FAQ's The Frequently Asked Questions Files
Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine
Q. What is Qi and where & how does it travel?
Q. What will my acupuncturist do?
Q. What is Chinese pulse palpation?
Q. What is the significance of looking at my tongue?
Q. How many treatments will I need?
Q. What should I expect during my visit?
Q. What do I do before and after my treatment?
Q. How deep do the acupuncture needles go?
Q. Is acupuncture safe for children?
Q. What are the educational & training standards for Acupuncture Physicians?
Q. What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
Q. Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
Q. What are the fees for Acupuncture?
Q. What can acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine treat?
Q. Are the effects real or placebo?
Q. How widely is acupuncture used in the United States?
Q. Does acupuncture work and how might acupuncture work?
Q. What is conventonal, alternative, and complementary medicine?
Q. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Where does this office get it's Chinese Herbal Medicines?
A. Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture began to become better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain during and after appendix surgery.
The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.
There are two distinct ways to describe how Acupuncture Works. The Traditional Chinese view and the Modern Biomedical perspective.
The Traditional Chinese Perspective on Acupuncture:
The origins of Chinese medicine are recorded in the ancient medical text the "Huang di Nei jing" or "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Medicine" compiled around 305-204 B.C. This text and its tenets give the theoretical foundations for Chinese Medicine and offers practical advice on maintaining health & balance.
In the Traditional Chinese Medicine view, acupuncture works by controlling and moving Qi or vital energy & blood, and the balancing of Yin & Yang the opposing forces. When the Yin & Yang, and Qi are out of balance, blocked, in excess, or deficient there is disease and health becomes out of balance. Qi is believed to travel within the human body through a network of channels or meridians that follow the same routes that blood vessels, nerves, and lymph vessels do. Moving qi and balancing Yin & Yang is done by way of stimulating acupuncture points along meridians or channels with a needle, pressing or massaging, warming with burning moxa or emission electrical an external heat source.
The Modern Biomedical Perspective on Acupuncture:
Diseases and injuries are resolved by a complex set of responses coordinated by several signaling systems that involve peptides and other biochemicals which can increase the healing response. The main signaling system involved in acupuncture is the nervous system. Several processes have been proposed to explain acupuncture's effects, primarily those on pain. Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the central nervous system to release biochemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemicals either change the experience of pain or release other biochemicals, such as hormones, that influence the body's self-regulating systems. The biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being. In the past 30 years or so there has been considerable solid clinical and modern biomedical research conducted that has proven. Acupuncture is an effective form of medical therapy not just for pain but for many medical conditions.
Acupuncture helps to restore balance by stimulating your bodies own naturally built in healing mechanisms allowing your body to repair, balance, and regulate itself. The main objectives of an acupuncture treatment are to, relieve pain and related symptoms; stimulate and strengthen the immune system; and restore the homeostatic balance so you are a healthy and happy person physically and mentally.
TCM is as old as father time and very effective for many psychological and medical situations. Research has shown that acupuncture releases neuro-hormones, neuro-peptides, and stimulates the endorphin pathways reducing or eliminating pain and can change the physical and mental disposition of the individual undergoing this type of therapy. As an adjunct to treatments you are currently receiving, TCM can enhance your outcomes and is safe and effective.
You may ask is acupuncture and TCM evidence based. Yes it is, there is an inherent problem in testing and researching how acupuncture works but there are valid studies that show this therapy does work. As in western medicine there are large studies many of which are suspicious in their design and integrity. Do we completely know how some of the treatments & drugs really work take anesthesia; studies show that it works but how? We still do not full understand but we continue to use it. Aspirin is another example, or how about the many therapies & drugs rushed to market that have detrimental effects and pulled from the market place. The known risk benefits of using anesthesia are obvious, no one would have surgery without it proven or not and the medical establishment still does not know how anesthesia works. In China acupuncture is used in place of or along with anesthesia. We also know the risk benefits of using acupuncture and with out a doubt the major side effect of acupuncture TCM therapy is a happy and healthy person.
