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Q: WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
A: Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles by the acupuncturist into the body at specific points to promote the body's own natural healing and to improve its functioning.
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Q: HOW IS ACUPUNCTURE USED?
A: Acupuncture is used by the acupuncturist to not only control pain , but also to promote health, prevent illness, and treat various medical conditions. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, including-
Neurological and muscular: acute and chronic pain (e.g. head, neck and shoulders, hip and knee, upper and lower back), migraine, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, Bell's Palsy, TMJ, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and other sports injuries, swelling and pain from sprains and fractures, sciatica, and various forms of tendonitis
Respiratory: sinusitis, allergies, asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, and recurrent chest infections
Urinary, menstrual, menopausal problems: hot flashes, night sweats, PMS, bladder problems
Tension and stress-related conditions: anxiety, panic attacks, mood disorders
Digestive: gastritis, acid reflux, duodenal ulcers, spastic colon, constipation, bacterial dysentery, and diarrhea
Eye, ear, nose, and throat: toothache, pain from extraction, sinus inflammation, and conjunctivitis.
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Q: HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
A: Channels of energy, called meridians, run through the body and over its surface. Like rivers, these energy channels flow through the body to irrigate and nourish tissues. When an obstruction in the flow of energy occurs, these channels back up like a dam. Acupuncture needles inserted by the acupuncturist at certain points unblock the energy and reestablish a healthy flow. This in turn helps the body's organs correct imbalances in digestion, absorption, and energy production. In Western medical science, it is believed that stimulating acupuncture points releases chemicals in the muscles and nervous system that either alter the pain or trigger the release of other chemicals that influence the body's regulatory systems. The improved energy flow and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture treatment stimulates the body's own healing process and promotes physical and emotional well-being.
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Q: DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
A: Most patients have only mild discomfort when the acupuncturist inserts needles -- some feel no pain at all. Acupuncture needles are extremely thin, solid, and made from stainless steel. The point is smooth, rather than hollow like a hypodermic needle, and inserts easily with little pain. If the acupuncturist properly places the needle, you can expect to feel some cramping or a sense of heaviness, tingling or an electric sensation around the needle or traveling along the affected energy path. Once the needles are inserted there is relatively no sensation at all.
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Q: ARE NEEDLES CLEAN? IS THERE ANY RISK OF DISEASE?
A: the acupuncturist uses only sterile, individually packaged, single-use needles, so there is no risk of infection from acupuncture treatments. The depth of insertion depends upon the nature of the problem being treated, the style of acupuncture practiced, and the patient's size, age, or constitution -- usually 1/4 to 1 inch. This Portland Vancouver acupuncturist practices Tan Style acupuncture.
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Q: HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
A: The number of treatments required depends upon the condition being treated and varies from person to person. Complex, long-standing, or degenerative conditions may require as many as 1 to 3 treatments per week for several months. Acute problems usually require fewer visits, however, and health supportive sessions are recommended every 1 to 2 months.
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Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?
A: To enhance the value of your treatment: Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid one-piece dresses or tight stockings. Do not eat a large meal immediately before or after your treatment. If possible, avoid over-exercising or consuming alcohol within 6 hours of your treatment. Make a mental or written note of your response to your last treatment so this acupuncturist can design the most effective follow up.
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Q: WHAT SHOULD I DO DURIONG THE TREAMENT; WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
A: Most importantly -- relax. And do not hesitate to ask your acupuncturist questions. Also try not to change your position or move suddenly. If you are lying or sitting in an uncomfortable position or feeling some other discomfort, tell your acupuncturist. Let your acupuncturist know immediately if you experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, or shortness of breath -- symptoms which often accompany nervousness.
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Q: WHAT CAN I EXPEXT AFTER THE TREATMENT?
A: As energy begins to flow again in the body, various chemical and hormonal healing processes are stimulated. Immediately after the treatment, you may feel very deeply relaxed, perhaps even slightly euphoric. Occasionally, a spot of blood may appear at one or more of the needle sites or a small bruise may develop. These should not be harmful, but talk to your acupuncturist if you are concerned.
You may experience an immediate relief -- total or partial -- of your pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some pain may return. In other cases, relief will not be immediate but will occur after successive visits. Occasionally, the original symptoms may worsen for a day or two or another change may be triggered in appetite, sleep, elimination, or emotional state. This reaction is typically a sign that the acupuncture is starting to work.
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Q: IS ACUPUNCTURE EFFECTIVE?
A: In the past 2,000 years, more people have been treated effectively through acupuncture than by all other procedures combined. Acupuncture is practiced extensively in Europe, throughout Asia, and its use in the United States is growing. Acupuncture is often used in combination with other techniques such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathy and chiropractic, homeopathy, naturopathy, nutritional and herbal medicine.
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Q: IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?
A: Some insurance companies cover the costs of acupuncture; others do not. It is your responsibility to find out. Most coverage today provides discounts. These plans are more related to fee for service and AcuNatural Family Healthcare recognizes those plans. We are currently in the process of eliminating all other types of insurance plan coverage, so please call us for details.
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