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Acupuncture works by stimulating specific acupuncture points on or near the skin, which activates nerves that transmit signals to the brain and release hormones like endorphins. This regulates physiological processes and reduces pain and other symptoms. While needles are thin and insertion is quick, some may feel minor discomfort. Acupuncture is considered very safe when performed properly by licensed practitioners using sterile, disposable needles, and can effectively treat conditions like pain, infertility, arthritis and more.

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Renugadevi Dinakaran
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201 views4 pages

Acu Questions

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific acupuncture points on or near the skin, which activates nerves that transmit signals to the brain and release hormones like endorphins. This regulates physiological processes and reduces pain and other symptoms. While needles are thin and insertion is quick, some may feel minor discomfort. Acupuncture is considered very safe when performed properly by licensed practitioners using sterile, disposable needles, and can effectively treat conditions like pain, infertility, arthritis and more.

Uploaded by

Renugadevi Dinakaran
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

Acupuncture achieves the desired results by stimulating specific points near or on the surface of the skin acupuncture points - that have the ability to alter biochemical and physiological conditions in the body. Because acupuncture points are designated areas of electrical sensitivity, inserting needles at these points stimulates sensory receptors. This in turn stimulates nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system in the brain. The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body's natural pain-killing hormones (thought to be some 200 times more potent than morphine). Endorphins play a significant role in the hormonal system, which is why acupuncture is effective in treating back pain, arthritis, PMS and infertility. The substances released as a result of acupuncture relax the body, and also regulate serotonin in the brain, which affects emotional states. Other physiological effects include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count, which supports the immune system. Western science posits that acupuncture triggers three primary mechanisms in the body: Activation of opioid systems: Research has found that several types of pain-reducing opioids may be released into the central nervous system during acupuncture. Changes in brain chemistry: Studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by altering the way in which neurotransmitters and neurohormones are released. Acupuncture has also been documented to affect sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes involved in regulating blood pressure, blood flow and body temperature. Modulation of subcortical structures of the brain may be an important mechanism by which acupuncture exerts its complex multisystem effects. Changes in blood flow: Acupuncture and Oriental medicine affects the circulation of blood to the affected area, which helps to remove pain-causing chemicals and restore normal function.

DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ORDER TO OBTAIN RESULTS?


No. As a case in point, acupuncture works very well for horses, dogs and cats, most of whom probably don't "believe" in acupuncture. It is always beneficial to have confidence in your practitioner, but faith in a particular technique is not necessary to obtain results.

ARE THERE RISKS OR SIDE EFFECTS TO ACUPUNCTURE?


The acupuncture needle is a fine, disposable (one-time use), sterile, FDA-approved medical device. While acupuncture is a highly safe form of physical medicine, there are a few risks. These include bruising, fainting, muscle spasms, bleeding, nerve damage (extremely rare) and punctured organs (extremely rare).

CAN I BUY AN ACUPUNCTURE MACHINE FOR SELF-TREATMENT?


Self-treatment is not recommended, either with needles or other gadgets. Only a properly trained practitioner is qualified to objectively diagnose and administer appropriate acupuncture. Gadgets sold with manuals indicating "certain points for certain symptoms" do not use traditional acupuncture theory, and the self-treating patient can easily overlook other relevant symptoms.

HOW DEEP DO THE NEEDLES GO?


Acupuncture points are located on or close to the skin's surface, but needles can be inserted from 1/16 to a few inches deep. The depth of insertion depends on the nature of the location and condition being addressed, the patients' size, age, and constitution, as well as the acupuncturist's style and training.

DO ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES HURT?


There is little sensitivity to the insertion of acupuncture needles. One reason is that they are much finer than those used for injections and blood tests - 25 to 50 times thinner than hypodermic needles. Further, the actual insertion is done very quickly. While some feel nothing at all, others experience a brief moment of discomfort, sometimes followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling or numbness (desirable sensations known as "attaining qi"). The needles are left in place for 20 to 90 minutes. Most people find the experience relaxing, and some even fall asleep during sessions.

ARE THE NEEDLES STERILE?


Yes. Licensed acupuncturists are required to be certified in Clean Needle Techniques and only use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. However, it is a good practice to verify your acupuncturist's clean needle technique prior to attending sessions.

WHAT BRAND OF NEEDLES DO YOU USE?


At New York AcuHealth, Dr. Hsu uses only the finest Seirin brand needles. They cost about twice as much as some other brands but they are well worth it.

CAN I GET A DISEASE LIKE HEPATITIS FROM ACUPUNCTURE?