Traditional Chinese Medicine has an approximate 5,000-year history and has its roots in the observation of the natural environment and how it influences and stimulates the human (mind & body) and how the human responds. The Chinese thought on health is concerned with the balance of opposing forces. TCM uses several techniques to influence the state of health by regulating, Yin & Yang, the various types of Qi, Blood, & Body Fluids by inserting hair thin sterile acupuncture needles into acupoints that are situated along 14 meridians. It is the meridians or channels that connect the entire human body like a communication pathway or web. When an acupuncture needle is inserted into an acupoint there is an immediate response at the site of insertion and from the nervous system, this in turn releases several biological chemicals that affect the body. Acupuncture has the capability to regulate hormones, peptides, natural painkillers (endorphins), and the immune system.
In order to restore health the first areas looked at are diet and life style. This is most important tenet of TCM, by examining & regulating the life style & diet there is a healthy foundation from which the body can thrive. When you are living a healthful life style and eating an appropriate diet only then you will have a foundation for health.
TCM diagnosis is concerned with the patterns of disease and treatment is designed from accurate pattern gathering & recognition. From this diagnosis imbalances (excesses or deficiencies) are discovered and treated. The balance of Yin & Yang is the most general way to express patterns of disease. When it is altered to one side or the other your health is affected, if too much or to little Yang there may be signs of agitation, heat, anger, over active signs, coldness & weakness in the low back and knees or if the swing is to Yin, the patterns may be depression, feeling thick, hot flashes, & night sweating.
TCM came to the USA in the late 1970's. James Reston was a New York Times reporter that fell ill with an acute appendicitis while he was in China covering President Nixon. He was operated on using acupuncture anesthesia and for his after care. This led him to write a series of articles about his experience. Mr. Nixon invited Dr's of Chinese Medicine to come to the USA and pass along their experiences. Our understanding of this special medicine is continuing to grow through the dedication of researchers at major Chinese & American medical institutions. TCM is a complete health care system and integrates well with western medical therapy. The only side effects from TCM therapy is a happy and healthy you.
A New Understanding of An Ancient Healing Art
Physicians in ancient China developed a total medical system that has survived virtually unchanged. A total medical system is one in which there is a continuum and consistency among the physiological concepts, etiology (cause of diseases), diagnostic methods, and treatment principles.
Chinese medicine is physiological regulating medicine meaning that the internal homeostatic balance is maintained. This is achieved by regulating the blood, qi (air or oxygen), vascular and nervous systems, and vital body substances.
Acupuncture activates complex chain of events that involves the immune system, tissue reactions (histamine release), blood vessels, sensory nerves, somato-visceral pathways (body-organ), autonomic nervous system (or visceral nervous system), the central nervous system (brain, spinal cord, afferent and efferent nerves), and the endocrine and exocrine systems.
The effects of an acupuncture treatment are the restoring of the circulation of blood, nutrients, and oxygen throughout the body and the restoration of the functions of the organ (visceral) and immune system, and the promotion of homeostasis (or balance) throughout the body and pain relief and the promotion of healing tissues.
Adapted from Donald E Kendall: Dao of Chinese Medicine: Understanding an ancient healing art Oxford University Press, New York; ©2002 ISBN 0-19-592104-6
Reference & further reading at:
American Association of Acupuncture & Oriental MedicineNational Institutes of Health Acupuncture
Institute of Traditional Medicine
Jeffery Grossman Acupuncture Media Works, LLC
Q. What is Qi and where & how does it travel?
A. Technically Qi is any energy or any force that moves, has direction and can consolidate into physical substance.
Qi ("chee"), flows throughout the body animating and protecting it from illness and disease. The quality, quantity, direction of flow, and balance of Qi influence your health. Qi is directly influenced through Acupuncture, Herbal medicine, diet, and life style choices.
The Chinese masters of Acupuncture and Herbal medicine visualize the Channels or Meridians as analogues to a water system where water arises from the earth via a well/spring and gradually grows to form creeks, streams, rivers, finally emptying into the sea.
The Qi flows in the channels in a predictable manner like currents in a waterway or in an electrical system. Where a river flows, it transports life-giving water and nutrients that nourishes the land (the land here is you). Where electricity flows ther is light and life. The 14 main channels that traverse through out the body are connected to the organs, muscle groups, nerves, and glands. Here is where acupuncture directly interacts with your body. Each channel has acu points, sites where the Qi is influenced.
The channels are like rivers transporting life-giving Qi to nourish and energize every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle. Where Qi goes Blood goes, this is how Qi provides life-giving sustenance to the body and mind. Qi is the motive force for the blood to move, ah, but this is just a glimpse into the vast powers of the Qi.
