Acupuncture: Frequently Asked Questions

Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) - a complete, professional medical system that has been continuously practiced in China for at least 2500 years. Other main TCM modalities include Chinese herbal medicine, therapeutic massage and dietary therapy. In Western countries, acupuncture is probably the most commonly known TCM treatment although Chinese herbal medicine is rapidly becoming more popular. 

Acupuncture: What's acupuncture good for?

According to the World Health Organization the following ailments and conditions generally respond well to acupuncture:

• Acute muscle strains
• Acute joint sprains
• Acute & chronic neck & back pain
• Headache
• Irregular menstruation, painful menstruation
• Constipation & diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Impotence
• Post-stroke paralysis
• Addictions - overeating, smoking & drug dependence

This is not a definitive list though - there are many other acupuncture benefits and some acupuncturists specialize in and obtain very good results treating disorders like acne, asthma and depression.

Acupuncture: What happens during a treatment? 

Initially the acupuncturist will spend up to 30 minutes asking about your complaint, such as how long you've had the problem, your current symptoms, your health history, your diet, your sleeping habits and bowel movements and other information that may seem irrelevant to you - just remember that TCM is an holistic medical system that recognizes the link between body, mind and emotions. Your physical ailment may well have an emotional component too.

Depending on your problem you will lie on the treatment table face down, or on your back, or on one side. Usually from 4-12 acupuncture points are selected. The most common points are on your arms below your elbows, on your legs below your knees and along either side of your spine from your neck to your sacrum. Each point is swabbed with alcohol before the needle is inserted.

The acupuncturist may ask you to report any sensations of tingling or warmth around the site of the needles. These sensations indicate that the point has been correctly located. Generally, the needles are left in place for about 20 minutes, but painful conditions may need longer treatment time. A common acupuncture benefit is that it's usually very relaxing - all you have to do is lie still and it's quite common for people to fall asleep during their treatment.

Tip: As you lie there (eyes closed) breathe slowly, smoothly and deeply through your nose - as you exhale relax and "let go" of your ailment and imagine it leaving your body.

Acupuncture: Does acupuncture hurt?

If you've never had acupuncture this is an obvious question to ask. However acupuncture needles are extremely fine and usually you will just feel a sensation like a mosquito bite as the needle is inserted. The sensation does vary depending on where the needles are inserted but very few people say acupuncture hurts. They are usually more concerned about whether acupuncture will work for them and whether the needles are clean (acupuncture needles are single-use disposables).

Acupuncture: How often will I need acupuncture?

In China acupuncture is administered in courses of 7-10 daily treatments, then there's a break of several days, then another 7-10 day course, and so on until the problem is cured. This kind of treatment schedule is usually not convenient or practical for Western people though. Usually Western acupuncturists advise 1-3 treatments a week, which is still usually effective but overall treatment time is longer. To enhance acupuncture treatments many acupuncturists also prescribe Chinese herbal medicine. These days Chinese herbal medicine is available in many forms, like pill, tablet, granule and powder, making it easy and convenient to take.

Acupuncture: How many treatments will I need?

Overall treatment time is dependent on many factors such as the nature and severity of your complaint, how long you've had it, your age, your general health, your lifestyle and how much you are willing to do to assist the healing process. For example, if the acupuncturist advises that avoiding fried foods and alcohol will help your problem, will you heed the advice?

Also as TCM views each of us as a unique individual, people with the same complaint will most likely receive entirely different treatment and will respond to it differently. Your acupuncturist will best be able to tell you how many treatments you need after he/she has diagnosed your particular problem according to TCM principles.

Acupuncture : How much does acupuncture cost?

Acupuncture costs vary from city to city and country to country. In China it's administered in public hospitals and is very cheap. In Western countries acupuncture costs vary. At your initial consultation your acupuncturist should advise you of the cost and also how many treatments you should need. These days many private health insurance funds cover acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine so it's worthwhile looking into this option. Your acupuncturist should be able to provide a list of health funds in your city or area that cover TCM treatments.

How much does it cost? Will insurance cover it? Is it expensive?

The initial consultation and treatment is $75.  Following treatments are $65.  A prepaid treatment package offers a 5 percent savings.

Acupuncture is quickly gaining ground in the US as a viable, complementary medicine. Some insurance companies may cover your treatments. It’s always worth asking. Many medical / health flexible spending accounts allow acupuncture. Colorado Natural Medicine will check to see if acupuncture is covered under your insurance policy. If so we will submit your visit to your insurance for reimbursement.

Is acupuncture expensive? A study in six clinics in five states demonstrated the effectiveness and cost savings of acupuncture. Of the patients treated with acupuncture, 91.5 percent reported disappearance or improvement of symptoms; 84 percent said they see their MDs less; 79 percent said they use fewer prescription drugs and 70 percent of those to whom surgery had been recommended said they avoided it.

 

Is acupuncture safe?

When performed by a competently trained, licensed professional, acupuncture is extremely safe. All licensed acupuncturists today use individually packaged, sterile, disposable needles, so there is virtually no chance of infection or contagion.

