What are Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine?

Acupuncture is an increasingly popular form of health care therapy. Acupuncture is a part of the overall field of Oriental Medicine. Acupuncturists may be trained in other therapeutic techniques including nutrition, herbal medicine, and body therapies like tui na (pronounced twee-naa), a form of oriental massage therapy. Acupuncture is most widely known for pain relief. But it also is excellent for immune enhancement, general wellness, sports performance, stress reduction, chemotherapy nausea, and addictions to alcohol, cigarettes, and hard drugs. This is because Oriental Medicine treats the whole person, not just individual symptoms. The treatments are gentle and free of dangerous side effects when performed by a trained practitioner. Oriental medicine is cost-effective and may be covered by some insurance companies.

Acupuncture is a system of healthcare that balances the energy flows in the body. This energy is called "chi" or "qi" (pronounced "chee.") It flows through channels called meridians. Each meridian has specific acupuncture points where the energy can be accessed. The interactions of these energy systems are described by a theory known as the Five Elements or Five Phases. The needles are inserted into acupuncture points. The needles may be affected by manual manipulation or by electro-stimulation with very low voltage electricity. The acupuncture points and meridians may also be affected by warming them with moxabustion, a process involving the use of burning aromatic mugwort leaves.

Acupuncture is the gentle insertion of thin, sterile, disposable needles into specific points on the surface of the body. The needles are as thing as 1-2 human hairs. When inserted, the sensation of the needle is not much more than a mosquito bite. Th needles stimulate the release of endorphins in the body and lead to a deep state of relaxation.

At the first visit, a complete health history is taken. A comprehensive exam may follow. There may be questions about one's general health as well as the specific complaint. In addition, the practitioner will include a detailed examination and analysis of the pulse and tongue, and even abdominal palpation and facial diagnosis. After a diagnosis is made, an acupuncture (and possibly herbal) prescription is made. The patient may be asked to be seated or lie down for the treatment. The number of needles may be ten to twenty, although the practitioner may choose more or less. The needles remain in place for 15-45 minutes. A similar amount of needles may be placed on the other side of the body for a similar time. Herbal medicines may be prescribed if determined to be helpful.

The number of treatments will vary to resolve a problem. Seldom is one treatment enough. Expect to have at least four treatments before reassessment. Often, complex and chronic problems require ten or more treatments before improvement or benefit occurs.