When Qi flows freely throughout the body there are no health issues, no pain. You enjoy a good physical, mental and emotional well-being. Any obstruction of Qi in the body is like a dam, backing up the flow of Qi in one area and restricting it in others. Blockages prevent the distribution of the nourishment (the blood) that the body requires to function in optimal balance.
Reference:
Jeffery Grossman Acupuncture Media Works, LLC
Institute of Traditional Medicine
http://www.amfoundation.org/acupuncture.htmA. Qi can be impaired due to many factors; these are but a few of the major areas that can affect the balance, quality, and quantity of Qi. Physical and emotional trauma(s), mental/emotional stress, lack of exercise, lack of sexual activity, overexertion, poor diet, chronic diseases, seasonal changes, recent or old accidents & traumas, and excessive activity either over thinking, physical sports, or excessive sexual activity can lead to a blockage or imbalance of Qi.
Normally when an imbalance occurs in an ordinarily healthy person, the body will naturally bounce back returning to a state of health and well-being; a balance is restored. When the disruption to Qi is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weakened state, then illnesses, pain and or disease can affect the mind and body and an imbalance amasses leading to a blockage of Qi.
Q. What will my acupuncturist do?
A. During your initial visit a comprehensive examand a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding your immediate symptoms and past problems, general health and lifestyle. I will be checking your pulses and observing your tongue to assess your current health condition. This information is then systematically organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced. After the interview process, you will receive your first acupuncture treatment. This visits is usually the longest and may last one hour and a half including the initial treatment.
On subsequent follow up visits I will perform a detailed but not extensive exam as in the first visit. The time frame is approximately one hour or less.
Reference:
Jeffery Grossman Acupuncture Medic Works, LLC
The Institute of Traditional Medicine
Q. What is Chinese pulse palpation?
A. Chinese pulse taking is a bit different than taking a traditional pulse. Not only am I feeling for a pulse rate but the quality and consistency of the pulse. There are 12 pulse positions on each wrist that are palpated. Each position corresponds to a specific channel/meridian and organ. There are 27 individual qualities that reflect overall health. If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse. The pulse diagnosis is linked with tongue diagnosis to get a complete picture of your health.
Reference:
Jeffery Grossman Acupuncture Media Works, LLC
The Institute of Traditional Medicine
Q. What is the significance of looking at my tongue?
A. The tongue is a road map of the internal workings of the body. It reflects the general health of the organs. By observing the body of the tongue and the coating I assess the color, texture, coating condition, shape, and general appearance looking for signs that either match your symptoms or reviles symptoms that previously were not identified. The tongue is divided into sections that represent the internal organs. A tongue diagnosis shows both internal and external conditions.
Reference:
Jeffery Grossman, Acupuncture Media Works, LLC
The Institute of Traditional Medicine
Q. How many treatments will I need?
A. Treatments are based on the individual problem and person.The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. Some people have an immediate change in their condition and some people have conditions that require repeated follow up care. Acupuncture is cumulative meaning every treatment builds on the prior treatment making the qi and yin yang connections and treatment stronger and longer lasting. It is customary in my clinic to start with between 3 to 5 treatments in the beginning to see how you will respond. From there the treatment schedule will be lengthened or shortened depending on how you are responding. Care plans will be created and continually updated as we move forward in the treatments.
After you get the results you want it is recommended that you consider comingin for a periodic once or twice a month wellness care check up and treatment. In these sessions we can discuss and continue to build on the prior treatments to keep you happy and healthy.
Session time is based on the individual person and condition(s) being treated, customary treatment times are from 30 minutes to one and a half hours most people are treated for one hour.
Acute conditions usually respond rapidly and require fewer treatments per week, but chronic conditions take much longer to heal and will require longer treatment schedules to resolve. Plan on a minimum of one to three months at 2 times per week as a guide for chronic conditions.
I stress that treatment frequency and time duration is based on the individual and the condition(s) being treated. The above information is only a guide.
Reference:
Jeffery Grossman Acupuncture Media Works, LLC
The Institute of Traditional Medicine
A. Acupuncture is minimally invasive and extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects except for the feelings of relaxation, the elimination of your symptoms, and a sense of well-being. There is little danger of any direct infection from acupuncture needles.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used. Still, complications have resulted from inadequate sterilization of needles and from improper delivery of treatments. Practitioners should use a new set of disposable needles taken from a sealed package for each patient and should swab treatment sites with alcohol or another disinfectant before inserting needles. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections and punctured organs.
