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What Can I Expect?
Whom Can It Help?
Will My Health Insurance Cover Acupuncture?
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat?
Do I Have to Believe in it in Order for it to Work?
What Are The Treaments Like?
How Does Acupuncture Work With Western Medicine?
What Is Traditonal Acupuncture?
What Can I Expect?
Acupuncture re-balances the body's vital energy by applying heat or very slender, solid needles--about the width of a human hair--to points along the body's energy pathways. Needles are sterile and disposed of after each patient. Most insertions are very shallow; sensations vary from nothing at all to a momentary ache or sting.
Many symptoms are alleviated very rapidly by acupuncture. Some conditions that have risen over a course of years will be relieved only over time with slow steady progress. Acupuncture identifies the underlying pattern of ailments and treats their root cause, not just the symptoms. Some people notice a change in their overall well-being as well as relief from symptoms. Some may experience a slight intensification of a symptom prior to its disappearance. Generally speaking, the more severe a condition and the longer its duration, the longer it will take to treat.
People receiving acupuncture frequently notice increased relaxation, improved
sleep, enhanced mood, positive changes in appetite or bowel patterns, improved
body temperature, or a greater sense of energy. These are all signs of better
energy balance, which when continued and supported can lead to an alleviation
of symptoms.
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Whom Can It Help?
Babies to adults can benefit from acupuncture. Children are generally treated for asthma, allergies, digestive problems, chronic health issues, ADD/ADHD, and repeated ear infections. Animals also respond well and are often treated for chronic health problems, musculoskeletal conditions, neurologic problems, behavioral issues, or old age.
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Will My Health Insurance Cover Acupuncture?
Many insurance companies do reimburse for acupuncture. You will need to check
with your plan to determine if acupuncture is covered.
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What Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat?
While acupuncture is commonly associated with pain relief, the World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in treating a wide range of conditions, including:
| Digestive: |
heartburn, peptic ulcers, diahrrhea, constipation, indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Ulcerative Colitis, anorexia |
| Respiratory: |
emphysema, asthma, allergies, frequent colds, bronchitis, sinus infection |
| Neurologic: |
migraines, insomnia, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's, neuralgia, dizziness |
| Muscular-skeletal: |
arthritis, back, neck, hip etc. pain |
| Urogenital: |
stress incontinence, urgency, urinary tract infections, sexual dysfunction, male infertility |
| Gynecological: |
irregular, heavy, or painful periods, PMS, endometriosis, menopause, infertility |
| Circulatory: |
high blood pressure, heart disease, poor circulation |
| Emotional & Psychological: |
depression, anxiety, stress, grief, panic |
| Addictions: |
drug, alcohol, tobacco, food |
| Chronic Conditions: |
Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, Hepatitis C, HIV/AIDS, cancer, candidiasis |
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Do I Have to Believe in it in Order for it to Work?
As in any form of healing, the patient's attitude, diet, determination, and
lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Patients are encouraged
to actively participate in their healing process.
The mind is a powerful healer and belief in any treatment can help. However, animals are a perfect example of the
effectiveness of acupuncture without the necessity of belief. A dog that could not walk well because of hip dysplasia will often
bound up the stairs after one treatment.
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What Are The Treaments Like?
The first few visits last one to two hours and involve a discussion of your reasons for seeking treatment, your health
and life history, a physical examination, and your first treatment. Subsequent visits last one-half to one hour.
Acupuncture treatment has a cumulative effect. Initially treatments are 1-2 times per week until your body begins
to maintain the desired balance. After this, treatment may continue weekly, every other week, or monthly.
Some people eventually have just a seasonal "tune-up."
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How Does Acupuncture Work With Western Medicine?
Acupuncture practitioners cooperate with other providers and consider all forms of
health care when determining how to best serve their clients.
Acupuncture can be used with other care you are receiving, including medications. Over time you may see that
your medications or other therapies can be reduced or eliminated. This is only done with the direction and
consultation of your physician or other healthcare provider.
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What Is Traditonal Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of healing, originating in China 3,000 years ago. It works with the
natural vital energy inherent in all living things to promote healing. Acupuncture increases the flow of blood
and energy in your body to simultaneously treat physical, mental , and emotional health.
Traditional Acupuncture is based on the principles of Yin and Yang and on the Five Elements, which correspond
to the seasons of the year. Each element--water (winter), wood (spring), fire (summer), earth (late summer), and
metal (fall)--has distinct manifestations in our bodies and lives.
Acupuncture works to balance the flow of blood and energy, or Qi (pronounced chee), the vital energy or life force
which flows through the body in pathways (called meridians). When blood and Qi are not flowing smoothly, imbalances
or blockages occur that eventually result in symptoms. Acupuncture physically unblocks or redistributes the flow
of blood and Qi throughout the body to establish balance, thereby treating the deep underlying cause as well as alleviating symptoms.
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