Questions About Acupuncture
| What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown as effective in the treatment of specific health problems. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. Recently, elctromagnetic research has confirmed their locations. How deep do the needles go in? That depends upon the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patients' size, age and constitution, and upon the acupuncturist style or schooling. Usually, needles are inserted from one tenth of and inch to one inch. Does it hurt? If your practitioner has obtained the correct stimulus of the needle, the patient should feel some light sensations to tingling, heaviness and warmth. If you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild. Are the needles clean? Sterile, individually wrapped, stainless steel needles are used. Needle are used one time only. All needles have an expiration date. How long is an Acupuncture treatment? It can be as short as 20 minutes to an hour generally speaking. An Initial Consultation which includes a detailed health history form review can take a bit longer. Are there any side effects to an Acupuncture treatment? Rarely. Usually the patient feels a deep sense of relaxation. Occasionally, the patient may feel light headed, due to the excess amount of Oxygenated blood that is released to the brain that normally is not present. |