Further reading:
The Institute of Taditional Medicine
Q. What should I expect during my visit?
A. During your first office visit, you will be askedat length about your health condition, pain, bathroom habits, diet, physical activity, sexual activity, lifestyle, and behavior. All your information will be held in confidence and your privacy will be respected. This office follows the federal HIPPA guidlines for protecing your privacy. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments &medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.
Reference:
The Institute of Traditional Medicine
Q. What do I do before and after my treatment?
A. Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment. It is advised you have a small snack 60 minutes before treatment.
Refrain from overexertion try not over-exercise or tax yourself before or after the treatment.
Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor.
It is important to have prepared a list of all medications prescribed by your Medical Doctor and any medications, drugs, and supplements your are currently taking or using.
Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your responses are to the treatment. This is important to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you. Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points. Bring any current relevant diagnostic tests results with you, i.e., MRI's of the back, knee, etc...
Your participation in your own care is a very important factor in your treatment and healing.
A. The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies.
Needling sensation is one of the key elements to a successful acupuncture treatment and is experienced by each person differently. This sensation may vary with treatment and is described as numbness, tingling, stinging, dull ache, warmth, a cooling off, or other sensations that is not simple pain.
Sometimes people experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle.
Most people feel only minimal discomfort or no discomfort at all. It is understood that some acupuncture points may involve a more painful response than others. All these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment is working.
After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.
Below are several micrographs showing the difference between a hypodermic needle, a human hair, and an acupuncture needle.
Q. How deep do the acupuncture needles go?
A. The depth of the insertion varies depending the body part being needled. Needle lengths vary from 1/16 of an inch to 3 to 6 inches long. For example, if needling around the ankles or hands a 1/2 inch needle is used, however if the needling is to the buttocks to treat sciatica then the needle length will be between 3-6 inches. Needle length depends on the size of the part being needled. Needling technique is different in fleshier areas, such as your buttocks than on the arms or feet. Typically, needles are inserted at depths ranging from 1/8" to 1-1/2" inches.
Q. Is acupuncture safe for children?
A. Yes! Children actually respond more quickly than adults, this is because children have an abundance of Qi. If your child has an aversion to needles Chinese Tui-na massage of the acupuncture points is utilized this is a form of acupressure. Children also respond to herbal and homeopathic medicines with little to no undesirable side effects. Diet is a major area that causes children to have health problems. Dietary therapy will be discussed with you and certain reasonable changes in your child's eating habits will be recommended. Ear or auricular seeding is also very effective. I use gold, silver, or stainless steel tiny BB's that are held to the points on the ear by clear surgical tape. These BB's are placed on points in the ear that correspond to different organ and channel systems. It is a pain less, no needle approach to acupuncture therapy.
Reference:
The Institute of Traditional Medicine
Q. What are the educational & training standards for Acupuncture Physicians?
A. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine which encompasses acupuncture, herbal and homeopathic medicine, receive 3 to 4 years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training at nationally certified schools. This training is in addition to 4 years of formal college focused in a science or formal allied medical schooling. Eight years of education in total. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict guidelines to practice in every state. And must perform 60 hours of continuing education to maintain licensure.
It is a considerable professional achievement to earn the designation "Diplomate in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM)." NCCAOM Certification indicates to employers, patients, and peers that one has met national standards for the safe and competent practice of acupuncture as defined by the profession. National board certification in acupuncture has been the mark of excellence in acupuncture since the inception of the Commission.
National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental medicine (NCCAOM)
The mission of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental medicine (NCCAOM) is to establish, assess, and promote recognized standards of competence and safety in acupuncture and Oriental medicine for the protection and benefit of the public. Since its inception, the NCCAOM has certified more than 13,000 Diplomats in Acupuncture, Chinese Herbology and Asian Bodywork Therapy.
NCAOOM Web site, here you can check the certifications of your acupuncturist.
The Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM)
David Nevins attended and received his graduate degree at ATOM
The Atlantic Institute of Oriental Medicine (ATOM) is a nationally accredited, not-for-profit educational corporation. ATOM received its license on October 1, 1994, under the laws of the State of Florida and now it operates exclusively as a professional, private, and independent college offering academic programs and degrees in the field of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Oriental Medicine. ATOM received accreditation from ACAOM on May 4, 1999, and was reaccredited for another four year period by ACAOM on September 6th, 2006 and was given its College License on April 6, 2001, under the State Board of Independent Colleges and Universities (SBICU), now the State Commission for Independent Education.
