Acupuncture

"Acupuncture for fertility article" as seen in Chicago Tribune.

About Acupuncture

Chinese medicine is quite complex and can be difficult for some people to understand. This is because TCM is based on the belief that we live in a universe in which everything is interconnected. What happens to one part of the body affects every other part of the body. The mind and body are not viewed separately, but as part of an energetic system. Similarly, organs and organ systems are viewed as interconnected structures that work together to keep the body functioning.

Several studies have reported on traditional Chinese acupuncture success in treating a wide range of conditions, from nausea and vomiting to skin disorders, tennis elbow and back pain. The reasons for increasing interest in, and use of, acupuncture is due in large part to its effectiveness, affordability and lack of adverse side-effects compared to Western medicine.

A growing number of doctors now practice “medical acupuncture,” usually for pain relief. The World Health Organization has identified over 40 conditions treatable with acupuncture. Acupuncture releases painkilling endorphins (morphine like substance produced naturally by the body to relieve pain) and trigger nerve “gate control,” in which pressure messages reach the brain faster than the pain messages. There is a credible base of research for efficacy of acupuncture. Medical doctors are generally well disposed towards this therapy and happy for their patients to receive it.

An additional factor, which should not be overlooked, is the individual attention that patients receive from most acupuncturists: a willingness to treat the patient as a whole person, to discuss fully the symptoms and other features of their case and to explain in some detail the nature of the treatment.

Types of Acupuncture Offered In Our Office:

Acupressure

Electro-acupuncture (no needles)

Needle acupuncture

FAQ

How does Acupuncture work?

Classical acupuncturists have, for many hundreds of years, explained acupuncture as invoking energy changes in a system of conducting pathways: The acupuncture meridians. These meridians are channels of energy linking points associated with given organ systems in the body. Intercommunications are said to exist between the various channels, and when there is a disruption in the pathway, this can lead to illness. Qi, an invisible life energy, flows through yin and yang meridians just below the surface of the skin. Any disruption to the flow disturbs the balance of yin and yang and leads to illness. Acupuncturists improve the flow of qi by inserting needles into these disrupted areas to stimulate the even flow of energy through the meridians..

What should I expect when I am treated?

After a medical history and exam are performed, the doctor will ask you to lie or sit on a treatment table, after removing any articles of clothing where the needles will be inserted. The doctor generally inserts the acupuncture needles to a depth of 1/8” - 2” or even deeper in some cases, depending on the acupoint being treated. The needles are usually left in position for 10-30 minutes. At the end of the session, they are withdrawn swiftly and gently, usually without leaving any trace on the skin. You are asked to drink several glasses of WATER after each treatment to flush the body.

What are the needles like?

The needles are sanitary, individually wrapped and disposed of immediately after each use.

***If you have a Medical Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, Acupuncture can be paid for with these types of accounts.***

How often should I come to achieve maximum benefit?

It is recommended that 2-3 sessions per week for 2-3 weeks will give the most effective results.

Does it hurt?

The needles are extremely fine and most people never feel them or feel a slight pressure at the insertion.