What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapeutic method used to encourage natural healing, reduce or relieve pain and improve function of affected areas of the body. Acupuncture is safe and effective and is often successfully used as an alternative to medications or even surgery. Relief is often obtained when traditional medical therapy has failed.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very fine needles through the skin tissues at specific points on the body. There is no injection of any substance and the treatment itself causes minimal discomfort.
"Classical" acupuncture was developed in China as a system of diagnosing and treating pain and disease. It defines acupuncture as one component of Traditional Chinese Medicine which aims to balance energy and blood in the body in order to keep it functional and healthy. Although proven successful for hundreds of years without the benefit of modern scientific knowledge , it is only in recent years that the scientific and medical communities of Europe and North America have begun to study acupuncture to understand and explain its effectiveness.
"Anatomical" acupuncture refers to a more modern approach taken today by the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute (AFCI) and other western trained therapists. When combined with a knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology, modern therapists can use acupuncture effectively.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture stimulates the body to produce its own pain relieving chemicals called "endorphins". These chemicals mimic morphine by attaching to opiate receptor sites found throughout the nervous system. Endorphins help to block pathways that relay pain messages from the body to the brain, resulting in relief of pain, general relaxation and biochemical restoration of the body's own internal regulation systems.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture stimulates the body's natural healing abilities, reducing inflammation, and promoting physical and emotional well-being.
How is acupuncture used today?
Acupuncture is very effective in treating a variety of painful disorders, both acute and chronic.
The World Health Organization has identified the benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems including:
· Digestive disorders: gastritis, hyperacidity, spastic bowel, constipation, diarrhea †
· Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, bronchitis, asthma †
· Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, neck and back pain, neuralgia, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, tendonitis, sciatica, arthritis †
· Urinary, menstrual and reproductive disorders †
· Addiction, insomnia †
In treating any illness or affliction, a correct diagnosis is important before any decisions are made regarding therapy. Once the diagnosis is established, a qualified practitioner can advise whether acupuncture is appropriate.
Are there any adverse effects or risks to the treatment?
One of the most striking aspects of acupuncture is the almost complete absence of adverse effects and complications from its use. Most patients find that the treatments are relaxing and cause minimal discomfort. People with pacemakers should avoid electrical stimulation unless approved by their cardiologist. Women in early pregnancy and hemophiliacs should be treated with caution.
The Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute recommends that only sterile disposable needles be used, preventing any risk of infection. In particular, there is no possibility of transmission of the AIDS or hepatitis viruses when sterile disposable needles are used.
Does it hurt?
People experience differing sensations with acupuncture. Most patients feel only minimal discomfort as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there should be no significant discomfort.
Acupuncture needles are extremely fine and are made from stainless steel. Two or three acupuncture needles would fit inside the barrel of a regular hollow needle used for injections.
How many treatments will be required?
The number of treatments will vary with every individual and the condition being treated. For acute problems, only a few treatments may be required. In some cases, one treatment will be sufficient.
For complex or longstanding conditions, one to three treatments a week for several weeks may be recommended with less frequent treatment as improvement occurs. Treatment sessions usually last between 15 and 30 minutes. Relief may be immediate or occur within a few hours, or after a few days.
In some conditions, several sessions may be required before improvement is noticed.
Eighty to ninety percent of patients respond well to acupuncture with noticeable improvement.
Acupuncture can be used as the only form of therapy or it may be combined successfully with other forms of medical or physical therapy.
Do I have to believe in acupuncture 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 towards wellness may reinforce the effects of any type of treatment. A neutral or negative attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this") will not block the effects of acupuncture.
Is there any special advice to follow before an acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture treatment can be done at any time. Patients are advised not to eat unusually large meals before or after treatments. It is best to avoid alcohol or sedatives for four hours prior to treatment. Pain medications may be taken as required.
What about after treatment?
If possible, a short rest after treatment is desirable, but not essential. Some patients feel unusually relaxed and prefer to plan activities accordingly. Strong exercise is not recommended immediately after treatment.
For painful conditions, avoid stenuous activity for 48 hours after treatment. Alcohol, and ideally caffeine and cigarettes, should be avoided for atleast two hours. Medications, as directed by your physician, may be taken as required.
† This educational information was prepared by the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute.