To promote and protect the health and safety of all people in Florida through the delivery of quality public health services and the promotion of health care standards.
A. Cupping has been used since ancient times and was a popular practice in both Western and Eastern medicine.
The Ebers Papyrus, one of the oldest medical textbooks in the world, describes the systematic use of cupping by the early Egyptians, as far back as 1,550 B.C.
The famous Taoist alchemist and herbalist, Ge Hong (281-341 A.D.), described this method in his book A Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies. The cups were actually animal horns, used for draining pustules.
Generally, the cup is left in place for about 10 minutes (typical range is 5-15 minutes). The skin becomes reddened due to the congestion of blood flow. The cup is removed by pressing the skin alongside it to allow some outside air to leak into it, thus equalizing the pressure and releasing it. Some bruising along the site of the rim of the cup is expected.
Today, cupping is mainly recommended for the treatment of pain, gastro-intestinal disorders, lung diseases (especially chronic cough and asthma), and paralysis, though it can be used for other disorders as well. The areas of the body that are fleshy are preferred sites for cupping.
Further reading:
The Institute of Traditional Medicine
Cupping in the news:
By Michelle Roberts BBC News Online health staff
A. Gua Sha is a healing technique used throughout Asia. Gua means Friction or to rub. Sha is the term used to describe congestion of blood at the surface of the body. When friction is applied in repeated even strokes, the sha surfaces as small red, or multiple blood-red colored pinhead sized areas on your skin. In minutes, the petechiae fade into echymotic patches. The sha disappears totally in two to four days. The color and rate of fading are both diagnostic and prognostic indicators.
The benefits of Gua Sha are numerous. It moves stuck blood, promoting normal circulation to the muscles, tissues, and organs directly beneath the surface treated. The patient experiences immediate changes in stiffness, pain and mobility. Normal metabolic processes are restored by the movement of fluids as nutrients are carried to the tissues and metabolic wastes are carried away. Because Gua Sha mimics sweating, it resolves fever.
Gua Sha cools the patient who is overheated, warms the patient who is chilled, nourishes the patient who is deficient, and clears the patient who is excess. Gua Shao is therefore considered an adaptogenic technique.
A care provider considers Gua Sha in any case of pain or discomfort, for upper respiratory or digestive problems, and for any condition where palpation indicates there is sha.
After Gua Sha, the patient is instructed to cover the area, avoiding wind and exposure to the sun or sudden change in temperature. Stretching is recommended but not a heavy workout on the day of treatment.
A. The words Tui Na translate into "push-grasp" or "poke-pinch" in Chinese. Physically, it is a series of pressing, tapping, and kneading with palms, fingertips, knuckles or implements that help the body to remove blockages along the meridians of the body and stimulates the flow of qi and blood to promote healing, similar to principles of acupuncture, moxibustion, and acupressure. Tui na's massage-like techniques range from light stroking to deep-tissue work which would be considered too vigorous or too painful for a recreational or relaxing massage. Clinical practitioners often use liniment, plasters, herbal compresses and packs to aid in the healing process, which should be used with caution on sensitive skin. Tui na is not used for conditions involving compound fractures, external wounds, open sores or lesions, phlebitis, or with infectious conditions such as hepatitis. Tui na should not be performed on the abdominal portion of a woman in menstrual or pregnant periods, and it is not used for treatment of malignant tumors or tuberculosis.
Further reading:
A. Moxibustion is the process whereby moxa - a dried herb, usually the species mugwort - is burned, either directly on the skin or indirectly above the skin, over specific acupuncture points. The mugwort is harvested in the early part of the summer, and the leaves are dried and allowed to age. It is then brushed and subjected to varying degrees of sifting. The highest-grade moxa almost exclusively consists of the fluffy underside of the leaf. This moxa is considered most appropriate for direct application to the skin. The less refined moxa contains a mixture of the fluffy underbelly of the leaf and parts of the leaf body. This lower-grade moxa tends to be used for indirect application.
