Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the most ancient and most commonly used medical procedures in the world. It originated in China over 2000 years ago but it became popular in North America during the 70’s when New York Times reporter James Reston wrote an article about how Chinese doctors had used acupuncture to relieve his pain after surgery in China. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese philosophy and developed through careful observation of the body in disease and health.
Acupuncture is just one form of therapy used within Traditional Chinese Medicine TCM). Other modalities of TCM include herbology, physical therapy, dietetics and special exercises (such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong).
2. How does Acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is based on three basic theories; Meridian Theory, the 5 Element Theory and YinYang Theory:
Meridian Theory refers to a complex network of Meridians through which “Qi” travels in the body. “Qi” is usually translated as energy but it involves more than that, it is the very basic substance of life. Qi travels in these meridians like water travels through rivers, nourishing the cells, muscles and organs in its path. When there is a blockage in a Meridian the Qi can’t flow freely and this impedes proper nourishment to the tissues. There are 12 main meridians distributed along the body, all of which are directly related with specific organs and their functions. There are 8 extraordinary meridians. Then there are smaller ‘collateral meridians’, which interconnect the main meridians. With the use of very thin needles inserted into specific anatomical points, the Acupuncturist is able to ‘Tap’ meridians and regulate the Qi flowing through them. This promotes the natural flow of energy and stimulates the body’s potential to heal itself.
The Five-Element Theory is a more organic way of viewing the body. It involves the study of Nature to determine universal principles than can be applied to health and disease. The five elements are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. They were selected based on the observations of ancient oriental philosophers who theorized that the natural world embodied these elemental characteristics. The elements also link to different organs and functions of the body, they influence each other through different mechanisms and they can also be tonified or reduced through the skilful use of Acupuncture.
Yin Yang Theory is a binary analysis of life and the processes involved in it. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive aspect, while yang represents the hot, excited, or active aspect. Yin and Yang are mutual opposites; they consume each other and at the same time promote each other. For the body to be healthy there has to be a balance of both. Disease is caused when either Yin or Yang is in excess or become deficient, upsetting the delicate balance required for health.
3. How can you explain Acupuncture Scientifically?
Scientific research of the mechanism of acupuncture was started only a half century ago, first in Japan and China, then gradually in France and Germany. Even though there has been a great amount of research done all over the world, no one can yet explain the conclusive mechanism of acupuncture. There are, however, a few theories that are widely accepted to explain many different aspects of acupuncture mechanism. The Meridian System doesn’t always link to the nervous system or the vascular system although there may sometimes be some similarities. However there have been tests where electric impulses have been conducted through the body and then measured along the meridians, these have shown that conductivity is higher along meridian pathways. Currently the most common explanation is 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, 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.
4. What is the first Treatment Session like?
The first treatment session involves an extended consultation where your acupuncturist may ask many questions relating to your general health and condition. It may seem like many of the questions don’t have anything to do with your current condition. However, these are important to enable the Acupuncturist to make an accurate diagnosis. The Acupuncturist will also feel your pulse and look at your tongue as diseases often manifest as changes in the texture and quality of the pulse and the shape, colour, moisture and coating of the tongue. This may provide important clues towards the diagnosis. In TCM a diagnosis is made by examining different body functions and determining a certain pattern of disease. The treatment is then tailored to the diagnosed pattern, not to the specific symptoms a patient may be experiencing.
For example, if a patient comes in to treat a Migraine Headache the practitioner will want to know about the patients sleep, their digestion, their bowel movements etc… This will give the practitioner an idea of the underlying pattern that is causing the migraine, he will then prepare a treatment plan to eliminate that pattern and restore balance in the body. There are no specific points to simply treat migraine, as the migraine itself is not the disease, it is only a symptom of it.
After making a Diagnosis and a Treatment Plan the Acupuncturist will have you lay down or sit in a comfortable position. If it is your first visit, he/she should review the procedure with you and explain a little what you may feel during the treatment. Prior to needle insertion the skin is sterilized with rubbing Alcohol. Very thin Single-use, Sterile Acupuncture needles are then inserted into specific points on the body. These may be manipulated manually by the practitioner or connected to an electric stimulator. They may be left in 15min to 1 hour depending on the treatment. They are then removed and discarded into a Sharps Container.
During a Treatment session an Acupuncturist may also decide to do Tui-Na massage, Cupping (using suction cups to create suction on the skin) or moxibustion (Penetrating heat therapy using Burning Moxa- Dried Mugwort).
5. What should I expect during treatment?
During the Treatment you may feel warmth, tingling or heaviness of the areas being treated. This is normal, in fact it is a good sign that your body is reacting to the treatment. You may also feel drowsy during and after the Acupuncture session, it is best if you can take a few minutes after the treatment to relax and recover before driving away.
6. How should I prepare for my Acupuncture Treatment?
Note any questions that you may have for your acupuncturist. Before you visit your Acupuncturist it is good to pay attention to some of the details below as your practitioner will probably want to ask you about them:
• How is your sleep? How many hours do you sleep, do you wake up rested?
• How is your appetite, do certain foods aggravate your condition?
• How are your bowel movements, how often do you have a bowel movement?
• How are your emotions, are you usually angry, irritable, sad, depressed?
• Do you tend to feel warm or cold, do you crave warm drinks or cold drinks?
• If you are menstruating where are you on your menstrual cycle?
7. Does it Hurt?
Acupuncture needles are about as thick as a human hair, for this reason they feel very different to what an injection would feel like. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Usually people may feel warmth or tingling or heaviness in the areas that are being needled. Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed, this may vary depending on the treatment and on the patient.
8. How deep do the needles go?
The insertion depth of the needles varies greatly depending on their location on the body, the practitioners’ style of treatment and the condition being treated.
9. Is Acupuncture Safe?
The CTCMA (College of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture of BC) requires that sterile, non-toxic, single-use needles be used by qualified practitioners only. Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used. 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.
Most common adverse effects related to acupuncture are mild bruising or pain at needle sites. The most common complaint reported on acupuncture is of needles being forgotten and not removed by the acupuncturist. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections and punctured organs, for this reason it is very important to make sure your acupuncturist is certified and registered under the CTCMA.
