| Frequently Asked Questions |
What can affect Qi?
Many things influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. Physical and emotional trauma,
stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet, accidents or excessive activity
can lead to a blockage or imbalance of Qi.
Normally, when a blockage or imbalance occurs, the body easily bounces back, returning to a
state of health and well-being. However, when this disruption is prolonged or excessive, or if
the body is in a weakened state, illness, pain, or disease can set in.
stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet, accidents or excessive activity
can lead to a blockage or imbalance of Qi.
Normally, when a blockage or imbalance occurs, the body easily bounces back, returning to a
state of health and well-being. However, when this disruption is prolonged or excessive, or if
the body is in a weakened state, illness, pain, or disease can set in.
What will an acupuncturist do?
During the initial exam a full health history is taken. Questions are asked regarding health,
symptoms, and lifestyle. An appropriate physical exam is conducted, including pulse and
tongue diagnosis.
Gathering this information enables the practitioner to effectively diagnose and detect any
specific imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to a persons health problems. The
practitioner can then create a well structured treatment plan.
Once the imbalances of Qi are detected, an acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at
specific acupoints along meridian pathways. This safe and painless insertion of needles can
unblock the obstruction and balance Qi where it has become unbalanced. Once this is done,
qi can freely circulate throughout the body, providing adequate nourishment to cells, organs,
glands, tissues and muscles. This can eliminate pain and restore balance and harmony, as well
as the bodies ability to heal itself - ultimately leading to optimal health and well-being.
symptoms, and lifestyle. An appropriate physical exam is conducted, including pulse and
tongue diagnosis.
Gathering this information enables the practitioner to effectively diagnose and detect any
specific imbalances of Qi that may have contributed to a persons health problems. The
practitioner can then create a well structured treatment plan.
Once the imbalances of Qi are detected, an acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at
specific acupoints along meridian pathways. This safe and painless insertion of needles can
unblock the obstruction and balance Qi where it has become unbalanced. Once this is done,
qi can freely circulate throughout the body, providing adequate nourishment to cells, organs,
glands, tissues and muscles. This can eliminate pain and restore balance and harmony, as well
as the bodies ability to heal itself - ultimately leading to optimal health and well-being.
Why do they want to feel my pulses?
There are 12 pulse positions on each wrist that your
acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a
specific meridian and organ. Your acupuncturist will be looking
for 27 individual qualities that reflect overall health. If there are
any problems, they may appear in your pulse.
acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a
specific meridian and organ. Your acupuncturist will be looking
for 27 individual qualities that reflect overall health. If there are
any problems, they may appear in your pulse.
Why do they want to look at my tongue?
The tongue is the map of the body. It reflects the general
health of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturist will
look at the color, shape, cracks, and coating on your tongue.
health of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturist will
look at the color, shape, cracks, and coating on your tongue.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments will vary from patient to patient. Some people experience
immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic
conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to
see significant results.
Treatment frequency depends on a number of factors: your constitution, the severity and
duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. An acupuncturist may
suggest one or two treatments per week, monthly visits for health maintenance or seasonal
"tune ups."
immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic
conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to
see significant results.
Treatment frequency depends on a number of factors: your constitution, the severity and
duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. An acupuncturist may
suggest one or two treatments per week, monthly visits for health maintenance or seasonal
"tune ups."
What should I expect during treatment?
Where the acupuncture needle has been inserted, you may
experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache.
Sometimes people experience a sensation of energy spreading and
moving around the needle. This is called the "Qi sensation". All
these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment is working.
After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep
sense of relaxation and well-being.
experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling or dull ache.
Sometimes people experience a sensation of energy spreading and
moving around the needle. This is called the "Qi sensation". All
these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment is working.
After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep
sense of relaxation and well-being.
How should I prepare?
Do the needles hurt?
The sensation caused by an acupuncture needle varies. Some people feel a little pain as the
needles are inserted, but most people feel no pain at all. The needles are tiny, about the size of a
human hair.
needles are inserted, but most people feel no pain at all. The needles are tiny, about the size of a
human hair.
How safe is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side
effects except feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from
acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.
effects except feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from
acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.