When lit, moxa burns slowly and provides a penetrating heat that can enter the channels to influence the Qi and Blood flow. Moxa burns with a characteristic musky odor and can give off a fairly copious amount of smoke, depending on the grade. Some patients may find the smell and the smoke difficult to tolerate, and the odor tends to be retained in the clothing and hair long after the treatment session. Smokeless moxa is available, but it can be very difficult to light and is not commonly used.
Moxa is also available in a loose form for making moxa cones or wrapping around an acupuncture needle. Alternatively, moxa comes packed and rolled in a long stick, about six to eight inches (15-20 cm) long and between one half and three quarter inch (1-2 cm) in diameter.
"What is moxibustion? Practitioners use moxa, or mugwort herb, to warm regions and acupuncture points with the intention of stimulating circulation through the points and inducing a smoother flow of blood and qi.
Medical historians believe that moxibustion pre-dated acupuncture, and needling came to supplement moxa after the 2nd century BC. Different schools of acupuncture use moxa in varying degrees. For example a 5-element acupuncturist will use moxa directly on the skin, whilst a TCM-style practitioner will use rolls of moxa and hold them over the point treated. It can also be burnt atop a fine slice of ginger root to prevent scarring.
There are two types of moxibustion: direct and indirect. In direct moxibustion, a small, cone-shaped amount of moxa is placed on top of an acupuncture point and burned. This type of moxibustion is further categorized into two types: scarring and non-scarring. With scarring moxibustion, the moxa is placed on a point, ignited, and allowed to remain onto the point until it burns out completely. This may lead to localized scarring, blisters and scarring after healing.
With non-scarring moxibustion, the moxa is placed on the point and lit, but is extinguished or removed before it burns the skin. The patient will experience a pleasant heating sensation that penetrates deep into the skin, but should not experience any pain, blistering or scarring unless the moxa is left in place for too long.
Indirect moxibustion is currently the more popular form of care because there is a much lower risk of pain or burning. In indirect moxibustion, a practitioner lights one end of a moxa stick, roughly the shape and size of a cigar, and holds it close to the area being treated for several minutes until the area turns red. Another form of indirect moxibustion uses both acupuncture needles and moxa. A needle is inserted into an acupoint and retained. The tip of the needle is then wrapped in moxa and ignited, generating heat to the point and the surrounding area. After the desired effect is achieved, the moxa is extinguished and the needle(s) removed."
[Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2007 Mar;27(3):189-90.]
Further Reading:
Q. What is Chinese Herbal Medicine?
A. It is estimated that 25% of all drugs originate from natural sourcesFrom this information, we can draw two conclusions. One, herbal medicine possesses tremendous healing powers. Two, the use of herbal medicine should never be taken lightly. Even though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classify herbs as "dietary supplements," they do possess strong medicinal properties. When used correctly, they can treat a wide variety of diseases and ailments; but if used incorrectly, they may contribute to unwanted side effects and adverse reactions.
The ultimate responsibility of a health care practitioner is to prevent illness and heal individuals who have become ill or injured. We are blessed today with a wide selection of treatment modalities, including herbs and drugsIt is our duty as health care practitioners to inform our patients of the treatment options available, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each course of action.
Source: Lotus Institute of Integrative Medicine
Herbal medicine has an extensive history beginning around the Zhou Dynasty, Late Bronze/Early Iron Age at about 2500 to 3000 years ago. Herbal medicines are found in every culture and most of the medicines we have today in our modern pharmacies come from natural sources and synthesized chemically to isolate the active component of the plant to create a pharmaceutical drug.
Chinese Herbal Medicine is a powerful system; each formula is tailored for the individual patient. This is based on signs and symptoms and the pulse and tongue diagnosis.
Herbal Medicines can be used with or without Acupuncture therapy but in most instances they are used in tandem. Think of the herbal medicine as take home acupuncture. There are many herbal formulas to address many conditions. Herbal medicine can be used in place of s ome of the western drugs where indicated. Remember that there can be Herb Drug interactions so it is very important that you tell me all the drugs you are currently taking.
Further reading:
Institute of Traditional Medicine
Q. Will my insurance cover acupuncture?
A. Some insurance companies currently cover acupuncture or manipulative therapy if they do not cover acupuncture services. My office can verify your insurance to see what benefits you may have. Please let me verify your insurance to see what benefits you may have my billing officer will contact your insurance company and get the necessary information.
Currently some plans from Aetna, Cigna, and Blue Cross & Blue Shield do cover either Acupuncture or Manual Therapy or both. Insurance coverage varies from state to state.
