Q. What is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

 

TCM includes all of the modalities of  acupuncture,  herbs, tui na, gua sha, and cupping as well as moxibustion. Acupuncture is the most common modality used in the US; however herbs are considered by TCM the most powerful modality to get the body back into balance.   Tui na, guasha, cupping and moxibustion are used in conjunction with acupuncture in addition to being used separately for specific conditions.

 

TCM has been in practiced in China for 4,000 years and until recently – the late 1970's, was not widely used in the United States. It is now taught in many colleges throughout the United States. To see where you can learn more about TCM or to take classes follow the following link. http://www.acupunctureschools.com

 

Q. What Is Acupuncture?

 

Acupuncture is one of the many modalities which comprise TCM. It is the insertion of thin needles, no larger than the size of a hair, into specific points on the body. These points pointshave been tested and proven to be effective for various disharmonies in the human body.  There are  over 1,000 known points which the practitioner will choose points that will benefit you the patient. Western research has proven the efficacy of many of these points and the World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health have conducted numerous studies and have determined the efficacy of acupuncture for many health concerns.

 

TENS" is the acronym for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A "TENS unit" is a pocket size, portable, battery-operated device that sends electrical impulses to certain parts of the body to block pain signals. The electrical currents produced are mild, but can prevent pain messages from being transmitted to the brain and may raise the level of endorphins, the natural pain killers produced by the brain. This unit is attached to needles determined by the practitioner and help to relieve both chronic and acute pain.

Q. What can be treated by acupuncture?

 

Ear Nose and Throat Conditions

Respiratory Disorders

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Circulatory Disorders

Urogenital Disorders

Gynecological Disorders

Muscle Pain and Disorders

Psycho-emotional and Neurological Disorders

 

 

Q. How does Acupuncture work?

 

Acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of qi – energy, or life force – through specific channels that cover the body siminar to the nervous system in western medicine. Acupuncture regulates the flow of qi in the body to help balance the body system. It unblocks stagnation and allows free-flow of energy – qi - throughout the body. There is a Chinese saying, “If there is pain, there is no free flow; if there is free flow, there is no pain.”

 

Q. Is Acupuncture Safe?

 

Licensed and trained professional acupuncturists (See Links for State Licensure Information) use individually packaged sterile, disposable needles so problems are virtually non-existent.

 

 Q. Does Acupunture Hurt?

 

Acupuncture needles are very thin, the size of a human hair and are not at all like needles used in western medicine for shots or taking blood. Upon insertion, there may be a stinging feeling which goes away quickly, and during the treatment there may be a feeling of tingling, warmth, heaviness or a feeling of movement up and down the channels. Most people find it very relaxing and often fall asleep during the treatment.

 

Q. Are there any guidelines I can use to determine who to choose for my Acupuncturist?

 

Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated profession in over 40 states in the U.S. Nationally the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) certified both acupuncturists and herbal practitioners. Acupuncturists who have passed the NCCAOM exam are entitled to add Dipl Ac. (Diplomate of Acupuncture) after their name. To check for a practitioner in your zipcode See http://www.nccaom.org/find/index.html

 

Q. Is acupuncture helpful in alleviating conditions associated with cancer and cancer treatment?

 

Acupuncture is strongly linked to alleviating the nausea associated with chemotherapy and the pain incurred from the constant surgeries that cancer patients undergo. When it comes to the treatment of malignant mesothelioma, acupuncture is one of the most widely accepted alternative therapies. Those coping with asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, can use acupuncture to treat symptoms of pain and stress. In addition acupuncture can help to improve appetite, relieve pain, ease insomnia, and reduce depression and anxiety associated with cancer. Acupuncture treatments are particularly desirable because when practiced by a skilled acupuncturist, there are virtually no harmful side effects.To learn more, visit the Mesothelioma Center.

 

Q. Who can I call for further questions?

 

For further questions or for additional information contact Juanita Richter 262-880-1442

 

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