Frequently
Asked Questions
Table of Contents
Acupuncture1
What
is acupuncture?
Chinese Herbal Medicine1
What
is Chinese herbal medicine?
Chiropractic2
What
results can I expect from a chiropractic treatment? 1 Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Alliance, www.acupuncturealliance.org
2 Canadian
Chiropractic Association,
www.ccachiro.org What is acupuncture?Acupuncture is an essential part of traditional Oriental medicine, a comprehensive system of health care with a continuous clinical history of over 3,000 years. Oriental medicine includes acupuncture, Chinese herbology, body work, dietary therapy, and exercise based on traditional Oriental medicine principles. These therapies work with the natural vital energy inherent within all living things to promote the body’s ability to heal itself. This system of health care is used extensively by one-quarter of the world’s population residing in Asia and is rapidly growing in the West. How does acupuncture work?Oriental medicine is based on an energetic model rather than the bio-chemical model of Western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognized a vital energy behind all life forms and life processes. They called this energy Qi (pronounced “chee”). In developing an understanding of the prevention and curing of disease, these healing practitioners discovered that this energy flows along specific pathways called “meridians”. Each pathway is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. The theory is that when a deficiency or imbalance of energy occurs in the meridians and their associated physiological systems, disease arises. The ancients mapped these meridians and identified acupuncture points that have predictable effects upon the vital energy passing through them. By measuring the electrical charges at these points, modern scientists have validated the theories of the ancients. To make a diagnosis and design a plan of treatment, practitioners of traditional Oriental medicine make a thorough observation of the patient. This intricate system of diagnosis includes palpation of points and meridians, observation of pulse and tongue, analysis of medical history, and other signs and symptoms. Once a composite Oriental medical diagnosis is complete, a treatment plan is formulated to induce the body to return to a balanced state of health. What can I expect?Oriental medicine, including acupuncture, can alleviate many conditions very rapidly. However, some conditions, particularly those that have arisen over a course of years, will require a longer course of treatment. Slow, steady progress can be expected in such cases. As in any form of healing, the patient’s attitude, diet, determination, and lifestyle will affect the outcome of a course of treatment. Patients are encouraged to actively participate in their healing process. Although Oriental medicine can be used to treat most health issues, there are circumstances that can be dealt with more effectively by Western medicine. In such cases, your acupuncturist will recommend that you contact a Western medical doctor. Acupuncture and Oriental medicine should be seen as complementary to Western medicine. Is acupuncture safe?In the hands of a comprehensively trained acupuncturist, your safety is assured. Acupuncture needles are sterile and are either disposable or autoclaved between treatments. If you have a preference, you should discuss the type of needles to be used with your practitioner. (Acupuncture & Chiropractic Center uses only single-use, disposable needles for your safety.) Is acupuncture painful?Acupuncture bears no resemblance to the feeling of receiving an injection, since the main source of pain from injections is the larger diameter, hollow needle and the medication being forced into the tissue by pressure. Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible, about the diameter of a human hair. In most cases, insertion by a skilled practitioner causes no discomfort. You may experience a sense of heaviness or electricity in the area of insertion. Most patients find the treatments very relaxing, and many fall asleep during treatment. In some cases, your practitioner may also recommend dietary, exercise, or lifestyle changes and an herbal regimen. What does acupuncture treat?The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture and traditional Oriental medicine’s ability to treat over 43 common disorders including:
Where can I find a qualified professional?In order to obtain the best health care, you should seek a practitioner who has been comprehensively trained in acupuncture. Over 40 states have passed statutes or regulations setting standards for the practice of acupuncture by professional acupuncturists. If you live in a regulated state, you should seek a licensed, registered or certified acupuncturist. If you live in an unregulated jurisdiction, it would be best to locate an individual licensed in another state or certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, known as the NCCAOM. Dr. DiStasio is Board Certified in Acupuncture through the NCCAOM. What is Chinese herbal medicine?Herbal medicine is a major component of TCM. Since the body is a dynamic interrelated whole possessing Qi (chee), health depends on the flow of this energy and the interplay of the body, mind, and spirit. When disease occurs, specific herbs can help balance the energy and allow the body to heal itself.
Are Chinese herbs safe?In the hands of a well-trained herbal practitioner, Chinese herbs are effective and safe. Careful attention to dosage and combination of herbs, as well as any know drug-herb interactions, are covered in comprehensive Chinese herbal medicine education programs. In addition, the Chinese herbal profession is working with the FDA to ensure the quality and safety of Chinese herbs imported into this country. Herbs have a balancing or regulating effect on the body and are usually gentler than pharmaceutical drugs. Side effects from herbs are possible but are usually minor. The most common problem is gastrointestinal upset, gas or bloating due to slight difficulty digesting the herb material. If this or any other problem occurs, discuss it with your practitioner so he/she may change your formula. Herb-drug interactions are rare. However, in order to allow your health care providers to treat you effectively and work in partnership, you should inform your Western medical physician that you are taking Chinese herbs just as you should inform your herbal practitioner of any prescription medicines you are taking.
How are herbs administered?Chinese herbal medicine is actually composed of over 5,000 plant, mineral, and animal substances. Most herbalists, however, work with 200 – 300 herbs. The traditional method of preparing herbs is to cook the raw herb in water to form a decoction or tea. Depending on your preference, or the recommendation of your practitioner, you may take herbs in pill form, as a tincture, or in a powdered or granulated form easily dissolvable in fluid. Although the taste is sometimes bitter, most people find the taste acceptable given the health benefits.
What conditions can be treated by Chinese herbs?A wide variety of conditions, both acute and chronic, can be effectively addressed with Chinese herbal medicine. It excels in treating conditions that Western medicine has difficulty with, as well as conditions that do not have a Western medical diagnosis. Herbs may be used to treat infants, elderly patients and pregnant women. Some conditions treated with herbs include:
What results can I expect from a chiropractic treatment?How well you respond to chiropractic treatment depends on your condition, the length of time you have had the problem, your age, and the degree of your disability. The length of your treatment will depend upon the severity of your problem. Your chiropractor should tell you the extent of treatment recommended and how long you can expect it to last. One of the main reasons people choose chiropractic is that they often get quick results.
Facts about chiropractic
Do chiropractors refer patients to medical doctors when necessary?Like medical doctors, chiropractors refer patients to other professionals when they feel it is appropriate. Chiropractors are well trained to recognize risk factors as well as individual disease patterns and will not hesitate to make a referral when it is in the best interest of the patient’s health.
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