Q. What are the fees for Acupuncture?
A. Please call me for my fee for service charges: +13057251152
Q. What can acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine treat?
A. Acupuncture
National Institutes of Health.
Consensus Development Conference Statement
November 3-5, 1997
This statement is more than five years old and is provided solely for historical purposes. Due to the cumulative nature of medical research, new knowledge has inevitably accumulated in this subject area in the time since the statement was initially prepared. Thus some of the material is likely to be out of date, and at worst simply wrong. For reliable, current information on this and other health topics, we recommend consulting the National Institutes of Health's MedlinePlus http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/.
Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Here is a list of a few health concerns that acupuncture has been effective in treating:
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Addictions to alcohol, drug, smoking, food |
Facial Bells palsy/tics |
PMS Menstrual Issues |
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Anxiety |
Fatigue |
Reproductive Problems |
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Arthritis |
Fibromyalgia |
Rhinitis |
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Asthma |
Fertility |
Sciatica |
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Bronchitis |
Gingivitis |
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) |
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome |
Headache |
Shoulder Pain |
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Chronic Fatigue |
Hiccough |
Sinusitis |
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Colitis |
Incontinence |
Sleep disturbances |
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Common Cold |
Indigestion |
Smoking Cessation |
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Constipation |
Irritable bowel syndrome |
Sore Throat |
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Dental Pain |
Low back pain |
Stress |
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Depression |
Menopause |
Tennis Elbow |
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Diarrhea |
Menstrual Irregularities |
Tonsillitis |
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Digestive Trouble |
Migraine |
Tooth Pain |
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Dizziness |
Morning Sickness |
Trigeminal Neuralgia |
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Dysentery |
Nausea |
Urinary Tract Infections |
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Emotional Problems |
Osteoarthritis |
Vomiting |
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Eye Problems |
Pain |
Wrist Pain |
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Post Stroke Recovery |
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 Mouth
Toothache (post-extraction pain) Gingivitis Acute and Chronic Pharyngitis
Gastro-intestinal 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 Musculo-skeletal 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 Cervico-brachial Syndrome Frozen Shoulder Tennis Elbow Sciatica Low Back Pain Osteoarthritis
Reference:
http://www.amfoundation.org/acupuncture.htm
Q. Are the effects real or placebo?
A. Any form of therapy be it medical or psychological carries a potential of positive psychosomatic response. An interesting concept is that acupuncture therapy has been used in veterinary settings for some time now and has demonstrated that at least in animals there is no psychosomatic or hypnotic response seen in these subjects.
Q. How widely is acupuncture used in the United States?
A. In the past two decades, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United States. The report from a Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1997 stated that acupuncture is being "widely" practiced - by thousands of physicians, dentists, acupuncturists, and other practitioners - for relief or prevention of pain and for various other health conditions.1 According to the 2002 National Health Interview Survey--the largest and most comprehensive survey of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by American adults to date--an estimated 8.2 million U.S. adults had ever used acupuncture, and an estimated 2.1 million U.S. adults had used acupuncture in the previous year.
Barnes PM, Powell-Griner E, McFann K, Nahin RL. Complementary and alternative medicine use among adults: United States, 2002. CDC Advance Data Report #343. 2004.
Q. Does acupuncture work and how might acupuncture work?
A. Does acupuncture work?
According to the NIH Consensus Statement on Acupuncture, there have been many studies on acupuncture's potential usefulness, but results have been mixed because of complexities with study design and size, as well as difficulties with choosing and using placebos or sham acupuncture. However, promising results have emerged, showing efficacy of acupuncture, for example, in adult postoperative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting and in postoperative dental pain. There are other situations - such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low-back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma - in which acupuncture may be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative or be included in a comprehensive management program. An NCCAM-funded study recently showed that acupuncture provides pain relief, improves function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee, and serves as an effective complement to standard care. 7 Further research is likely to uncover additional areas where acupuncture interventions will be useful.8
NIH has funded a variety of research projects on acupuncture. These grants have been funded by NCCAM, its predecessor the Office of Alternative Medicine, and other NIH institutes and centers.
Visit the NCCAM Web site, or call the NCCAM Clearinghouse for more information on scientific findings about acupuncture.
Read the NIH Consensus Statement on Acupuncture, to learn what scientific experts have said about the use and effectiveness of acupuncture for a variety of conditions.
