. Important aftercare is always explained after this therapy.
Tui Na Therapy: is translated as "push grasp" in Chinese. It is a Eastern Medical massage using various methods of techniques to circulate blood and Qi in various parts of your body. Tui Na is used to relieve muscle tension, muscle pain, inflammation, remove knots, and bring proper flow of the meridians. It is very therapeutic and relaxing.
Gua Sha Therapy: this therapy is very similar in theory to Cupping Therapy. Gua Sha is used to stimulate the circulation of blood and Qi within the superficial muscles. It is used to release muscle tension, alleviate pain, relieve tightness, remove constriction, and detox the muscle. Important aftercare is always explained after this therapy.
Moxibustion Therapy: this is a great therapy that is often used during a treatment. An herb called Mugwort (Artemesia Vulgaris) is burned on the handle of the needle, above the skin, on salt, or slice of ginger. This does not directly burn on your skin, a safe barrier is placed. The moxa ( aka moxibustion therapy) is used to "warm" the acu-points and meridians. The properties of moxa bring beneficial healing abilities and assist in the circulation to bring optimal functioning of the channel.
10. Can Acupuncture help even if I feel healthy?
Yes, absolutely! Acupuncture is a complete medical practice and powerful preventative measure to keep patients healthy all year long. At times Acupuncturist can detect subtle changes to foresee interferences in health or seasonal changes. Eastern medicine addresses these issues, preventing future disease processes from occurring. Since Acupuncture treatments are often deeply calming and relaxing, regular maintenance is also beneficial for stress relief.
11. Should I keep my visit even if I am sick?
Yes, Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are most effective in the initial stages of an acute condition. Colds, flus, stomach upsets, and headaches are some of the conditions that is best caught early before they get worse. Patients report immediate improvements in symptoms after an acupuncture treatment or beginning an herbal prescription. In Eastern Medicine, stages of a disease or the "Qi dynamic" are strongly considered. The initial stage is the best moment to address these issues that may become problematic to treat later.
Eastern Medicine and Acupuncture is a 5,000 year old medical system; in which, 2,500 years of it has been documented in texts. Acupuncture is an effective and natural form of healthcare to address disease, pain and stress. Acupuncturist and Eastern Medical Practitioners have used this non-invasive medical system to help million's of people to become healthy, pain-free and well.
Acupuncture is the insertion of sterile, and fine needles in preset acupuncture points throughout the body. These points are area's of the body where the body's neural pathways and circulation (blood vessels/capillaries) accumulate. The stimulation of these acupuncture points access the nervous system, circulatory system and other subtle communication systems such as the endocrine system. The release of chemicals from these systems interrupt signals of pain or provoke a cascade of other chemicals responses to promote your own bodies healing abilities and self-regulating systems.
Effects of Acupuncture includes but not limited to pain relief, increased circulation, boost in immune system, regulating digestion, sleep improvement and reduction of stress.
2. What is Qi and how does it travel?
At the core of Eastern Medicine is the idea that Qi or vital energy flows throughout the body. Qi assists to protect the body from illness and propel energetics for balanced function. A person's health is influenced by the quantity, quality, and balance of Qi.
Qi circulates and travels through specific pathways called meridians or channels. There are 14 main meridians and each are connected to specific organs and glands. The meridian pathways are like rivers. When the river flows properly it transports nourishment to the land, plants and life around it. Qi nourishes the body in the same way, it transports life-giving nourishment to energize every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle.
When Qi flows freely throughout the body, we experience good health physically and emotionally. A blockage of Qi in our body is like a dam; in which, our body responds with restrictions of flow. The backing up of this flow; much like what a dam creates, hinders the distribution of vital energy of Qi and its nourishment. As your Acupuncturist, I unblock and stimulate the circulation for optimal functioning of flow of Qi to create health and balance to your body.
3. Who can benefit from Acupuncture?
Chinese Medicine is a whole system that uses Acupuncture to Herbs to treat patients. So in Asia, it is used to treat anything from a common cold, asthma, arthritis to even cancers. Patients as young as one month to senior citizens can benefit from Eastern Medicine and Acupuncture.
4. What kind of education and training do Acupuncturist receive?
Acupuncturist undertake four years of extensive and comprehensive graduate education in medicine. The graduate schools that Acupuncturist in the United States attend are nationally certified. Delaram Raisdana, MS, L.Ac. attended Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego. Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM) is considered a vanguard among Eastern Medical programs. The four-year graduate program includes 191 units and over 3,500 credit hours of theory and clinical practice. In order to practice, all Acupuncturist in the state of California must meet strict safety guidelines and pass the California Acupuncture Licensing Exam.