What type of schooling do acupuncturists get?
Today, acupuncturists receive 3 to 4 years of extensive and comprehensive graduate training
at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict
guidelines to practice in every state.
at nationally certified schools. All acupuncturists must pass a national exam and meet strict
guidelines to practice in every state.
What is Cupping?
Cupping is a therapy designed to stimulate the flow of blood and Qi within the superficial
muscle layers. It is used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain and the common cold to
name a few. In this therapy, your acupuncturist will place a small glass or plastic cups over
specific areas on you body. They may be moved over the affected area or left in place. A
vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. You may leave the office looking as
though a large octopus gave you a big hug. There is no need for alarm. The slight redness
will quickly dissipate.
muscle layers. It is used for sore muscles, tension, neck pain and the common cold to
name a few. In this therapy, your acupuncturist will place a small glass or plastic cups over
specific areas on you body. They may be moved over the affected area or left in place. A
vacuum is created under the cup using heat or suction. You may leave the office looking as
though a large octopus gave you a big hug. There is no need for alarm. The slight redness
will quickly dissipate.
What is Gwa Sha?
Gwa Sha is another technique used to release muscle tension, tightness
and constriction. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or run the
skin over a problem area. Gwa Sha feels a bit like deep massage. This
too may leave some redness that will quickly dissipate.
and constriction. A specialized tool is used to gently scrape or run the
skin over a problem area. Gwa Sha feels a bit like deep massage. This
too may leave some redness that will quickly dissipate.
What is Tui Na?
Tui Na translates as "push grasp." It is a massage technique that moves Qi in various parts
of the body. It is used to relieve muscle pain, tension and inflammation and to heal injuries.
of the body. It is used to relieve muscle pain, tension and inflammation and to heal injuries.
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a treatment that uses an herb called mugwort. It
may be burned on a handle of a needle, above the skin, on salt or
a slice of ginger. This is used to "warm" acupuncture points or
areas in order to quicken the healing process.
may be burned on a handle of a needle, above the skin, on salt or
a slice of ginger. This is used to "warm" acupuncture points or
areas in order to quicken the healing process.
Why did my acupuncturist recommend herbs?
Herbs can be a powerful adjunct to acupuncture care. They are used to strengthen, build
and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. Your
practitioner may suggest starting with herbs than adding acupuncture to your treatment in
the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full
benefits acupuncture has to offer.
and support the body or to clear it of excess problems like a cold, fever or acute pain. Your
practitioner may suggest starting with herbs than adding acupuncture to your treatment in
the future. This is suggested to build up your internal strength so you can receive the full
benefits acupuncture has to offer.
- Come with questions - we are here to help you.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupoints.
- Don't eat large meals just before or after your visit. However, eat
something. - Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs or alcohol for up to
6 hrs after the visit. - Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get
plenty of rest. - Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have occurred,
such as alleviation of pain, pain moving to another area, or changes
in the frequency and type of problem. - Don't brush your tongue the day of your treatment.
How to find a qualified acupuncturist?
- Ensure they are a licensed acupuncturist. (LAc)
- A graduate from an accredited school, such as the Colorado School of Traditional
Chinese Medicine or similar school. These programs usually grant a Master's degree
upon graduation and have 2500-3000 hours of rigorous training. - Received their Diplomat in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine from National
Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
There are other standards for those calling themselves "Acupuncturists" in Colorado:
- Chiropractors (D.C.s)- need only 100 hours of training, review 25 case histories and
no examination to legally perform "acupuncture" in Colorado. - Medical Doctors (M.D.s) and Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.s) have no minimum
training requirements to do "acupuncture" in this state. They call themselves "Medical
Acupuncturists." There is an optional class at UCLA for physicians to learn
"acupuncture." It is only 350 hours.
Ask your Acupuncturist if he or she is NCCAOM certified (Dipl.Ac.) and a Licensed
Acupuncturist (L.Ac) with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, to insure that
you are receiving care from a well-qualified Acupuncturist.
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| © 2006-2010 Center for Integrated Eastern Medicine All Rights Reserved. |
| Center for Integrated Eastern Medicine |
