What is Classical Acupuncture?

Originating in ancient China, classical acupuncture is the oldest continuously practiced medical system in the world. It is used by one-third of the world as a primary health care system and has been endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations. This medical model is based on natural laws which describe the flow of life energy in nature and in the body.
This life energy, called ch'i, courses through the body in channels similar to rivers that traverse the earth. When the ch'i is not full and flowing, illness can begin. Symptoms are the body's distress signals warning there is a problem. If the real problem is not addressed, sooner or later something more serious is likely to occur. Classical Acupuncture treats the deeper underlying cause in addition to alleviating the symptom.


What problems can acupuncture help?

While acupuncture is widely known to relieve pain, it is also helpful for many conditions in which pain is not primary, including a variety of chronic conditions. Classical acupuncture looks at everything about a person's lifestyle and stresses, as well as aches and pains. When the practitioner is able to find and correct the underlying problem, the symptoms will often disappear.
Each person is evaluated individually. Because each person is unique, many practitioners discourage publishing specific conditions for which acupuncture may be effective. Acupuncture may be helpful whether you have a major health problem or are in good health and want to facilitate your own personal growth.


What about needles?

The needles used to stimulate acupuncture points have no resemblance to hypodermic syringes. Acupuncture needles are very slender, barely beyond the thickness of human hair. The finest quality stainless steel, pre-sterilized, disposable needles are used.
Most insertions are just beneath the skin's surface and the sensations vary from person to person. You may feel nothing at all, or perhaps a dull, momentary ache or tingling. The fewest number of needles necessary are used, often only two or three.


What is recommended for those in treatment?

You may experience various changes, subtle or profound, during and following treatment. All changes will be monitored by your practitioner who is aware of your general progress towards total well-being, as well as the specific improvement of your most important concerns. The progress is different for every individual.
To enhance the value of therapy, the following are important:
1. Plan your activities so that after each treatment (especially the first few) you can relax and thus allow yourself to gain maximum benefit.
2. The day of your treatment: avoid alcoholic drinks, extremes in temperatures, and other strong stimulants.
3. Continue prescription medicine exactly as directed by your physician.
4. Be aware of changes in your patterns of functioning (attitudes, emotions, sleep, appetite, levels of energy, etc.)
5. Cultivate respect for your body-mind-spirit, and strive to live in moderation. Nurture yourself with adequate mental and physical rest, nutrition and exercise.
6. Let your thoughts and attitudes reinforce each treatment. Research has shown that your own mental energy is a meaningful aid to the healing process.


What can I expect when I visit an acupuncturist?

Your First Visit
Your intiial visit is designed to help your practitioner understand why you are seeking acupuncture treatment, and what may have led to your symptoms. This session begins with an interview which includes both your health and personal history and continues with a physical examination and consultation. It is conducted in complete confidentiality with your practioner who will then advise you of the anticipated frequency of treatments. This initial session usually lasts from 1-2 hours. There may or may not be needles used during this visit.

Acupuncture Sessions
Subsequent sessions are conducted by your personal practitioner. Your particular needs will be attended to in great detail. Initially you will be seen weekly in order to cultivate internal harmony which can be sustained between treatments. As this harmony is achieved, usually after 4-8 weeks, treatments may be every other week, every three weeks, monthly, and eventually seasonally. Of course, frequency of the treatments varies with each individual.


What is the relationship between acupuncture and conventional medical care?

While acupuncture is concerned with the whole person and addresses itself to many levels of functioning, it is also a particular form of treatment with it's own limitations. It's effectiveness is enhanced by health-promoting attitudes and behaviors.
In many cases, patients already being cared for by other providers will need to remain in their care. Acupuncture practitioners cooperate with other providers and do not recommend altering medications or other therapies without consulting the personal physician or provider.
I recommend that you have a medical examination by a physician at the time you start your treatment.

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