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The key to Oriental Medicine is Qi (pronouced "chee"), the vital energy in all living things. While western practitioners were applying leaches to broken arms, the Chinese were inserting hyper-thin Acupuncture needles into blocked energy channels in the body. They had discovered that each energy channel corresponded with an organ and physiological system.
What is different between visting an Acupuncturist and a regular doctor is that an Acupuncturist take time to listen. Acupuncturists need to understand your medical history, lifestyle, mental and emotional states; for the diagnosis and course of treatment.
The biochemical model of Western Medicine works well with the energetic model of Oriental Medicine. Each modality has its strengths in promoting health and healing. If a condition could be treated more effectively by Western Medicine, contacting's one's physician would be recommended.
What is Treatment Like?
In the first session a medical history is taken and the current symptoms are discussed. The Acupuncturist then looks at the tongue and checks the pulse on both wrists to receive information about what is going on inside your body. A diagnosis and treatment plan for each individual is determined with this information.
It is not always necessary to undress, many of the strong Acupuncture points are between elbows and fingers and knees and toes. Comfortable clothes which can be pulled over the elbows and knees are sufficient. You will lie down on the massage table with a blanket over you.
Then very thin, single-use, sterlized, disposible Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points and are left in for 10 to 30 minutes (depending on the patient). If needed, electrical stimulation or heat (moxibustion) may also be used. The needles are then removed, if a massage is warranted it will be performed.
Acupuncture needles are not hollow like hypodermic needles and should not be painful. Approximately three (3) Acupuncture needles will fit into a hyperdermic needle. A heaviness, tingling, warmth or electrical sensation may be felt at the insertion site. Treatments are meant to be very relaxing; it is not uncommon for a patient to fall asleep during a treatment.
Herbs, vitamins, lifestyle and dietary changes may be suggested.
What can be Expected During a Treatment?
Each patient responds to Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine differently. Some conditions may be resolved with just a few treatments, others may need more. It often depends upon the patients constitution as well as the duration of the condition. Patients are encouraged to participate in their own healing process.
A basic course of treatment is 4 to 6 once a week treatments. Which can become more spread out as symptoms are resolved. Depending upon the patients constitution, health maintenance appointments are scheduled once a month to every three months.
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