Sticking to the Facts! Everyone can Benefit From Acupuncture

Sticking to the Facts - Learn How Everyone Can Benefit

Posted on May 31, 2012 at 1:54 pmThis Ancient Medicine has been practiced for thousands of years in China, but has only gained popularity in the U.S. over the past 25 year.  Did you know that 36% of U.S. adults have used complementary and alternative medicine, most of which has been Acupuncture.  In fact, everyone can benefit  from Acupuncture whether seeking help for an existing health issue or just to promote overal wellness and to help prevent future issues. 

Acupuncture is an evidenced based medicine and research from the National Institute of Health proves that Acupuncture is effective for use in pain management, osteoarthritis, postoperative or chemotherapy-related nausea, addiction, stroke rehabilitation, infertility and asthma, among others.  Additionally, The World Health Organization declares Acupuncture's efficacy in relieving anxiety, panic disorders, insomnia and 42 other medical conditions.

In attempts to raise awareness about Acupuncture in my own community, I am sharing some of these Acupuncture Facts with you.

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE: Acupuncture is a modality of Traditional Chinese Medicine that requires the insertion of tiny filiform needles into various acupoints on the body.  The Ancient Chinese discovered that every living being has energy that flows through invisible meridians (channels) throughout the body.  This energy is known as "Qi"and is the motive life force in all living beings.  In healthy individuals the Qi flows smoothly through these channels/meridians.  An obstruction or imbalance in the flow of Qi results in illness, pain or disease.

Think of a garden hose, water flows smoothly through the hose as long as there are no kinks.  When a kink occurs, the water builds up on one side of the kink, preventing the water from flowing through.  Now envision 14 garden hoses attached to one another and arranged within the body.  Each hose is connected to an organ in the body.  You can see how a kink in just one of the hoses can affect all the other hoses/organs throughout the body.  The kink or blockage results in pain and/or disease. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are used to restore the smooth flow of Qi (remove the kinks) and bring the body back into balance so the body can naturally heal itself. 

So you may be asking yourself, what could cause these so called "kinks?" Our Qi or energy can become kinked or blocked from physical/emotional trauma, stress, poor lifestyle and diet, exposure to cold, damp and windy weather, to name a few. 

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK? Below are a list of theories put forth by our medical community:

 - Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which relieve pain - Acupuncture stimulates the release of neurotransmitters (substances that transmit nerve impluses to the brain to block pain)

 - Acupuncture has a profound effect on the Autonomic Nervous System - Acupuncture stimulates circulation

 - Acupuncture enhances the body's immune response (this is why it is so useful in treating people undergoing cancer treatments)

THE MOST COMMON QUESTION OF ALL - DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT? Extremely fine needles are used in the treatment of Acupuncture, making the experience virtually painless.  Most patients don't feel the needles being inserted because the needles are as fine as 3 strains of hair.  Many people fall asleep during their treatment. 

WHAT S A TYPICAL ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT LIKE? Upon arrival the patient is asked to fill out a detailed health history questionnaire.  Then, the acupuncturist will review the health history with the patient and go over the patient's primary health concern and lifestyle.  The acupuncturist will then take the patients pulse and check their tongue.  In Chinese medicine the pulse and tongue give the Acupuncturist a good picture of what is going on with the organ systems and helps in the dianostic process. After the interview, the practitioner will come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan for the patient.  The treatment plan is specific to the individual, NOT THEIR DISEASE. 

 The needles will then be inserted into various acupoints on the body.  The patient may feel a heaviness or tingling sensation around the needle insertion site.  The needles are typically retained for 20-30 minutes.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED? The number of treatments needed are based on the severtity and chronicity of the condition.  However, most patients feel improvement after the 1st or 2nd treatment.  

WHAT KINDS OF NEEDLES ARE USED? Tiny filiform needles are used and all the needles used are disposable, pre-sterilized and pre-packaged.  After each treatment, all needles are placed in a medically approved sharps container and disposed of according to EPA rules.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CONDITIONS THAT ACUPUNCTURE TREATS? Addicitions, anxiety, arthritis (anywhere in the body), tendonitis, joint pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, gastrointestinal issues, respiratory issues like asthma, depression, musculoskeletal pain, female and male infertility, PMS, painful periods, stress, menstrual irregularities, smoking cessation, degenerative disk disorders, fibromyalgia, and migraines to name a few. 

WHAT EDUCATION IS REQUIRED TO BECOME AN ACUPUNCTURIST IN NJ? It takes 7 to 8 years to become an Acupuncturist in NJ.  First, one must have their bachelors degree in the sciences or pre-med, then go to an accredited Acupuncture school for a minimum of 3 years.  Acupuncture Programs consist of various classes in the areas of both Acupuncture theory and western biomedicine as well as a full year of a clinical internship to obtain the experience of treating patients.   The state of NJ also requires not only taking the National Boards for Acupuncture, but also one must take the NJ board as well. 

The National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine require that Acupuncturists take 3 National Board Examinations to test proficiency and knowledge in the areas of Acupuncture, Theory, and Biomedicine.  All NJ Acupuncturist are licensed by the NJ Board of Medical Examiners once they pass the NJ Boards. 

Deborah Waddell

Director of Skylands