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Conditions We Treat
Q: What is acupuncture?Ask Our Expert About Acupuncture
Q: What is acupuncture?A: Acupuncture is a healing art that dates back thousands of years. It is often used to alleviate pain and illness by stimulating special points on the body with very fine needles. Q: What is medical acupuncture?A: Medical acupuncture is the application of acupuncture techniques by a physician. These physicians complete medical school and practice medicine in a hospital or private practice. They then complete a special education in Eastern acupuncture techniques. While the techniques are very similar to those used by other non-medical acupuncturists, many people feel more comfortable receiving acupuncture from a physician. Q: What is acupuncture used for?A: Acupuncture is used to relieve pain and treat many health disorders. It can be used by itself or as part of a broader treatment program. According to the World Health Organization, conditions that can be treated with acupuncture include stroke rehabilitation, some neurological conditions, migraines or tension headaches, osteoarthritis, lower back pain, tennis elbow, menstrual cramps, asthma, dental pain and digestive conditions, as well as infertility. Q: How does acupuncture work?A: First, the acupuncturist will discuss your pain or other symptoms and identify specific acupoints on your body. He then inserts very fine metal needles into these points. The number of needles will vary depending on where they are placed on the body. After the needles have been inserted, they stay in place for several minutes to an hour. During the treatment, acupuncture needles may be twirled, energized electrically or warmed to intensify the effect of the treatment. When electricity is applied, a tingling sensation is common. Each needle stimulates the body's natural pain relievers and anti-inflammatory chemicals. Needles can be inserted directly into areas where the pain exists or into other acupuncture points that reach paths in the body called channels. Q: What are channels?A: Channels have been scientifically shown to be organized paths of energy related to different organs in the body. Strong points are from the knees to the toes and the elbows to the fingertips. The points on these channels carry signals to the brain to relieve pain or decrease inflammation. Most of the strong points on these channels Q: Does acupuncture hurt?A: Generally, acupuncture does not hurt. You may feel a slight prick as the needles are inserted, but the needles are so small, the sensation is much less than you feel during an injection. Q: Is acupuncture safe?A: Acupuncture is safe when done by a certified acupuncturist. Each state has its own regulations. Here in Pennsylvania, a state license ensures that the acupuncturist has a certain level of training and follows certain practice guidelines. Q: How many times should I be treated with acupuncture?A: Acupuncture treatment does not have a specific timeframe and depends on the type of condition you are treating and your body’s response to the treatment. Usually, you will need several session to feel the effects from acupuncture, and it may take over ten sessions before you feel lasting benefits. Every patient responds differently. Q: What are the advantages of acupuncture?A: Acupuncture is a drug-free way to minimize pain. In some cases, it may relieve pain when all other techniques have failed. Q: Will my health insurance cover acupuncture treatment?A: Some insurance companies will pay for acupuncture treatment, and it is covered in some states. But in Pennsylvania, most insurance does not cover acupuncture. For many patients, though, the cost of several acupuncture treatments is reasonable and well worth the price to live pain-free. This page last updated 10/14/08 11:30 PM
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