FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT DOES ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?

Millions of people have found acupuncture to be a better solution than drugs or surgery. With a 3,000-year history, acupuncture successfully addresses many ailments and manages pain with no drugs or side affects. The World Health Organization has issued a comprehensive list of diseases and conditions for which acupuncture has demonstrated therapeutic effect. Acupuncture is a safe, painless alternative for treating the following:

• Arthritis, fibromyalgia, low back pain, neck pain.

• Asthma, allergies and other respiratory symptoms.

• Gastrointestinal/Digestive issues.

• Gynecological issues such as infertility, PMS, irregular and/or painful menses.

• Depression, anxiety, insomnia, stress.

• Prenatal and post natal care

• Addictions: food, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, gambling, etc.

• And many, many more physical, emotional and neurological issues.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

Eastern Explanation:
Acupuncture is a healing therapy that involves the placement of ultra-fine needles at specific points on the body along meridians (energy channels of the body). As long as the energy flows freely through these pathways and the organ systems, health is maintained. When the flow of energy is disturbed for any reason, there is disruption in health, resulting in pain or illness. By stimulating the proper acupuncture points along these meridians, the energy is regulated, and health is restored.

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Western Explanation:
Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points located near or on the surface of the skin which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve the desired effect.

Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity. Inserting needles at these points stimulates various sensory receptors that, in turn, stimulate nerves that transmit impulses to the hypothalamic-pituitary system at the base of the brain.

The hypothalamus-pituitary glands are responsible for releasing neurotransmitters and endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing hormones. It is estimated that endorphins are 200 times more potent than morphine. Endorphins also play a big role in the functioning of the hormonal system. This is why acupuncture works well for back pain and arthritis and also for PMS and infertility.

The substances released as a result of acupuncture not only relax the whole body, they regulate seratonin in the brain which plays a role in human and animal disposition. This is why depression is often treated with acupuncture.

Some of the physiological effects observed throughout the body include increased circulation, decreased inflammation, relief from pain, relief of muscle spasms and increased T-cell count which stimulates the immune system.

IS ACUPUNCTURE SAFE?

Acupuncture is widely acknowledged as one of the safest forms of medicine. Acupuncture needles are pre-sterilized, individually packaged, and disposable. Acupuncturists undergo extensive training and are regulated by the individual states’ medical board.
One of the greatest advantages of acupuncture is that it has virtually no side effects. Occasionally a small temporary bruise may appear at the site of an acupuncture needle. When compared to the laundry list of cautions and side effects for the average pharmaceutical drug, acupuncture is very low risk!

DOES IT HURT?

Most people barely feel a thing when needles are inserted. Some people feel a slight pinch, and others ask “Is it in yet?” Acupuncture needles are solid, flexible, and very, very thin (about the width of two hairs). There are certain sensations associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. These may include heaviness, distention, tingling or electric sensation traveling along a meridian. Some people say it feels like you are floating on clouds. If any discomfort is experienced, it is usually mild and temporary. Most people find acupuncture treatments very relaxing and comfortable and usually drift off to sleep.

HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO COME IN FOR TREATMENTS?

That depends on your medical condition. One of the benefits of the sliding scale is that it allows patients to come in frequently, often 2-3 times per week. Many conditions respond more quickly to frequent acupuncture treatments, while other patients only need to come in once a week. Once your condition is stabilized, you won’t need to come in as frequently. When you come in for your first treatment, we’ll formulate a specific treatment plan for you.

DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING TO PREPARE FOR A TREATMENT?

Eat something light a few hours before treatment. In consideration of others, please do not wear heavy perfume or cologne that may trigger allergies. Please wear loose clothing that can comfortably be rolled up to your elbows and knees. We ask that you turn off or airplane mode your cell phone to experience a deeply relaxing, healing experience.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT LIKE AT HILLCREST COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE? HOW LONG ARE TREATMENTS?

After completing necessary paperwork, you will be taken into the treatment room where you can sit back and relax in one of our comfortable recliners. Your acupuncturist will ask you some questions, take your pulse diagnosis and create a treatment plan for your health concerns.  We practice a style of acupuncture that uses mostly “distal points” in the hands, feet and head to treat problems in the body – meaning back pain is often treated by using points in the hands or head pain is treated by using acupuncture points on the feet or legs. After the acupuncturist has placed the needles, you will relax with your needles in for at least 30 minutes. The average treatment time is 45 minutes to an hour--so plan on at least an hour for your first visit to our clinic.

RECLINERS?

Oh yes, recliners. Our patients love our comfy relaxed reclining chairs. They are easy to get into and out of, and provide a cozy, comfortable place for you to rest and relax during your treatment.