ACUPUNCTURE, WHAT IS IT? Acupuncture is a method that encourages the body to re-establish balance.This is done by inserting needles at very precise acupuncture points and applying heat or electrical stimulation. HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK? The classical chinese explanation is that an energy latticework is present in the body in what are called meridians. These are not nerves or blood vessels. They are more like rivers flowing through the body to nourish and irrigate the tissues. An obstruction in these channels either causes pain or organ dysfunction. Inserting needles in precise acupuncture points alleviates the blockage and associated disorder. The modern scientific Western explanation is that the needles stimulate the nervous system to release natural pain relieving chemicals and hormones into the brain, spinal cord and muscles. These chemicals either change the way the body perceives pain or stimulates the release of other chemicals that influence the body's innate homeostatic mechanisms.The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by the acupuncture needles results in natural healing of mind and body. HOW IS MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE DIFFERENT FROM ORDINARY ACUPUNCTURE? Medical acupuncture is performed by an M.D. specially trained in acupuncture. I am also Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Medical Acupuncture. I am not just a student of oriental medicine w/o formal medical training. This allows me to use both Eastern and Western approaches to treat various pain and internal medicine problems. WHAT IS THE SCOPE OF MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE? Acupuncture can influence three main areas of health care: (1)The promotion of health and well-being; (2)the prevention of illness; (3)the treatment of various medical conditions. The World Health Association recognizes the use of medical acupuncture to treat several medical problems, including: Digestive, respiratory, neurologic, muscular, urinary, reproductive and psycho-emotional conditions. Acupuncture is especially suited to help with the stress and tension of everyday life that is what a colleague of mine calls "The great american malady". HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED? This varies by the duration of symptoms. Problems that are severe and long standing may require once or twice weekly treatments for months while acute problems may only require a few sessions. ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM THE TREATMENT? Usually not. It is not uncommon, especially at first, to feel a deep sensation of relaxation. As energy is redirected in the body, chemicals and hormones are released and natural healing begins to take place. Occasionally, symptoms may worsen for 24-48 hours before they improve.This should not be interpreted badly but rather as an indication that the treatment is starting to work. It is not uncommon to experience a change in appetite, sleep, bowel or urinary patterns. Also, an emotional release of some nature may be experienced. WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE AND DO THEY HURT? Acupuncture needles are sterilized, single use solid needles that are as thin as a shaft of hair. They are not hollow with cutting edges like blood-drawing needles used in venipuncture. There is no risk of infection or bleeding. Patients on blood thinners can receive acupunture without any problem. DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK? YES!!!! Over the last 2000 years patients in Asia, the Soviet Union and Europe have been successfully treated. It is now being used more and more in America. Acupuncture can be done along with other medical treatments. It is important that I know everything that you are doing or taking, including medicines, herbs, physical therapy, chiropractic and other modalities. WHAT SHOULD I AVOID AFTER A TREATMENT? Avoid heavy meals or strenuous exercise or sexual activity. Drink a lot of water. Plan your day so that after your visit you can rest. Don't stop taking your regular medications. DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK? No. I also have treated my own Dachsund and she did splendidly with both acupuncture needle and laser therapy without knowing what mommy was doing! Class IV theraputic lasers work on the mitochondria or energy factories inside cells to improve healing and reduce inflammation.