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 Medical
acupuncture is a term used to describe acupuncture performed by a
medical doctor who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a
specialty.
It involves using needles, heat, and electric
stimulation to promote the body’s natural healing abilities.
The classical Chinese theory is that acupuncture
works through influencing energy channels (AKA “Chi”) which run through
the body and over its surface.
The modern scientific explanation is that acupuncture
works through stimulating the body’s nervous system to release chemicals
which change the experience of pain or influence its internal regulatory
system.
Does acupuncture
really work?
Yes. For over 2,000 years patients have been
successfully treated with acupuncture throughout the world.
Research has shown that 80% of people respond to
acupuncture.
You do not need to believe in acupuncture for it to
work
How many treatments will I
need?
For most problems, an initial series of 6-8
treatments at weekly intervals followed by maintenance treatments at
monthly, then quarterly intervals is sufficient.
Some problems may require more treatments.
Generally, a response should be noticed within the
first 3-5 treatments, although it usually takes 6-8 to control a
problem.
Do the needles hurt? What
are they like?
Patients experience acupuncture needles differently.
Most feel a mild pinch as the needle enters the skin.
Some may not feel the needles at all.
No pain is felt once the needle is through the skin.
Unlike hypodermic needles used to draw blood(which
have cutting edges and are hollow) acupuncture needles are very thin,
solid, and have a smooth tip.
They are also sterile and disposable. There is no
risk of infection.
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