Acupuncture 101

History of Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is whole-body medicine taking into account symptoms, patient presentation, emotional, and environmental elements. It is truly the essence of individualized and whole-body medicine. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years originating in China, Korea, and Japan. Back then, practitioners had to rely on very specific diagnostic tools to help people. They developed a system of medicine that identified specific patterns and used what they called “Tongue and Pulse Diagnosis” to find those imbalances which were leading to symptoms. Practitioners were looking for very seemingly simple patterns, are things too hot, cold, dry, or damp, in the body which could lead to symptoms. Then they would correct those imbalances by using certain points on the body that they found to rebalance those symptoms, along with specific diet and herbal formulas.

How can acupuncture help me?

Now acupuncture is widely available in almost every state. When looking for an acupuncturist make sure they are state and nationally certified (by NCCAOM), and hold either a Master’s or Doctorate degree in acupuncture or Chinese Medicine. You might see: EAMP, LAc, or DAOM after a person’s name. If you do not see those designations or that practitioner does not hold a Master’s degree, I recommend not seeing that practitioner.

Acupuncture has been found to be beneficial for a wide range of conditions outlined by the NIH and WHO. Frequent conditions treated in our office include chronic migraines, headaches, IBS, pain (neck, low back, shoulder, elbow, knee, and foot pain), tinnitus, low energy, insomnia, anxiety, and allergies. (Check out our links above to other articles, I have written on how acupuncture can help with those conditions).

Does acupuncture hurt?

This is the #1 question I get from potential patients and is a contributing factor to why people do not want to get acupuncture. The fear that it will hurt. It is a common misconception that the “needles” used in acupuncture are the same as the needles you get your blood drawn with. This can’t be further from the truth. Acupuncture needles, in my opinion, should not be classified as needles, as they are hair-thin, and you can fit up to 12 acupuncture needles in the needle used to get your blood draw. They are tiny! Most people do not even feel the acupuncture needles and it does NOT have to hurt to work (another misconception). Usually the first treatment will not be as relaxing as a follow-up because you are just getting used to the visit and what it feels like. After I put a point in, the patient’s fears of the needles or of acupuncture vanish. Since acupuncture works with your parasympathetic nervous system, the same one that turns on when we are sleeping, most patients feel instantly relaxed, maybe fall asleep, feel a sense of improved well-being, and mental clarity after their treatment. If acupuncture was like getting your blood drawn…no one would do it, including me!

What is a typical visit like?

A first visit is more in-depth, about 60-75 minutes, going over health history, your concerns, and includes your first acupuncture treatment. Follow-up visits are treatment focused, lasting 30-45 minutes. Our providers are in-network with most major insurance plans and we have a benefits team who checks your insurance coverage before your visit.

So, come on in and start feeling better faster! To make an appointment, please call the office at (425) 686-4498.