Is Chinese herbal medicine safe?

Chinese herbal medicine is safe when prescribed by licensed acupuncturists, based on a comprehensive traditional Chinese medical diagnosis. It utilizes naturally occurring leaves, twigs, seeds, minerals and bones. There is a very low risk for side effects. In fact, Chinese herbs often can help reduce the side effects of many western medications.

Many people choose Chinese herbal medicine as a safe alternative to antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications and chronic pain medications. An added benefit is that herbal medicine comes with a very low risk of dependence. 

Chinese herbal medicine can be used to: treat acute ailments like a cold or injury, as well as chronic ailments such as respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders, migraines, insomnia, and diabetes, to name just a few.
Remember, Chinese medicine is a wellness medicine. It is meant to keep you balanced and healthy to prevent illness.



Do I have to stop taking my prescription medications?

Please don’t. In our culture, acupuncture is best used as a complementary medicine, meaning done along with standard medical care. It is important to inform your acupuncturist of all the medications you take so that they have all the information necessary for designing a beneficial treatment plan and avoiding negative interactions. 

Most western medications will not react adversely with Chinese herbs, but if we feel it is not safe, you will not be prescribed herbs. The biggest factor to successfully taking western meds and Chinese herbs is the amount of time between doses. For example, if you take a western drug in the morning, we would ask that the Chinese herb be taken 2 hours later. 

After a few treatments, you may need a medication adjustment because your body is doing its job better and needs less support from medication. This decision is one you and your physician will make, but your acupuncturist may recommend that you see your doctor to review your medications.

What criteria should I use in choosing an acupuncturist? 

If you are considering acupuncture, ask about the prospective practitioner’s certification. Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated health care profession in more than 40 states in the US. In addition, the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine certifies both acupuncturists and Chinese herbal practitioners.

Acupuncturists who have passed the NCCAOM exams are entitled to add Dipl. Ac. (Diplomate of Acupuncture) or Dipl. C.H. (Diplomate of Chinese Herbs) after their name. Acupuncturists and herbalists with additional hours of western biomedical training may use Dipl. OM (Diplomate Oriental Medicine).

You might also want to know how long the practitioner has been in practice. Perhaps most important, find out how experienced the practitioner is in treating your health concern.


 

What should I know about the proposed treatments?

Keep in mind that the intent of acupuncture (and Chinese medicine) is to treat the whole person, not just an isolated symptom. This makes it possible to discover underlying causes of the original complaint and to treat the root of the problem.

Your practitioner will explain the nature of your problem in Oriental medical terms and the treatment they are recommending. Your practitioner will tell you the benefits and risks to the proposed treatment. They should also outline other treatment options that are available to you, either through this practice or by referral to another practitioner or physician.


 

What should I do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?

• Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear
   one-piece dresses.
• Avoid wearing tight stockings.
• Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued,
   hungry, full, emotionally upset or shortly after sex.
• Eat something one to two hours before
   your appointment.
• Avoid brushing your tongue the day of treatment.
• Avoid alcohol or other stimulants before a treatment.


What should I do while receiving acupuncture?

• Turn off your cell phone, your PDA, your pager.
   This is your time to focus on yourself.
• Relax, breathe, and tune in to your body.
• Ask any questions you have along the way
   so that you can get the most benefit possible
   from the treatment.
• Do not change your position or move suddenly.
• Report sensations. Tell your practitioner if you
   experience discomfort. Pain is your body’s way
   of letting you know that something isn’t right.


What can I expect after treatment?

Immediately following a treatment, you may feel a bit fuzzy-brained, blissful, or ungrounded. Take a few moments to bring yourself back to earth. Have a drink of water. Give yourself a bit of time to readjust to “real life.”

Patients often experience dramatic results in the first treatment. Some patients will experience immediate relief of pain or other symptoms. This relief may last, or some pain may return. In some cases, relief may not be immediate and the pain may diminish over the next few days. Rarely, the patient will experience a worsening of symptoms over the next 48 hours, only to enjoy significant relief thereafter.


 

I’ve tried it before and ...

The most successful acupuncture treatments bring together the skillfulness of the practitioner in connecting with the patient, an accurate diagnosis, and an appropriate treatment plan. An often overlooked aspect is the readiness of the patient to heal. If you tried acupuncture before and did not experience positive results, one or more of those aspects may have been missing.

There is a wide range of skill, styles, and personalities among acupuncturists, just as there are with most helping professions. It may take a couple of attempts to find a practitioner with whom you feel comfortable. It’s worth the effort.

Also, many states, including Colorado, allow MDs and chiropractors to offer acupuncture after minimal training and, possibly, licensing through their respective boards. An acupuncturist licensed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine has completed a three- or four-year program of full-time study and hundreds of hours of clinical internships to receive their Master of Science in Traditional Oriental Medicine. Like other highly trained professionals, they maintain this license with annual continuing education. Check with your practitioner for details about their primary training and focus.