What Is Acupuncture FAQs | KAM Medical Acupuncture Inc

What Is Acupuncture?

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Discover the Medical Benefits of Acupuncture Treatments

Please read this brief explanation for patients from The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture® and then contact the team at KAM Medical Acupuncture Inc if you're interested in a FREE initial consultation. You can use our convenient online form.

Acupuncture: What Is It?

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at precise acupuncture points.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

The Classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish tissue.

An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others. Acupuncture needles unblock obstructions at the dams and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians.

What Is Medical Acupuncture? Is It Different From Ordinary Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a very old medical art with many approaches to learning and practicing it.

Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use either approach or a combination of both as the need arises to treat an illness.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or longstanding conditions, one or two treatments per week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health maintenance, one session a month is all that is necessary.

Are There Any Side Effects to the Treatment?

Usually not. As energy gets redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally, the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or one may experience other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or even in the emotional state. These should not cause concern, as they indicate that the acupuncture treatment is starting to work.

Will the Needles Hurt? What Are They Like?

People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted, some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel.

The pain is not as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle. Because your doctor carefully sterilizes the needles using the same techniques as for surgical instruments, or uses disposable needles. You don't have to worry about the risk of infection from the treatments.

Some of the Other Questions You May Have in Mind

What Will My Acupuncturist Do?

During your initial exam a full health history will be taken. Your acupuncturist will ask questions regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist may also check your pulse, tongue, and palpate specific areas to help further their diagnostic intake.
Is Acupuncture Safe for Children

Yes. In some instances children actually respond more quickly to acupuncture than adults. If your child has an aversion to needles, your acupuncturi st may massage the acupuncture points. This is called acupressure or Tui Na.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?

Acupuncture is recognized by leading national and international health organizations to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems. Below are some of the conditions acupuncture can help with:
Acute Baclll.1ry Dysentery
Acute EpignstrJigia
Allergies
Anxiety
Arthrilis
Asthma
Autoimmune diseases
Back pain
Biliary colle
Breech birth presentation
Cancer Care
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Colds and Flu
Conjunctivitis
Dental Pain
Depression
Diabetes
Digestive Disorders
Facial Pain
Facial Rejuvenation
Fertility
Fibromyalgia
Gastritis
Hay Fever
Headaches
HIV I AIDS
Hypertension / Hypotension
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Induction of labor
Insomnia
And more
How Should I Prepare?

Write down and bring any questions you have.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
Do not eat large meals just before or after your visit.
Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to six hours after the visit.
Avoid stressful situations.
Make time to relax and be sure to get plenty of rest.
Between visits, make note of any changes that may have occurred, such as the alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, or changes in the frequency and type of symptoms.