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Acupuncture FAQs:
• What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of very thin needles in specific
points on the body to balance the flow of Qi (energy). It
is part of a complete medical system and integrated approach
to health maintenance and treatment of disease. According
to the US National Institutes of Health survey, over two
million adults had received an acupuncture treatment within
the year.
• How does acupuncture work?
Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the internal energy
which circulates through the body along central pathways
known as meridians. The obstruction or deficiency of Qi
will eventually lead to pain and illness. Acupuncture stimulates
the points along the meridians to adjust and balance the
flow of Qi and restore health.
• Is acupuncture painful?
Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are ultra-thin
and flexible (like a cat’s whiskers), permitting a
nearly painless insertion. Some patients may feel sensations
such as heat, pressure or a tingling where the needles are
inserted, but the primary feeling is a sense of relaxation
during and after the treatment.
• Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is very safe when practiced by a trained acupuncturist
using sterile, disposable needles.
• Are there any side effects?
Side effects are very rare in acupuncture. On occasion,
there may be a drop of blood when the needles are removed.
• How deep do the needles go?
The depth of the needles depends on the nature of the
problem and the location o f the points. Usually, needles
are inserted fro ¼ to 1 inch in depth.
• Can I combine acupuncture with other medical treatment?
Acupuncture can be used along side conventional western
medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, or naturopathic
prescriptions. It is important that you inform your acupuncturist
of all other treatments.
• How long do treatments take?
Initial consultation and treatment can take up to two
hours. A complete medical history is taken, an Oriental
medical diagnosis made, treatment administered and an herbal
prescription developed. Follow-up visits typically take
an hour to an hour and a half.
• Do I need to prepare anything before I have an acupuncture
treatment?
Before you come to the clinic, make sure that you have
a light meal and drink enough water. Also wear comfortable
clothes.
• How many treatments will I need?
Because each person is unique and types of conditions
differ, the number of treatments varies. Generally, chronic
conditions require one or two treatments per week for several
months. Those with acute illnesses can expect a change within
a few visits. You should discuss with your acupuncturist
how many treatments are needed to maximize results.
• Does insurance pay for acupuncture treatments?
Many insurance companies currently cover acupuncture costs.
Emperor’s College provides billing summaries, but
does not bill insurance directly.
• How much does acupuncture treatment cost?
Emperor’s College Clinic is a teaching clinic, and
our primary objective is to provide effective and reasonably-priced
treatment for our community. We charge $35 per visit for
treatments by our master’s interns, and $40 per visit
for treatments by our doctoral interns. A sliding scale
fee is available for those patients who need it.
• Can acupuncture help me?
The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and
traditional Oriental medicine’s ability to treat over
43 common disorders including:
Disorders of the Bones, Muscles, Joints and Nervous System:
arthritis, migraine headaches, neuralgia, insomnia, dizziness,
low back pain, neck and shoulder pain.
Respiratory Disorders: emphysema, sinusitis, asthma, allergies,
and bronchitis.
Gynecological Disorders: irregular menstruation, dysmenorrheal,
amenorrhea, infertility, menopause and premenstrual syndrome
(PMS)
Urogenital Disorders: stress incontinence, urinary tact
infections, and sexual dysfunction.
Gastrointestinal Disorders: food allergies, peptic ulcer,
chronic diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, gastrointestinal
weakness, anorexia, and gastritis.
Circulatory Disorders: hypertension, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis,
and anemia.
Emotional and Psychological Disorders: depression and anxiety
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