Acupuncture

• Sterile, disposable needles
• Painless
• Stimulation available without needles

Acupuncture is a well-established medical procedure that is safe and effective when practiced by a trained professional. Many people are surprised that acupuncture is employed successfully in both acute and chronic conditions, ranging from such mild problems as headaches to serious medical problems.

Acupuncture works by stimulating the body's own restorative and recuperative powers so that good health can be restored. The acupuncturist inserts small, disposable metal needles in the body along the intricate network of meridians or channels. Acupuncture is painless and produces no side effects. However, on occasion, a needle placed in a hair follicle can cause pain. If that happens, tell your practitioner and he or she will re-position the needle.

The duration and frequency of acupuncture treatments vary depending on the health problem and the patient's constitution.

Patients should not undergo acupuncture on an empty stomach since dizziness can result. If you have Hepatitis or HIV/AIDS, please inform your practitioner so that he or she can help you manage your condition more successfully. Pregnant women should advise their practitioner so stimulation of certain acupuncture points is avoided. Lastly, menstruating women should also inform their doctor so needle stimulation is reduced.

If you are sensitive to needles, your practitioner can use a special patch instead. For patients who do not want acupuncture, we recommend acupressure - a form of finger pressure on points along the body to treat conditions in the same way that acupuncture is used.
<!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->Acupuncture therapy can also include electro-stimulation, the use of mild low-voltage electrical stimulation on acupuncture needles. This method is generally used for analgesia.
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The primary concern of many patients is usually the following question: Is acupuncture painful? Since acupuncture needles have very thin gauges compared to hypodermic needles, only a minimal pinch is felt as the needle breaks through the skin. After the needles are inserted to the proper depth, the patient may feel tingling of the skin, distention, soreness or pressure radiating from the acupuncture point. In fact, the correct needle sensation creates a dull, heavy distention, which even children can handle. Patients' fears usually subside after their first treatment. Of course, laser, electrode and finger acupuncture can be applied instead of needles for some very sensitive patients. For children under 10 years of age, acupressure often replaces acupuncture to achieve the same therapeutic effect.