Acupuncture is defined as the insertion of fine needles into the human body at specific points to treat specific health problems. These points are determined and mapped by the Chinese two thousand years ago, and are continuously being developed over time.

What problems can be treated by acupuncture?

Acupuncture is more effective in treating the following problems:

• Pain-related disorders such as low back pain, headaches, migraines, facial paralysis, nerve pain, partial weakness after a stroke, certain types of muscle atrophy, inflammation of nerve endings, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, sports injury and osteoarthritis.
• Ear, nose, and throat disorders such as toothaches, earaches, sinus inflammation, nasal inflammation or dryness.
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as inflammation of the stomach or colon, constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
• Disorders of reproductive system and endocrine system such as PMS, menopausal syndrome, infertility and impotency.

How does acupuncture work?

Traditional acupuncture theory is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (pronounced Chee), or Energy and Xue (pronounced suih), or Blood, through different but distinct meridians (pathways) that covers the body just like the normal nerves and blood vessels do. According to this theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow toward areas where it is deficient and flow away from areas where it is excess. By using this method, the acupuncturist can regulate and restore the energetic balance of the human body. Modern research on acupuncture pain relief suggested that acupuncture needles stimulate human body to produce endogenous small peptides such as endorphin, which leads the body to a deep relaxation and reduces the pain.

Does acupuncture hurt?

It should hurt just a little bit but nothing like injection or withdrawing blood. Once the needles are inserted at the right acupuncture points with the right stimulation, the patient should feel some soreness, cramping, heaviness or tingling sensation around the needle. This feeling can also move along its own meridian (i.e. energy pathway). Summing it up, if you do experience discomfort in an acupuncture treatment session, it should be mild.

How can we make sure the needles used are clean?

The best practice today in the US is to use only sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. No needles should be reused after each treatment. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle.

How many treatments will each patient need?

Because each individual responds to treatment differently, a series of six to fifteen treatments are generally needed, due to the duration, severity and nature of your problems. For certain acute conditions, however, one or two treatments may resolve your complaint. On the other hand, certain degenerative conditions may require more than fifteen treatments over time.

What to do when receiving acupuncture treatment?

You can do the following:

• Wear loose clothing, women should avoid tight stockings or one-piece dress. Wear least amount of jewelry.
• Relax during treatment. Do not hesitate to ask your practitioner if you have any questions along the way.
• Avoid sudden move or change of body positions. Let your practitioner know if you are uncomfortable.
• If you are nervous, you can experience dizziness, cold sweat, shortness of breath or faintness during treatment. If this happens during treatment, inform your practitioner right away.

What to expect after treatment?

Some patients may experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain and other symptoms after the first treatment or first couple of treatments. This relief may last or some pain may return as time progresses. Some others may start to feel the relief after 4-6 treatments. It depends on your body’s reaction to acupuncture therapy.

What criteria should one use in choosing an acupuncturist?

Choosing an acupuncturist can be a tough decision, since you want to find the best practitioner for your problems. The usual question to ask is how long the practitioner has been trained in acupuncture, because a couple months of training is often not enough for a thorough training. Also inquire where the practitioner got his/her training, how long has he/she been practicing, and if the practitioner is properly licensed in the U.S. Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated healthcare profession in more than half the states in this country, including Illinois. Acupuncturists should also be certified by the National Certification Commission for the Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).

Dr. Harry Hong's comprehensive program specializes in the integration of a variety of natural healing therapies such as energy testing, allergy desensitization, homeopathy, Chinese medicine and acupuncture, enzyme therapy, flower essences, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and much more. The Healing Light Co is committed to provide quality special care to the Highly Sensitive Person with Highly Sensitive Body. We are located at northwest suburb of Chicago area and have a Out-of-Town program as well. For more information, please visit www.highlysensitivebody.com.

flag