Brown Chiropractic is happy to welcome Teresa Green to our office to better help our patients, with
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine.
Teresa Green Licensed Acupuncturist
(804) 683-2979
teresa@greenacuclinic.com
ACUPUNCTURE: WHAT IS IT?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. Acupuncture is the insertion of very thin, sterile, disposable stainless steel needles into points on the body to treat different symptoms of disease.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
Acupuncture is just one part of Chinese medicine, the major system of medicine available through much of Asia for literally thousands of years. Chinese medicine explains that the body has channels of energy, or meridians, that run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These meridians are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.
The meridians can be accessed by needling the acupuncture points; the needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments correct imbalances in the digestion, absorption, and energy production activities of the internal organs, and in circulating energy through the meridians.
Acupuncture is explained by modern science as being a stimulation of the nervous system. The needles cause the body to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACUPUNCTURE AS USED IN CHINESE MEDICINE AND MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. A Licensed Acupuncturist has over 3,000 hours of training, including at least a 900 hour internship for hands on application of acupuncture techniques. Training includes proper point location and needling technique, Chinese medical theory, Chinese herbal medicine, as well as classes in Western medicine such as pharmacology and pathology. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe needling performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine. These practitioners typically have 200 hours of training in acupuncture.
WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE AND CHINESE MEDICINE TREAT?
In ancient times and for many people today, acupuncture and Chinese medicine are used as the primary form of healthcare. Chinese medicine can be part of treatment for any illness, and can be used with any other medical treatment to improve outcomes and minimize side effects. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:
- · Digestive disorders:
- · Respiratory disorders:
- · Neurological and muscular disorders:
- ·
Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving symptoms related to tension and stress and emotional conditions
If you have questions about a specific illness or disorder not listed above, you can usually have your questions answered by Teresa Green, L. Ac.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
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, regular visits may be spaced out as much as several weeks or months.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENT?
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. Feel free to ask your acupuncturist about any symptoms you connect with your acupuncture treatment.
WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE? DO THEY HURT?
The most common feeling during needling is of pressure or distention around a point. A dull ache is also possible. Acupuncture is never as uncomfortable as an injection at a doctor’s office. Some people feel like they are floating, or the area needled feels warmer or colder than the rest of the body. Many patients fall asleep during treatment. If you do feel any discomfort, please tell your acupuncturist immediately. She can usually adjust the needle and make you more comfortable.
If you are very sensitive, or do not want to be needled for any reason, there are other options available. Stainless steel pellets (which do not break the skin) on points in your ear or on your hands can deliver a mild treatment. Acupressure and herbal therapy are other “needle-free” treatment options, though patients using them without acupuncture may take longer to see improvement.
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. Numerous studies have documented its beneficial effects for fibromyalgia, anxiety, chronic pain, fertility, migraine headaches, and many of the side effects of chemotherapy. Acupuncture is a remarkably safe procedure, and has some beneficial effect for most people, even when their illness is not curable and requires symptom management.
DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK?
Many people believe acupuncture will not work if they are skeptical of its benefits. Although any form of medicine, including pharmaceuticals and surgery, benefit from a patient’s positive feeling toward it, acupuncture still works if you do not believe in it. Acupuncture is widely used in veterinary medicine with consistently positive results, even though the animals have no belief in acupuncture or Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is part of the medical system of Chinese medicine, and is not a religion, and requires no more specific set of beliefs to be effective than you take to your medical doctor’s office. That being said, most doctors will tell you the patients who have a positive attitude about life and take responsibility for their own healthcare typically have better health than those who do not. The same is true for acupuncture patients.
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:
- · Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
- · Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the
- treatment.
- · 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.
- · 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.
- · Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your
- acupuncturist to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem.