How might acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is one of the key components of the system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In the TCM system of medicine, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, while yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle. Among the major assumptions in TCM are that health is achieved by maintaining the body in a "balanced state" and that disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of qi (vital energy) along pathways known as meridians. It is believed that there are 12 main m eridians and 8 secondary meridians and that there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body that connect with them.
Preclinical studies have documented acupuncture's effects, but they have not been able to fully explain how acupuncture works within the framework of the Western system of medicine that is commonly practiced in the United States.9-14 It is proposed that acupuncture produces its effects through regulating the nervous system, thus aiding the activity of pain-killing biochemicals such as endorphins and immune system cells at specific sites in the body. In addition, studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and, thus, affecting the parts of the central nervous system related to sensation and involuntary body functions, such as immune reactions and processes that regulate a person's blood pressure, blood flow, and body temperature.15, 16
Reference: National Institutes of Health
A. Definitions
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM): A group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered an integral part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, and alternative medicine is used in place of conventional medicine. Some health care providers practice both CAM and conventional medicine.
Conventional medicine: A whole medical system practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals, such as physical therapists, psychologists, and registered nurses. Other terms for conventional medicine include allopathy; Western, mainstream, and orthodox medicine; and biomedicine.
Fibromyalgia: A complex chronic condition having multiple symptoms, including muscle pain, fatigue, and tenderness in precise, localized areas, particularly in the neck, spine, shoulders, and hips. People with this syndrome may also experience sleep disturbances, morning stiffness, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and other symptoms.
Meridian: A traditional Chinese medicine term for each of the 20 pathways throughout the body for the flow of qi, or vital energy, accessed through acupuncture points.
Placebo: An inactive pill or sham procedure given to a participant in a research study as part of a test of the effects of another substance or treatment. Scientists use placebos to get a true picture of how the substance or treatment under investigation affects participants. In recent years, the definition of placebo has been expanded to include such things as aspects of interactions between patients and their health care providers that may affect their expectations and the study's outcomes.
Preclinical study: A study done to obtain information about a treatment's safety and side effects when given at different doses to animals or to cells grown in the laboratory.
Qi: A Chinese term for vital energy or life force. In traditional Chinese medicine, qi (pronounced "chee") is believed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance, and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin and yang.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): A whole medical system that was documented in China by the 3rd century B.C. TCM is based on a concept of vital energy, or qi, that is believed to flow throughout the body. It is proposed to regulate a person's spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical balance and to be influenced by the opposing forces of yin (negative energy) and yang (positive energy). Disease is proposed to result from the flow of qi being disrupted and yin and yang becoming unbalanced. Among the components of TCM are herbal and nutritional therapy, restorative physical exercises, meditation, acupuncture, and remedial massage.
For More Information
NCCAM Clearinghouse
The NCCAM Clearinghouse provides information on CAM and on NCCAM, including publications and searches of Federal databases of scientific and medical literature. The Clearinghouse does not provide medical advice, treatment recommendations, or referrals to practitioners.
Toll-free in the U.S.: +1-888-644-6226
TTY (for deaf and hard-of-hearing callers): +1-866-464-3615
Web site: nccam.nih.gov
E-mail: info@nccam.nih.gov
CAM on PubMed®
CAM on PubMed, a database on the Web developed jointly by NCCAM and the National Library of Medicine, offers abstracts of articles in scientifically based, peer-reviewed journals on complementary and alternative medicine. Some abstracts link to the full text of articles.
Web site: www.nlm.nih.gov/nccam/camonpubmed.html
ClinicalTrials.gov
ClinicalTrials.gov is a database of information on clinical trials, primarily in the United States and Canada, for a wide range of diseases and conditions. It is sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Web site:www.clinicaltrials.gov
http://www.acupuncturemediaworks.com/
Q. What is conventonal, alternative, and complementary medicine?
A. Conventional medicine is medicine as practiced by holders of M.D. (medical doctor) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy) degrees and by their allied health professionals such as nurses, physical therapists, and dietitians. CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not currently considered to be part of conventional medicine. Complementary medicine is used along with conventional medicine. Alternative medicine is used instead of conventional medicine. Some conventional medicine practitioners also practice CAM.
Reference: NCCAM, National Institutes of Health
Q. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Where does this office get it's Chinese Herbal Medicines?
A.
