Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a treatment which uses the insertion of very fine needles through the skin at specific points on the body to encourage natural healing, relief of pain and improved body function. It is safe, effective and often used as an alternative to medications or even surgery. There is no injection of any substance and the treatment itself causes minimal discomfort. It can be used in addition to, or instead of traditional medical therapy. “Classical” acupuncture was developed in China as a system of diagnosing and treating pain and disease. It is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which aims to improve function and health by balancing body energy and blood flow. Although proven successful for hundreds of years, the scientific and medical communities have now begun to study acupuncture in order to gain an understanding of its effectiveness. “Anatomical” acupuncture refers to a new approach taken by western trained acupuncture therapists, including the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (AFCI). Modern therapists combine traditional acupuncture techniques with current anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology principles. A number of technological advances have allowed new variations in acupuncture treatment. Electro-acupuncture involves stimulation of inserted needles with gentle electrical impulses. Rubber-covered electrodes or moistened cotton-tipped applicators can also be used to deliver electrical stimulation to acupuncture. Low power laser may also be used instead of needles to stimulate appropriate points. How does Acupuncture work? Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called “endorphins”. These chemicals mimic morphine by attaching to opiate receptor sites found throughout the nervous system. Endorphins help to block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain. This results in relief of pain, general relaxation and biochemical restoration of the body’s own internal regulation systems. Acupuncture also stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities, reduces inflammation, and promotes physical and emotional well-being. How is Acupuncture used today? Acupuncture is very effective in treating a variety of painful disorders, both acute and chronic. The World Health Organization has identified the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems including: • Digestive disorders; gastritis, hyperacidity, spastic bowel, constipation, diarrhea • Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma • Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, neck and back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendonitis, sciatica, arthritis • Urinary, menstrual and reproductive disorders • Addiction, insomnia In treating any illness or affliction, a correct diagnosis is important before any decisions are made regarding therapy. Once the diagnosis is established, a qualified practitioner can advise whether acupuncture is appropriate. Are there any adverse effects or risks to the treatment? One of the most striking aspects of acupuncture is the almost complete absence of adverse effects and complications from its use. Most patients find that the treatments are relaxing and cause minimal discomfort. People with pacemakers should avoid acupuncture that uses electrical stimulation unless approved by the cardiologist. Women in early pregnancy and haemophiliacs should be treated with caution. The AFCI recommends that only sterile disposable needles be used in order to prevent a risk of infection, including AIDS or hepatitis viruses. Does it hurt? Most patients feel only minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted and some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no significant discomfort. Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and are made from stainless steel. Two or three acupuncture needles would fit inside the barrel of a regular hollow needle used for injections. How many treatments will be required? The number of treatments will vary with each individual and the condition being treated. For acute problems, only a few treatments may be required. In some cases, one treatment will be sufficient. For complex or longstanding conditions, one or two treatments a week for several weeks may be recommended with less frequent treatment as improvement occurs. Treatment sessions usually last between 15 and 30 minutes. Relief may be immediate or occur within a few hours, or after a few days. In some conditions, several sessions may be required before improvement is noticed. Eighty to ninety percent of patients respond well to acupuncture with noticeable improvement. Do I have to understand or believe in Acupuncture for it to work? No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals who obviously do not understand the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude towards wellness may reinforce the effects but a neutral or negative attitude (“I don’t know if I really believe in this”) will not block the effects of acupuncture. Is there any special advise to follow before an Acupuncture treatment? Acupuncture treatment can be done at any time. Patients are advised not to eat unusually large meals before or after treatments. It is best to avoid alcohol or sedatives for four hours prior to treatment. Pain medications may be taken as required. What happens after treatment? If possible, a short rest after treatment is desirable, but not essential. Some patients feel unusually relaxed and should plan activities accordingly. Strong exercise is not recommended immediately after treatment. For painful conditions, avoid strenuous activity for 48 hours after treatment. Alcohol, and ideally caffeine and cigarettes, should be avoided for at least two hours. Medication, as directed by your physician, may be taken as required.