Acupuncture Q & A

What is Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture? | How Does Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Work?
Is Acupuncture Safe? | What Can I Expect During My Acupuncture Session?
Does It Hurt? | How Many Treatments Will I Need? | What Does Acupuncture Treat?

What is Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is one of the oldest and continually used medical systems in the world.  This well-developed form of healthcare has evolved not in a laboratory, but from over 3,000 years of clinical experience, resulting in time-tested, safe and effective treatments for an enormous range of illnesses. 

The primary modalities utilized under TCM are Acupuncture, Chinese herbs, tui na (Chinese medical massage), movement and breathing exercises, and diet and lifestyle education.  The combination of these modalities promotes the body’s own healing mechanism to heal itself, and to maintain strength and adaptability to the changing environmental stresses.  Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine addresses not only the symptoms of an illness, but also the underlying cause as well.  It not only is effective for both chronic and acute conditions, but has traditionally been used as a form of preventative medicine. 

How Does Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Work?

Acupuncture and Chinese medicine works by adjusting and balancing the flow of Qi (pronounced “Chi”) in the body.  The full concept of Qi is not easy to translate, but one can think of it as vital life force or energy.  Any misdirection, blockage, or other derangement of the amount, flow, or balance of Qi may result in pain, dysfunction, and sickness. 

In the past thousands of years, Chinese medicine have not only traced out the pathways of the Qi flow, but learned how to affect it by acupuncture or other means of Chinese medicine to restore its normal balance, allowing the body to repair and maintain its own health.  Each pathway, also known as channel or meridian, has a close relationship to a specific organ, which means Chinese medicine can treat many internal medical problems effectively. 

Is Acupuncture Safe?

When performed by a competently trained, licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture is a very safe and effective form of healing.  At Rejuvenation Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic, we use only individually packaged, sterile, disposable needles.  So there is virtually no chance of infection or contagion. 

What Can I Expect During My Acupuncture Session?

Your initial acupuncture visit will begin with a thorough intake of your medical history, a comprehensive interview; follow by a physical examination which includes meridian examination and diagnosis that Cindy learned during her study with Master Wang Ju-Yi in Beijing, China.  Treatment will be formulated and acupuncture points will be selected geared toward each individual’s condition that day.  Your first visit will last about 90 minutes, and follow-up visits last about an hour.   

Does It Hurt?

Unlike a hypodermic (hollow) needle that is used to give shots, acupuncture needles are solid and very fine, typically not much thicker than a hair.  Insertions are usually painless.  After the insertion of needle, I like to look for a “Qi sensation” to fully activate the point. This sensation can be tingling, warmth, heaviness, dull achy, or a feeling of Qi moving up and down the channel.  Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing, and many fall asleep during the 30 minute treatment. 

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

The number of treatments you need depend on the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint.  You may need only a few treatments for an acute condition.  A series of 6 – 10 treatments may resolve many chronic conditions.  Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.  Please keep in mind that disease is a process.  It took time for your body to become ill, and it can heal itself only if given the proper time and treatments.  The effect of acupuncture treatments builds on one another.  Generally speaking, the closer your treatments are spaced, the less treatment you need, and the faster your recovery time will be.  That’s why I usually recommend 2 ~ 3 treatments a week.   

What Does Acupuncture Treat?

  Weight Management
Excessive Hunger • Slow Metabolism • Poor Digestion

Anti-Aging/Facial Rejuvenation
Fine Lines and Wrinkles • Sagging and Droopy Skin/Jaw Line
Increase Collagen Production

Physical Pain
Back Pain • Neck Pain • Shoulder Pain • Knee Pain
Arthritis • Sciatica • Headaches
Migraines • Carpel Tunnel Syndrome • Fibromyalgia

Emotional Conditions
Anxiety • Depression • Irritability • Fatigue
Insomnia • Poor Concentration • Memory

Digestive Problems
Irritable Bowel Syndrome • Constipation • Diarrhea • Acid Reflux
Heartburn • Nausea • Hemorrhoids • Ulcers

Neurological Symptoms
Numbness and Tingling • Shingles • Post-Stroke Symptoms

Gynecological/Genital Problems
Male Infertility • Female Infertility • PMS • Hot Flashes • Endometriosis
Fibroids • Incontinence • Sexual Dysfunction • Urinary Tract Infections
Irregular Menstruation • Heavy Menstruation • Painful Menstruation

Respiratory Problems
Colds • Sinusitis • Allergies • Asthma
Bronchitis • Chronic Cough • Smoker's Cough

Cardiovascular and Other Problems
Poor Circulation • Hypertension • Drinking Problems
Palpitations • Angina • Weight Gain • Smoking Addiction

Wellness and Prevention

Visit our full-service health and wellness clinic in Des Moines, Washington for professional acupuncture, facial rejuvenation, and Chinese herbal medicine sessions.

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