5. What conditions does Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is recognized by leading national and international health organizations to be effective in the treatment of a variety of medical diseases and disorders. There are many diseases or disorders for which Acupuncture treatments have been tested in controlled clinical trials and reported effective in recent literature. The World Health Organization has documented these and they are available for review on their site:
http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js4926e/5.html
6. How safe is Acupuncture, are there side-effects and are the needles sterile?
Acupuncture is extremely safe and is a drug-free therapy with no side effects. All government require Acupuncturist to follow strict safety procedure regarding needles and use of sterilized needles. The needles are sterile and manufactured, packaged and shipped in strict compliance with the law.
7. How many treatments will I need?
Treatment frequency and number of treatments needed depends on a variety of factors: your state of health (called your Constitution in Eastern Medicine), severity of condition, duration of problem, and response to treatments. Some people experience immediate relief; other may take longer to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. An Acupuncturist may suggest one, two or three treatments a week or monthly visits for your condition.
8. How should I prepare for my first visit and what should I wear?
- Wear or bring loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to Acupuncture points.
- Do not eat a large meal before or after your visits. A light snack or meal is encouraged at least two hours before your visit.
- Refrain from overexertion, a strenuous work out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours before or after the visit.
- Between visits, make notes of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas or changes in the frequency and type of symptoms.
9. What will I expect during a treatment?
Acupuncture treatment: The sterile needles are approximately the size of a cat's whisker. Depending on the Eastern Medical diagnosis from your Acupuncturist, acu-points will be selected for insertion. The points may be local (at location of complaint) or distal (elsewhere to direct Qi). The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. You may experience a heaviness, expansion, perceived numbness, or vague dull pressure often referred to "dull ache". These sensations felt by people are called a "Qi sensation". All these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment is working. The depth of insertion varies from person to person and style of Acupuncturist. After treatment, you may feel energized, or a deep sense of relaxation. In either case, you will feel better and wellness is achieved.
Different treatment modalities may also be use. Below is a description of these different Traditional Eastern Medical techniques that may be used:
Cupping Therapy: is a therapy used to stimulate the circulation of blood and Qi (vital energy) within the superficial muscle layers. It is used for many disorders and ailments including sore muscles, muscle tension, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, coughing, and even the common cold. The Acupuncturist will place clean glass or plastic "cups" over specific areas on your body. A vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. Cupping Therapy assist in detoxing the area and circulating stagnated blood or Qi. Important aftercare is always explained after this therapy.
Tui Na Therapy: is translated as "push grasp" in Chinese. It is a Eastern Medical massage using various methods of techniques to circulate blood and Qi in various parts of your body. Tui Na is used to relieve muscle tension, muscle pain, inflammation, remove knots, and bring proper flow of the meridians. It is very therapeutic and relaxing.
Gua Sha Therapy: this therapy is very similar in theory to Cupping Therapy. Gua Sha is used to stimulate the circulation of blood and Qi within the superficial muscles. It is used to release muscle tension, alleviate pain, relieve tightness, remove constriction, and detox the muscle. Important aftercare is always explained after this therapy.
Moxibustion Therapy: this is a great therapy that is often used during a treatment. An herb called Mugwort (Artemesia Vulgaris) is burned on the handle of the needle, above the skin, on salt, or slice of ginger. This does not directly burn on your skin, a safe barrier is placed. The moxa ( aka moxibustion therapy) is used to "warm" the acu-points and meridians. The properties of moxa bring beneficial healing abilities and assist in the circulation to bring optimal functioning of the channel.
10. Can Acupuncture help even if I feel healthy?
Yes, absolutely! Acupuncture is a complete medical practice and powerful preventative measure to keep patients healthy all year long. At times Acupuncturist can detect subtle changes to foresee interferences in health or seasonal changes. Eastern medicine addresses these issues, preventing future disease processes from occurring. Since Acupuncture treatments are often deeply calming and relaxing, regular maintenance is also beneficial for stress relief.
11. Should I keep my visit even if I am sick?
Yes, Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are most effective in the initial stages of an acute condition. Colds, flus, stomach upsets, and headaches are some of the conditions that is best caught early before they get worse. Patients report immediate improvements in symptoms after an acupuncture treatment or beginning an herbal prescription. In Eastern Medicine, stages of a disease or the "Qi dynamic" are strongly considered. The initial stage is the best moment to address these issues that may become problematic to treat later.
For more information regarding Acupuncture:
- National Institutes of Health Consensus
- World Health Organization
- Acupuncture Board of California
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- National Library of Medicine- Institute of Health
- Acupuncture Clinical Trials
- Pacific College of Oriental Medicine
- What is Cosmetic Acupuncture?
- More Links
