How safe is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is drug-free and therefore
avoids many of the side-effects and dependencies associated with
medication. It is quite safe, but you should still be sure to
inform your acupuncturist of any medications you are taking and
whether or not you are or could be pregnant. Also tell your doctor
if you have cosmetic implants or a cardiac pacemaker (RHEMA).
Does acupuncture hurt?
Yes, but only for a short time (10 to
15 seconds) with the initial insertion of the needle into the
skin. Some people experience no pain at all.
What are acupuncture needles like?
They are very thin. Usually 10 to 12
acupuncture needles can fit into on ordinary hypodermic needle.
The needles are solid and made from stainless steel. The point
of each needle is smooth.
Are there any side-effects?
Usually there are no serious side-effects
from acupuncture. After the first few treatments, patients commonly
experience a feeling of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation.
Occasionally, the original symptoms will worsen for a few days,
or there will be changes in appetite, sleep, and/or bowel or urinary
patterns. There may also be a change in emotional state. All of
these effects pass within a short time and are easily overcome.
Which conditions can be treated with
acupuncture?
Anything can be treated with acupuncture.
Some examples are poor vision, cataracts, toothaches, gingivitis,
obesity, insomnia, depression, anxiety, digestive problems, pre-menstrual
syndrome, menopausal symptoms, muscle pain, arthritis, headaches,
stroke, Parkinson's disease, post-operative pain, common cold,
tonsillitis, stress, infertility, addiction,
high blood pressure, and numerous others. Acupuncture is often
effective in areas where conventional medicine comes up short.
Is there needless acupuncture?
Yes, the most common form is auricular
therapy, which is electrical stimulation of the over 200 acupuncture
points of the ear. Also, there is acupressure, which entails manual
pressure on the acupuncture points.
Do I have to believe in acupuncture
for it to work?
No. Acupuncture is used effectively
on cats, dogs, horses, and other animals that cannot understand
the concept. However, a positive attitude towards acupuncture,
or any other treatment, may reinforce the treatment's effectiveness.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments varies with each
case. For long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week
for several months may be required. For acute problems, fewer
visits are necessary. For health maintenance, four sessions a
year may be sufficient.
Who uses acupuncture?
Acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia,
Russia, Europe, and the U.S. Statistically, most patients
are middle-aged, of middle income, highly educated, and have professional
and technical occupations.
How much does acupuncture cost?
On average, the cost for three months
of treatment runs at about $250. This is just an estimate and costs
vary widely. In addition, many patients report that because of
acupuncture, their traditional medical costs have gone down (doctor's
visits, prescription drugs, etc.).
Are there do's and don't's on the day
of treatment?
To enhance the effectiveness of the
treatment, the following guidelines are recommended: Do not eat
an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
- Plan your activities so that immediately
following treatment, you can get some rest. This is important
for the first few visits.
- Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual
activity, or consume alcoholic beverages 6 hours before
or after the treatment.
- Continue to take any prescription medications
directed by your physician. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol)
especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere
with the effectiveness of acupuncture.
- Remember to keep good mental or written
notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important
for your practitioner to know so that the follow-up treatments
can be designed to best help you and your problem.
Some companies cover acupuncture,
some don't. This link provides over 50 insurance companies that
do cover acupuncture. If your insurance company is not listed,
call and ask.
What should I expect on my first visit?
Many acupuncturists schedule a free
initial consultation to determine if you are a good candidate
for treatment. It generally includes a brief history, taking of
the Chinese pulses, a Chinese-type physical, and a conference
with a registered acupuncturist. This first appointment may take
1-4 hours, depending on the acupuncturist. Subsequent treatments
may take anywhere from 10 minutes to 1 hour (Scott Boynton).
The policies vary from country to country
and from state to state. This link will enable you to find out
the licensing procedures in your area.
This link provides you with numerous
references of licensed acupuncturists all over the world.
Does acupuncture work in all cases?
No. Acupuncture works in about 70-80%
of humans and animals. Meanwhile, studies show that placebos are
effective only 30% of the time.