Acupuncture Explained

Acupuncture 101

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a medical therapy developed over 2000 years ago in Asia. Acupuncture stimulates specific points beneath the skin by the insertion of acupuncture needles. This process restores the balance of the body's energy, also known as "Qi" (pronounced chi). Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Moxibustion are essential elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Will it hurt?

Acupuncture needles are extremely thin made from silver alloy, typically stainless steel. You may feel little or no discomfort as the needles are inserted as the process is generally painless. You may feel different sensations, including slight numbness, warmth, or pressure. These energetic sensations differ from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and comforting.

Is it safe?

Acupuncture therapy has been used for thousands of years in China. Acupuncture is the treatment of choice for one-fourth of the world's population! The needles are FDA approved, individually packaged, pre-sterilized, and disposed of after a single use.

What should I expect for my first treatment?

After the first treatment has been administered, depending on the aliment being treated, many experiences may occur. Immediate, total or partial relief from pain or other symptoms may be experienced. Some patients experience a sudden burst of energy, while others may feel relaxed. Many people experience a calming satisfaction. Small, localized bruises from minor bleeding under the skin are infrequent but do occur. These are no cause for alarm, and despite the cosmetic inconvenience, they provide a kind of bonus treatment. The reabsorption of the blood continues the stimulation of the acupuncture point, even without the needle in place.

How long do the treatments take?

In most situations, treatments take between 20 and 30 minutes but can last longer in certain scenarios. The length of the treatment depends on the individual conditions of the patient .

What conditions can Acupuncture treat?

Many conditions may be treated. General pain relief and control for arthritis, cervical spondylopathy, knee pain, hand and foot pain, sciatica, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, lower back and neck pain, tendonitis, etc. Other conditions such as circulatory problems with high or low blood pressure, cold hands and feet. Some nervous system imbalances can also be treated such as anxiety, nervousness, sleeplessness, depression, asthma, allergies and sinus problems; digestive disorders like Crohns Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, and constipation. Other common ailments treated include headaches and migraines, treatments to help stop smoking, and many more conditions.

How does Acupuncture work?

In traditional Chinese Medicine, there exists a meridian system through the human body. In this system, invisible passageways for energy are called meridians. There are certain points on the body (more than 360) that connect with certain organs and bodily functions. Point Groups on the body that apply to a specific organ or function are found along the same meridian. In a healthy, normal functioning body, the energy in these meridians flow freely resulting in a balanced system. When the flow of energy is interrupted from causes such as stress or injury, this energy is reduced throwing your "Qi" off balance. By performing Acupuncture using the points associated with the particular meridian involved, this Qi or balance is restored.

Are the needles clean?

Acupuncture needles are FDA approved. These needles are pre-sterilized and individually wrapped. After the needles are used, they are disposed of.

How many treatments will I need?

Since every person is unique in their own condition, the numbers of treatments will vary. The nature, severity and history of each patient's problem, as well as the individual himself or herself, are all factors that are involved in how many treatments will be necessary.

Are needles the only equipment involved?

The Dr. may use several techniques such as moxibustion, cupping, electric stimulation, and point stimulation to help with the patient's treatment.

Will it conflict with my other medications?

Acupuncture will not conflict with any of your medications. Acupuncture is used to complement and supplement your physician's treatments NOT TO REPLACE THEM. You should discuss this issue with your primary care physician.

Acupuncture has been cited by the World Health Organization to treat conditions including:

Addiction-alcohol, drug, smoking Facial palsy/tics Bell's Palsy Pneumonia

Anxiety Fatigue Reproductive problems

Arthritis Fertility Rhinitis

Asthma Fibromyalgia Sciatica

Bronchitis Gingivitis Seasonal Affective Disorder

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Headache (SAD)

Chronic Fatigue Hiccups Shoulder pain

Colitis Incontinence Sinusitis

Common Cold Indigestion Sleep problems

Constipation IBS Sore throat

Dental Pain Low back pain Stress

Depression Menopause Tennis Elbow

Diarrhea Menstrual problems Tonsillitis

Digestive trouble Migraine Trigeminal Neuralgia

Dizziness Morning Sickness Urinary tract infection

Dysentery Nausea Vomiting

Emotional problems Pain Wrist pain

Eye problems PMS

National Institutes of Health Conference (NIH) found Acupuncture

  • Effective for adult post-operative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting; a reasonable option for post-operative myofascial and low back pain; should be a part of a comprehensive program for asthma, addiction and smoking cessation.
  • Has substantially lower incidence of adverse effects than many drugs or accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions.
  • The data in support of Acupuncture are as strong as for many accepted Western medical therapies.

Clinical Research (NIH) demonstrates that Acupuncture

  • Stimulates bone regrowth
  • Regulates blood pressure
  • Increases red and white blood cell count
  • Stimulates production of pain modulating endorphins and enkephalins

Hours of Operation

1207 Thouvenot (Frank Scott Pky), Shiloh IL 62269

Monday

12:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Tuesday

3:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Wednesday

12:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Thursday

Closed

Friday

12:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

1207 Thouvenot (Frank Scott Pky), Shiloh IL 62269

Monday
12:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Tuesday
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Wednesday
12:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Thursday
Closed
Friday
12:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed

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***THIS IS ONLY AN APPOINTMENT REQUEST - your appointment is not confirmed until you are contacted by a staff member.