In the US, Acupuncture and other complementary and alternative medical treatments are becoming more and more available, and information about them is more readily available as well. Most people have many questions, about which they would like answers.

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient method of healing, based on natural laws influencing the movement of energy in nature and the body. It is a type of Oriental Medicine treatment which involves placing of tiny, sterile, single-use stainless steel needles at specific points along pathways called meridians or channels. This touches the energy, called qi (“chee”), to stimulate the body’s own natural innate healing powers. When qi, the life force energy, is full and moving properly, it promotes health. Such things as stress and sadness can disrupt the harmonious movement of qi. When qi is blocked or moves disharmoniously, disease can begin.

Where did Acupuncture come from?
There is archeological evidence showing that Acupuncture began in ancient shamanic practices around the world, including Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In Asia, particularly China, acupuncture continued to be practiced and developed. By 200 BC, when the first classic of Chinese medicine, the Nei Jing, was written, acupuncture was already a well-developed practice, backed by theories based in observation of the natural world.

Through the next 2000 years, Chinese medicine grew and developed as it was practiced, observed, and documented. There were and are many different “schools” of acupuncture throughout China, Japan, and Korea. When China became more open to the West in the 1960’s, one variety of Oriental Medicine, called “TCM” (Traditional Chinese Medicine) was put together to encourage acceptance by Western medical practitioners, and to make it possible for Chinese and Western doctors to work together. It emphasizes physical concerns rather than those of the mind and spirit.

At about the same time, another school of Acupuncture was developed by a British medical practitioner, J.R. Worsley, who studied for many years in China, Japan, and other places. Traditional Five-Element Acupuncture draws from a number of backgrounds, and focuses more on the spirit than the physical. All types of acupuncture are effective, promoting healing and maintaining health.

What is treatment like?
At the first appointment, I will ask many questions, and talk with you about your life, your health issues, your behavior, habits, and feelings. I observe your way of speaking, moving, odor, and color.

Then there is a short physical exam, where I observe your tongue, your skin, areas of pain especially over the meridians, any injuries or scars, and tenderness at points on the chest and abdomen. I also observe range of motion and any problems with movement. I will feel your pulses on the wrists several times during each session. I am not counting the rate, but feeling for balance among the various pulses, which are related to the meridians and organs of the body, and for pulse qualities which are used as part of the diagnosis.

During treatment, I will insert some needles at acupuncture points on the arms, legs, head, chest, abdomen, or back. The needles are very tiny, about the size of a hair, and are inserted shallowly. The needles may be removed immediately or may be left in for about 20 to 40 minutes. During this time, many people rest, meditate, or sleep. I have a machine with relaxing sounds to listen to, if you choose.

Do the needles hurt?
The needles are pre-sterilized, single-use, solid, and very thin. They do not feel like hypodermic needles or IV catheters. During treatment, needles are inserted to just below the skin’s surface. Sensations vary from person to person, with some patients feel a dull momentary ache or tingling sensation, or a feeling of movement. Some patients feel nothing or just the feeling of the tip of the needle on the skin. And, yes, sometimes a needle may hurt very briefly. When left in for treatment, they should not hurt. I will ask you what you are feeling, and make treatment as comfortable as possible for you

Is Acupuncture safe?
Yes. When treated by a properly trained acupuncturist, problems rarely occur. The most common side effect is bruising. I will tell you if I plan to treat a point that might bruise. Occasionally, a patient may faint, but this is quite unusual. It is important to eat moderately and drink some water before coming for treatment.

In the hands of an untrained person, needling too deeply can puncture organs or cause a pneumothorax (air in the chest cavity). With Traditional Five-Element Acupuncture, needles are placed more shallowly, and it is very safe.

What can I expect from treatment?
At the beginning of each session, we will discuss how you have felt since the previous treatment, and how you are feeling now. I will ask some questions every time, about your sleep, appetite, temperature, fluid intake, and emotions. Wearing loose clothing is helpful for me to access points, decreasing the need for you to undress. I have large, comfortable cotton gowns for times when this is necessary.

The first two or three treatments are “clearing treatments”, which include traditional point combinations for general balancing, and to help rid the patient of long-standing physical and emotional interferences with qi flow. Often patients feel very relaxed and may sleep. Sometimes amazing changes in physical or emotional symptoms occur. It is important to rest and drink plenty of water after these treatments, to aid in excretion of toxins released.

After the clearing phase of treatment, each treatment is different, depending on your symptoms, your response to the previous treatment, your “CF”, and what I feel on your pulses. With Five-Element treatments, needles are often removed immediately.

How often and how long do I need to come for treatment?
Usually patients start with weekly treatments. Occasionally, if the patient has acute and painful symptoms, I may recommend coming two or more times in the first week or two. After five or six treatments, we will discuss how acupuncture is working for you and how to proceed. If the issues are of short duration, and/or results of treatment are lasting almost a week, we will drop back to every two weeks. If the issues are chronic and long standing, the patient may need to come for treatment for a longer period of time. It is variable, and depends on your issues and response to treatment. The idea is to decrease the need for treatments and have you get well.

What is the relationship between Acupuncture and other medical care?
Acupuncture is compatible with other medical treatment. It is a good idea to tell your Western medical doctor that you are having acupuncture treatment.

If you are taking medicines, don’t stop them without the advice of you doctor. As treatment progresses, you and your doctor may discuss changing the dose or stopping it altogether.

Other CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicine) treatments, such as therapeutic massage, chiropractic, shiatsu massage, or herbal treatment may be helpful. I will recommend them and refer you if I think these will be especially helpful.

Tai Qi, Yoga, and Qi Gong are wonderful practices to support yourself during treatment, and forever after, too. Consider taking a class or buying a CD to get started. See the Acupuncture Resources and Webrings page.

What does it cost?
The initial two-hour assessment and treatment is $100.
Continuing treatments (one hour) are $65.

People are often concerned about the expense, especially if insurance does not cover part of the fees. When I began treatment for fibromyalgia, I was greatly concerned about the cost. At first, I went weekly, for about three months. Then frequency decreased as I started to get better. At the end of a year, I added up the cost: $965. If I had know how much better I would feel, I would have been willing to pay much more!

So I ask you to consider what regaining your physical, emotional, and spiritual health is worth to you. What do frequent doctor visits cost, including co-pays? How about medications? Transportation? Time out of work? Pain and suffering?

Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Some insurance companies in some places do cover acupuncture. It is worth discussing it with your company. North Carolina state insurance does, but only if performed by an MD! If you are considering going to an MD or a chiropractor for acupuncture, check his/her credentials carefully. Some have as little as 300 hours of training in acupuncture. See the Acupuncture Can Help page for more details on education of acupuncturists. If you have insurance coverage, I will give you a coded form to send in for reimbursement.

How can I find a competent acupuncturist?
One way is to read the websites of practitioners near your home, to see their credentials and what their patients have to say. There are a number of sites where acupuncturists are listed and you can check degrees, licenses, and certifications:

The Tai Sophia Institute website where I studied acupuncture: www.tai.edu

The testing and accrediting group website: www.NCCAOM.org

The North Carolina Acupuncture Licensing Board: www.ncalb.state.nc.us

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