What is Acupuncture?

Traditional Chinese Medicine includes, and is not limited to, acupuncture, herbal treatment, cupping, moxa, gua sha, and tui na (Chinese style massage).  However, most people use the term “acupuncture,” rather than traditional Chinese Medicine.

Traditional Chinese Medicine originated in China more than 5,000 years ago. It is a practice that manages body’s flow of Qi (pronounced as Chi: energy, force, or electromagnetic field as some claim).  Qi flows in the body along pathways called meridians. Along these meridians there are points that link each other to maintain the flow of Qi. The body is in balance and well when Qi is in its smooth steady state. When the flow of Qi is interrupted for various reasons, it is imbalanced and we become unwell.  Through manipulation of acupuncture points and meridians, our body regains its lost balance and well-being. 

How do acupuncture & herbs work?

Fine needles are inserted into various points along the meridian to stimulate, enhance, or soothe the flow of Qi.  Depending on the state of the body, once the flow of Qi along the meridians is activated, enhanced, or soothed, our ailments are relieved and the body returns to its original or reaches a better state. Chinese herbs do the same except they work primarily from within the body.

For example, when liver Qi becomes sluggish, we may feel discomfort in the chest, moody, irritable, depressed, and lethargic, etc. In women, it may cause pre-menstrual breast tenderness, irregular menstruation and/or dysmenorrhea.  The treatment protocol would be to soothe the Liver Qi.

Any Side Effects?

There are no harmful side effects from an acupuncture treatment.  There may be, however, some bruises, particularly in those who have Spleen Qi deficiency. Occasionally, some people getting acupuncture for pain management feel the pain becomes intensified.  This occurs in chronic conditions where the long-term obstruction of Qi flow is accompanied by the loss of sensation.  Sudden release of the obstruction results in greater sensation. This is normal and will not last for more than a day or two.  A complete relief of the pain will follow.

How about the needles? Do they hurt?

Only sterile disposable single-use needles are used.  Size of the needles may vary.  Most commonly used needles are very fine, about the size of a hair.  What goes in what comes out – needles are removed at the end of the session and disposed of according to OHSA guidelines. Needling acupuncture points generally does not hurt.  Needling sensation varies with each individual.  In most cases, it is a dull, bursting, or numb feeling around the needling points.  However, some points are more sensitive than others and, from time to time, you may have stronger feeling over these points.

 

How will I feel during the treatment?

Other than the needling sensation described above, most people feel calm and peaceful after a few needles are inserted.  In fact, many of our clients take advantage of the treatment to enjoy music, relax, or even take a nap.  However, if you never had an acupuncture treatment before, you may feel nervous.  We encourage first-timers to relax and not to focus on the “needles.”  We will work with you to relieve your tension.  Some people bring their favorite CD to play during the session.  Some don’t even feel much during the needling, but they still benefit from the treatment.