WHAT IS MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE? IS IT DIFFERENT FROM ORDINARY 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 registered nursed or doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a practitioner can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.
WHAT TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO BECOME AN ACUPUNCTURIST ?
Acupuncture is a distinct system of natural medicine & therapy that requires precise knowledge of anatomy & physiology, and clean needle technique. Acupuncturist training is standardized and requires at minimum an undergraduate degree followed by 2 to 3 years of intensive acupuncture theory plus a minimum 600 hours of direct patient contact time. At minimum Acupuncturist must have 1500 hours of training. Some western acupuncturists have travelled abroad- specifically Beijing to undertake training in hospitals like the Training Center of China Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineChinese which is a recognized by the National Certification Council For Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) - USA and the Canadian Examining Board of Health Care Practitioners - Canada. Acupuncture is currently in the last phases of becoming regulated and it is important to know where an acupuncturist received their training and whether they are certified and only certified acupuncturist have malpractice insurance.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHIATSU, ACCUPRESSURE. REFLEXOLOGY AND ACUPUNCTURE ?
Although Shiatsu, Accupressure & Reflexology utilized similar meridians 'points' throughout the body to stimulate the innate ability for the body to heal; these manual type of therapies are a form of massage and can be learned by through correspondence and does not require years of precise training and practice that acupuncturist undertake. Acupuncturist training is standardized and requires at minimum an undergraduate degree followed by 2 to 3 years of intensive traditional chinese medicine education with acupuncture theory and point selection. Recent announcements by the Ontario provincial government indicate all intents and purposes to regulate the practice of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine only by those who are educated and certified to practice. At Sherwoodtowne, our Acupuncturist is certified and supports regulation of Acupuncture. Shiatsu, Accupressure & Reflexology are yet to attain regulation status and they are not coverage by extended health insurance; whereas, acupuncture is.
WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF ACUPUNCTURE ?
Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care: The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is necessary.
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:
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Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
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Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.
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Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.
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Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.
Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO ACUPUNCTURE ?
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 or 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.
WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE ? DO THEY HURT ?
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are 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 carefully sterilizes the needles using the same techniques as for surgical instruments, or uses disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.
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 practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians. 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 alt your treatments.
DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK ?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, 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 at- titude 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.
ARE THERE ANY "DO's AND DONT's" FOR ME ON THE DAY OF A TREATMENT ?
Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:
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Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
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Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
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Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
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Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.
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Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem.
IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE ?
Most insurance companies currently cover acupuncture costs, other companies do not yet recognize the value of acupuncture. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits. You can help by insisting that your insurance company offer you reimburse- ment (or medically indicated acupuncture treatments before you accept their policy.
Cosmetic Acupuncture Initial Visit $ 150.00
Cosmetic Acupuncture Follow Visits $ 99.00
Cosmetic Acupuncture Program is a 10 to 12 step program/visits.
The initial consultation and visit is 90 minutes that includes, full health, nutrition, homeoapthic & lifestyle consultation.
Cosmetic Acupuncture Initial Visit includes necessary acupuncture, AHA peel & green tea facial and homeopathic remedies. |
