Originating in China more than 5,000 years ago as an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture actually describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. The extreme thinness and the shape of the needles, ensure that little or no discomfort will be experienced during the treatment.
Acupuncture is used to encourage natural healing, improve mood and energy, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body. It is safe and effective and is often successfully used as an alternative to medications or even surgery. Relief is often obtained with acupuncture when traditional medical therapy has failed. No drugs are administered. The needles alone create the beneficial effects of acupuncture. Many of our clients will be referred and treated with acupuncture through a chiropractor or physiotherpist here at Dearborn Health to be used in addition to their treatment plan.
What are the needles made of?
Acupuncture needles are solid, usually stainless steel (they may also be gold or silver), and measure from 13-70 mm. The needles are very fine, flexible and rounded but sharp at the tip. They are ‘atraumatic’, meaning that they do not have a cutting edge like a hypodermic needle, which slices through tissue. Their design allows acupuncture needles to slide smoothly through tissues and makes them unlikely to cause bleeding or damage to underlying structures.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Minimal discomfort, if any, can be expected during an acupuncture treatment. Our needles are extremely thin and flexible. The acupuncture needles are so thin that 10 to 15 acupuncture needles can be placed in one hypodermic (injection) needle. Although sensation can be felt on the skin’s surface during needling, most would not describe it as pain. This sensation is called "De Qi" and it can include numbness, aching, tingling, warmth, distension, heaviness, or lightness. The sensation can be local or it may radiate. Many people find acupuncture is actually very relaxing and often fall asleep.
What To Expect from Acupuncture Visits
During your first office visit, the practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. Some people feel energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment. This is why it is important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner. Treatment may take place over a period of several weeks or more.
Who can benefit from acupuncture?
Many conditions can be treated. The conditions for which one can say that there is the highest level of evidence that acupuncture is effective include:
- Low back pain
- Musculo/skeletal problems such as sciatica
- Low back pain and arthritis
- Neck disorders
- Sports and stress injuries
- Recurrent headache and Idiopathic headache
- Digestive disorders (Crohn's Deisease, IBS)
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Acupuncture has also been found to be especially useful for detoxification from addictive substances such as drugs, alcohol, cocaine, caffeine and cigarettes as well as immune system disorders, fatigue, chronic pain and side effects from chemotherapy and other cancer treatments.
Is acupuncture effective on children?
There is no age limit. Often, young children respond quite well to moxa alone or with a very minimal use of needles. There are also special pediatric acupuncture devices which merely tap the skin surface and are quite painless.
Will my acupuncture treatments be covered by medical insurance?
Payment in full is requested at the time of treatment either by check, debit, major credit card, (we accept Visa, MasterCard), or cash. Many of our patients receive reimbursement from their insurance companies. It is best to consult your insurance company before making an appointment to determine the specifics of your coverage. We will assist you by providing itemized receipts.
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