Acupuncture FAQ
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a medical therapy developed over 2,000 years ago in Asia. Acupuncture stimulates specific points on the body using very thin, sterile, stainless steel needles. This process restores balance to the body, relieving symptoms and healing the underlying causes of illness, thus restoring health.
How does acupuncture work?
From a Western medicine perspective, acupuncture works by increasing activity in various parts of the brain and stimulating the body to release neurotransmitters, vasodilators, and hormones (such as endorphins). Through these mechanisms, acupuncture reduces pain, speeds healing, strengthens the immune system, reduces inflammation, induces a feeling of calm, and alleviates stress.
According to Chinese medical theory, acupuncture works by moving, strengthening and balancing the body’s energy, or “Qi” (pronounced “chee”). Qi can be described as a form of bio-energy that moves like electrical current throughout the body. If the Qi isn’t moving properly, or isn’t strong enough, it shows up as an imbalance or illness. Basically, if you have a health condition, some part of your body’s system is out of whack. Chinese medical theory allows us to diagnose the imbalance… and balance it.
A good example of this is the use of acupuncture to induce labor. Certain acupuncture points cause the release of oxytocin, which is the hormone that naturally induces labor. Studies have shown that using acupuncture to induce labor reduces the active (painful) phase of labor by an average of 3.6 hours.
Does acupuncture hurt?
Most people don’t feel a thing when needles are inserted. The reason acupuncture needles are generally pain-free is because they’re very, very thin in comparison to the needles used to give injections or take blood. Those needles are necessarily hollow and thus much thicker, and also have a very blunt point (actually a wedge shape) in comparison to an acupuncture needle, which has a super-fine tip. Forty acupuncture needles can fit inside the tip of one standard hypodermic needle!
There are certain sensations that go along with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture – these are called “de qi” (pronounced “dah-chee”) sensations. These may include a feeling of heaviness, and/or a feeling of movement. These sensations are a sign of movement in the body, which is great, as movement is necessary for health and healing. During and after an acupuncture treatment, people usually experience a profound sense of relaxation and internal quiet (we sometimes jokingly refer to this as being “acu-stoned”!)
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is very safe. Acupuncture needles are FDA-approved, individually packaged in sterile blister packages, and are properly disposed of after one use. Every practitioner gets extensive training in anatomy, and damage by an acupuncture needle is extremely rare, due in part to the tiny size of the needles and the generally shallow insertion.
Do I have to believe in it for it to work?
Acupuncture and herbs work whether you believe in them or not. Acupuncture works really well on dogs, cats, and horses, as well as infants – a strong indicator that one does not need to believe in it for it to be effective. So, skeptics – welcome! Come and give it a try.
Does acupuncture always work?
Most people respond well to acupuncture, and experience an improvement in their symptoms from their first visit.
What Should I Expect?
During your first visit, you will fill out an intake form, and then you will spend some time talking with the doctor so she can get an overall picture of your health, learn more about the details of your main complaint(s), and answer any questions you may have.
Your first visit will last about 90 minutes – time for you to fill out your intake forms, talk with the doctor, and have your first treatment. Your subsequent visits will be shorter – usually 45-50 minutes – during which there will be a brief check-in and review of your progress, followed by a treatment.
If it’s warranted, the doctor will also prescribe an herbal formula, and/or make suggestions about vitamins and other supplements for your condition(s), and she may also suggest dietary and lifestyle changes for you to consider to speed your recovery and improve your overall quality of life and health.
How often would I need to come in for treatment?
Acupuncture treatments are typically recommended once a week. If your condition is particularly painful, treatments may be 2-3 times per week for a few weeks until the pain is significantly reduced. Most people notice some improvement immediately, while they are in our office, with continued improvement over subsequent treatments.
The exact duration of treatment will depend on your condition, your basic level of health, and how well you respond to acupuncture. Most people feel significant and lasting improvement after a series of weekly treatments.
You will achieve the best results when you make a commitment to your long term health and receive regular weekly treatments. Receiving weekly acupuncture treatments bring a myriad of improvements to your life:
- an overall and lasting reduction in stress,
- increased immunity,
- better quality sleep,
- more energy and mental clarity,
- improved memory,
- increased motivation for self-care (diet, exercise, etc.),
- improved mood,
- improved libido,
- increased circulation and mobility,
- less pain,
- better digestion,
- and more.
Does insurance cover acupuncture?
Most New Mexico health insurance plans cover our services, no referral or prescription is needed, and co-pays are usually between $10-30 (once your deductible is met). All you have to do is make an appointment – we’ll take care of the rest!
We accept the following insurance at The Sunflower Wellness Center:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- United Health Care
- Presbyterian
- Cigna
- Aetna
