What is Qi(pronounced Chee)?
Qi is translated into "vital energy", or "life force". In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qi is believed to exist everywhere in the universe, and that it is a vital part of all living things. It travels through the body via pathways called meridians or channels. There are 14 meridians in the body related to specific organs and functions. When the Qi flows through these pathways smoothly, it provides energy, nourishment and vitality to every organ, muscle, and tissue resulting in a healthy and strong body, mind, and spirit. If there is an obstruction, or a dam that prevents the Qi from circulating freely, our bodies may not be able to function optimally, resulting in pain, illness, or disease. Our health depends on a balance of Qi.
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Does Acupuncture Work?
Yes! The Chinese have developed, over thousands of years, a working theory of acupuncture. They discovered pathways along the body that related to the organs and systems of the body, through which "qi" traveled. They found that when there was illness, the qi was blocked, excessive, deficient, or unbalanced. Acupuncture was one way of restoring and balancing the flow of qi. By inserting needles in certain points along the channels and manipulating the qi flowing through those channels, organ function could be regulated. It can relax the muscles and inflammation is reduced. Pain can also be alleviated.
Over the thousands of years that have passed, the doctors recorded their observations every generation learning from and improving upon those that came before. Today acupuncture is benefiting from modern research techniques.
Acupuncture positively affects the body by bringing it into a state of balance so that you can feel both relaxed and revitalized. Acupuncture has survived thousands of years, alleviating pain as well as treating a vast array of signs and symptoms involving digestive, respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal, emotional issues, and much more.
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Does Acupuncture Hurt?
The answer is no! While each person's experience is different, most people feel no pain, while others feel a minimal amount of pain as the needle is inserted. Acupuncture needles do not resemble or feel like the needles used for blood tests or injections. The needles are thin like a strand of hair and solid. The unique structure of the needle allows it to slip easily and gently into the skin, many times without you even knowing it. If any sensation is felt upon insertion, it may feel like a mosquito bite, subsiding almost immediately. If you are sensitive to your own energy, or Qi, you may feel a dull aching, a subtle tingling, a warmth, a heaviness, or a distending feeling at the insertion site. These sensations are normal and positive, and they are due to the Qi moving in and around the area of the needle. Many find it an enjoyable and intensely relaxing experience.
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Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. The acupuncture needle is an extremely fine, disposable (one-use), sterile, approved medical device. A registered acupuncturist has undergone years of training in its safe implementation.
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What Can I Expect During My First Visit?
The initial visit will last up to 2 hours and it will include a detailed intake of your health history and a physical assessment. Your main health concern(s) will be discussed, and you will be asked a wide range of questions about your symptoms, diet, physical activity, sleep habits, and emotional states in order for your acupuncturist to gain insight into your health and well-being.
Your acupuncturist will use specific diagnostic techniques that are unique to Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture such as tongue and pulse diagnosis. The tongue maps the body, reflecting the overall health of the organs and meridians. The examination of the tongue body and coating provides a lot of information about what is happening in the body.
Changes in the shape,color,and coating of the tongue can occur when the body is out of balance. Pulse taking provides information on the state of the Qi in your body, and it also indicates any imbalances that may be present. Your acupuncturist will check both your pulse rate and quality, by palpating 12 positions on each wrist, which correspond to a specific organ and meridian. The pulse can give information on your overall health.
This detailed discussion and examination will allow the acupuncturist to develop a unique, individualized treatment plan that best suits your health goals.
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How Should I Prepare For My Treatment?
Prepare to give a detailed medical history including current and previous medications. Do not eat or consume caffeinated foods or beverages several hours before treatment (this may discolor tongue and make it difficult to examine). Do not scrape your tongue prior to your treatment. Ensure you eat a small snack, not a large meal, before your scheduled appointment. Wear loose fitting clothes. Bring any questions you may have to discuss with your acupuncturist.
It is important to note any changes,both subtle and significant, that occur between treatments. For example, pain level, changes in your symptoms in terms of frequency,severity, location, etc.
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What Can I Expect After My Treatment?
It is very common to feel very relaxed and perhaps groggy or "out of it" immediately after a treatment. You should drink plenty of water and refrain from overexertion, alcohol, or drugs for at least six hours. Some people continue to feel a sensation where the needles were inserted. This is a positive sign indicating that the acupuncture point is still being stimulated and the Qi is moving. It is possible for the condition for which you are being treatment 'flares up', or becomes worse. This is temporary and it will quickly diminish as the body readjusts itself.
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How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments depends on many factors including your overall health, and the severity of the condition being treated. This varies from person to person. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Some people experience relief after a few treatments, while others may need a longer series of treatment. Most people see significant changes within a moth, or 4-6 treatments. Chronic conditions may take 12 or more treatments before improvements may be noticed. Success of a treatment plan is based on the type of condition being treated, as well as your commitment to improve your own health. Changes in lifestyle, diet and activity level may be recommended to support your journey towards health and well-being.
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When I Feel Better, Should I Stop My Acupuncture Treatments?
Even after your symptoms are resolved, acupuncture can benefit you in maintaining your overall health, and possibly prevent future imbalances. Maintenance is key in your commitment to your health and well-being in order to keep your body and mind strong; even when you feel great! By making acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine a part of your life, you will learn to nurture your body, mind, and spirit.
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