FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q & A:
CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINE
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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE
"Does It Hurt???"
has got to be the most commonly asked question concerning acupuncture.
It can be slightly uncomfortable as the skin has a great deal of sensation, but generally it is quite painless. The sensations from needling are just that; unusual sensations emitting from the point. Not to worry, these are sensations of Qi and this is the desired effect.
The
second most commonly asked question is about the needles.....
"Are
They Clean and Do You Reuse Them? Is there any medicine on them?"
The needles are sterile, made of stainless steel, and individually sealed. They are used one time only, after which they are disposed of in a medical waste container.
There is no medicine on the needle.
"How Deep Are the Needles Inserted?" and "Is There Blood?"
All acupuncture points have a suggested needle insertion depth, but we also take into account the size, age and constitution of the patient. A general range would be from .1 inch to 1.5 inches in depth. The needles do not have a cutting edge so generally there is no blood, but if so then a single small droplet.
"How Does Acupuncture Work?"
is often asked and many are not satisfied with the answer. We are bioenergetic beings and the Chinese ancients called this energy of life "Qi". The Universe is made of Qi and it is the same energy that moves in us. We are a reflection of the macrocosm on a microcosmic level. The Ancients believed that the human body was covered with channels or small passageways where Qi flowed. It is like an irrigation system that coordinates the body's many systems. Acupuncture attempts to regulate the flow of Qi in the body by supplementing systems that are sluggish such as digestion or elimination. Excesses are drained away that might be causing that pounding migraine headache. The Chinese, through centuries of observations, discovered that insertion of needles at specific points could cure or aid the body in maintaining health.
"Does It Work On The Nervous System?"
Acupuncture does not work via the nerves. It is thought to be another type of signal conducting system. Modern Western Medicine has been unable to explain acupuncture, why it works, how it works, etc.… Qi cannot be measured or seen, but we know it is there because we see the results.
"How Many Treatments Will I Need?"
This depends on several factors such as the severity, duration and the nature of your condition. For acute conditions as few as one or two sessions may be enough. Chronic conditions require more time, but signs of improvement are generally experienced soon after treatment begins. It is helpful to remember that disease process requires time as does healing.
What You Need From An Acupuncturist
Education RequirementsExamination Requirements log on to www. op.nysed.gov
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
We thought you should know that not all acupuncturists are created equal.
Currently
, New York State allows Md.'s with 300 hours of study to perform acupuncture,
differing from requirements of up to 4000 hours for state licensed acupuncturists.
(www.
op.nysed.gov)
Md.'s are not required to take the NCCAOM (National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncturists and Oriental Medicine). Please visit their website at www.NCCAOM.org
See above Examination Requirements for Acupuncturists.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
As acupuncture becomes more and more in demand, insurance companies are beginning to cover some of the costs . Call your carrier to determine your coverage. If they do not cover acupuncture please write to the State Insurance Commissioner and to your Insurance Company. Ask them for a written response as to why acupuncture is not covered. Be Healthy and Happy.
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