1. What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest healing treatments in the world and is a key constituent of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Acupuncture is used to regulate or correct the flow of “Qi” to restore health. It involves the stimulation of special pressure points under the skin’s surface for therapeutic purposes. This simulation can alter various psychological and bio-chemical reactions within the body, release endorphins and balance the flow of energy within the body to treat several ailments.
2. What are Chinese Herbs?
Chinese herbs are specific extracts of organic plants, animals and minerals etc. that are being used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries. Known for their natural healing properties, these medicines are used for treating several ailments and conditions that do not respond well to western medicine. They are either used individually for treatment, or alongside acupuncture to speed up the healing process. Currently, we have over 500 Chinese herbal medicines in our clinic. These consist of raw herbs, powdered herbs, patent herbs, herbal tea, herb capsules or liquid extracts. Dr. Luo will customize the herbal formula based on your unique condition and preferences.
3. What is meant by Qi?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi (pronounced as ‘chi’) corresponds to the life energy flowing inside the body. It is an active principle in the life of any living thing. Qi can be influenced and balanced by stimulating specific points within the body that are located along the ‘meridians’.
4. What is Meridian?
As per Chinese Medical theory, Meridian is the path or channel of energy flow in the body that connects all our major organs. An imbalance of Qi across the meridians results in an illness or health problem.
5. How does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture involves insertions of specialized needles across specific points within the skin that balance the influence of Qi within the body. The treatment also releases endorphins that relieve pain, stimulate circulation that relaxes the nerves and encourage the treatment of various ailments. Acupuncture also relaxes the body psychologically, and thus is considered to be an effective treatment for depression, addiction etc.
6. Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is a natural healing treatment and is considered to be safe and risk-free for treating a variety of conditions. There are little side effects involved in the treatment, like minor stinging, but mostly the symptoms reduce gradually after a few minutes. Discuss your conditions with your acupuncturist regularly so that your maximum comfort and relaxation is ensured.
7. How Many Treatments Do I Need?
Every individual responds to the treatment differently; thus, there is no definite time period that can be quoted in advance for complete healing. The duration of the treatment normally depends upon the patient’s age, health, the condition being treated and their response to acupuncture. However, you can always call our office for a 10 minute free consultation. Dr. Luo will discuss your condition in detail and then advice you about the treatment plan and duration.
8. Does Acupuncture Hurt?
As the special needles used in acupuncture treatment around 25 to 50 times thinner than a regular needle, most people do not experience pain at all. However, some may feel a little sensation or discomfort the moment the needle pierces the skin.
A mild feeling of tingling, numbing or heaviness may follow in some cases, but mostly the experience is highly relaxing and satisfying. Some people even fall asleep during the twenty to forty minutes of acupuncture treatment.
Though thin needles are used in most cases, a few conditions respond more well to thicker needles. If you feel uncomfortable with the needles you should let your physician know in the earnest so that they replace the needle with a finer gauge.
9. What is the Relationship between Science and Acupuncture?
In western medicine, acupuncture points are areas with electrical sensitivity and simulation at these points impulse the nerves and transmit a calming activity. Acupuncture results in the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters that regulate the hormonal system and heal various ailments naturally. The physiological and psychological effects of acupuncture stabilize the immunity system within the body and provide relief from pain, depression, inflammations and muscle spasms etc.