No. Every licensed, board certified acupuncturist is trained to prevent the transmission of diseases. Like in a hospital, acupuncturists use only disposable needles, which are used only once on patients and then discarded. While there may have been reported statistics of possible transmission of diseases over 20 years ago, current standards have virtually eliminated any risk of infection through acupuncture.

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER CHINESE MEDICINE TECHNIQUES BESIDES ACUPUNCTURE?


There are a variety of techniques used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Below are a few that are typically used in conjunction with acupuncture to enhance its effects: Electro-Acupuncture: Acupuncture needles are used to conduct small electrical currents. This technique, often used in conjunction with acupuncture, has been proven to decrease pain, accelerate healing, and significantly reduce inflammation, edema and swelling. Moxibustion: A technique in which a Chinese herb called mugwort or Artemisia Vulgaris is used to heat an acupuncture point, particularly in the treatment of certain debilitating conditions as well as arthritis and pain. Moxa is usually rolled into a stick, lit, and held over specific areas of the body. It can also be placed onto the handle of an acupuncture needle for deeper penetration of heat.

Cupping: In cupping, a glass or plastic cup is suctioned onto the body and kept in place for about 10 minutes. This stimulates circulation, relieves swelling, and enhances the acupuncture or electroacupuncture. Gua Sha: Also known as "spooning" or "coining" to English speakers and "tribo-effleurage" to the French and Kerokan to the Japanese, Gua Sha literally means "scrape away heat". It is performed by applying pressurized strokes to the back using a specialized scraping instrument. Gua Sha is used for many ailments from muscle aches to fevers to digestive and gynecological issues. Tui Na: A form of Chinese body work used in conjunction with acupuncture for a variety of musculoskeletal and organ-related issues.

WHAT KINDS OF AILMENTS IS ACUPUNCTURE USED TO TREAT?


Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. The following are some of the more common conditions treatable by Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, as outlined by the WHO. Upper Respiratory Tract: Acute sinusitis, acute rhinitis, common cold, acute tonsillitis Respiratory System: Acute bronchitis, bronchial asthma (most effective in children and in patients without complicating diseases) Disorders of the Eye: Acute conjunctivitis, central retinitis, myopia (in children), cataract (without complications) Disorders of the Mouth: Toothache, post-extraction pain, gingivitis, acute and chronic pharyngitis Gastrointestinal Disorders: Spasms of esophagus and cardia, hiccough, gastroptosis, acute and chronic gastritis, gastric hyperacidity, chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief), acute duodenal ulcer (without complications), acute and chronic colitis, acute bacillary dysentery, constipation, diarrhea, paralytic ileus Neurological and Musculoskeletal Disorders: Headache and migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, facial palsy (early stage, i.e. within three to six months), pareses following a stroke, peripheral neuropathies, sequelae of poliomyelitis (early stage, i.e., within six months), Meniere's disease, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, nocturnal enuresis, intercostal neuralgia, cervicobrachial syndrome, "frozen shoulder," "tennis elbow," sciatica, low back pain, osteoarthritis

IS ACUPUNCTURE USED TO TREAT ANY OTHER KINDS OF AILMENTS?


The most common ailments presented to acupuncturists in the U.S. are pain-related conditions. However, as the public becomes more educated about acupuncture and Oriental medicine, people are seeking help for a number of other conditions, with good results. These include: Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders: Sinusitis, sore throat, hay fever, earache, nerve deafness, ringing in the ears, dizziness, poor eyesight Circulatory Disorders: High blood pressure, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis, anemia Gastrointestinal Disorders: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), spastic colon, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies, ulcers, gastritis, abdominal bloating, hemorrhoids Gynecological and Genitourinary Disorders: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS); irregular, heavy or painful menstruation; endometriosis; menopause; fibroids; chronic bladder infection; complications in

pregnancy; morning sickness; kidney stones; impotence; infertility (men and women); sexual dysfunction Immune Disorders: Candida, chronic fatigue, HIV and AIDS, Epstein Barr virus, allergies, lupus, multiple sclerosis (MS), hepatitis Addictions: Smoking, drugs, alcohol, food Emotional and Psychological Disorders: Anxiety, insomnia, depression, stress Musculoskeletal and Neurological Disorders: Arthritis, neuralgia, sciatica, back pain, bursitis, tendonitis, stiff neck, Bell's palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, headaches and migraines, stroke, cerebral palsy, polio, sprains, muscle spasms, shingles Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, colds and flu Miscellaneous: Chemotherapy/radiation side effects, diabetes, dermatological disorders, weight control

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