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Susan I. Moreno, MD, PC
196 Grove Avenue, Suite E
Thorofare,
NJ
08086
info@drmoreno.com
(856) 845-2323
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Here Are Some Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture:
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What is Acupuncture?
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 the tissues. 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.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points as the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, energy production activities and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the body's natural abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
What is Medical Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a very old medical art and there are 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 one or the other approach or a combination of both as the need arises to treat an illness.
What is the Scope of Medical Acupuncture?
Medical acupuncture is a system that can influence the following three areas of health care:
• promotion of health and well-being
• prevention of illness
• treatment of various medical conditions
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used or as the support or adjunct to other medical treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders.
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems including:
Digestive disorders--gastritis, hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation and diarrhea
Respiratory disorders--sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma and recurrent chest infections
Neurological and muscular disorders--headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica and osteoarthritis
Urinary, menstrual and reproductive problems
Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension, stress and emotional conditions.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex and long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required. For health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is necessary.
Do the Needles Hurt?
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted and some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, no pain is felt.
Acupuncture needles are very thin, solid and made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle. Because your doctor uses disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.
Are There Any Side Effects to the Treatments?
Usually not. As energy is 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 other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel/urination patterns or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work.
It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
Does Acupuncture Really Work?
Yes! In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today, acupuncture is widely practiced in Asia, Russia and Europe. It is now being used more and more in America.
Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician/acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.
Should I Believe in Acupuncture for it to Work?
Acupuncture is used successfully on dogs, cats, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.
Is Acupuncture Covered by Health Insurance?
Some insurance companies currently cover acupuncture costs while others do not yet recognize the value of acupuncture. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits. My office will assist you in determining your most appropriate method of payment.
Are There Any Special Things I Should or Shouldn't Do on the Day of Treatment?
Yes! To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:
Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity or consume alcoholic beverages within six hours before or after treatment.
Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest or at least not be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor.
Remember to keep good written or mental notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem.
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For additional information on acupuncture or to schedule an appointment, please call our office and we will be glad to accommodate you. Don't keep putting off the messages your body is sending to you. Listen to them . . . now . . . and act. Help yourself and let us help you
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