![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.sojournacupuncture.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/Untitled-2.jpg\")
\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\tFrequently Asked Questions\n\t\t\t\t<\/h2><\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n\n \n What is Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine?<\/span>\n\n \n \n \n \n <\/i> <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/i> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n \n Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine encompasses a complete system of medicine that encourages the body to promote natural healing and improve functioning. It includes Acupuncture (the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the surface of the skin), Chinese Herbs and Medicinal substances,\u00a0Moxibustion\u00a0(the warming of Acupuncture points by burning\u00a0mugwort<\/i>\u00a0and other dried, aged herbs on or over acupoints), the other primary modality derived from Japanese and means (\u201cburning herb\u201d),\u00a0Cupping\u00a0(the placement of cups using a vacuum to increase warmth and promote circulation),\u00a0Gua Sha\u00a0(vigorous scraping on the skin surface to facilitate the circulation of Qi and blood,\u00a0Meditation,\u00a0Breathing and Movement\u00a0Exercises\u00a0(QiGong, TaiQi,<\/i>),\u00a0Therapeutic Bodywork\/Massage\u00a0(Anmo (Acupressure) and Tuina<\/i>), and Nutritional and Dietary Therapy. All are designed to facilitate our body\u2019s \u00a0innate ability to function more efficiently to promote healing, longevity and remove obstructions that result in imbalances and pain.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n \n \n \n \n <\/span>\n\n \n What is Complementary and Alternative Medicine?<\/span>\n\n \n \n \n \n <\/i> <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/i> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n \n In recent years there has been an ever-increasing number of people in our culture who are seeking treatment for their ills from Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) healthcare professionals. If not covered by their health insurance policies, there is a greater willingness to pay out of pocket for these services.
CAM generally refers to practices that aren\u2019t integral parts of conventional medicine. Though the two terms, Complementary Medicine and Alternative Medicine are often used together, they aren\u2019t necessarily the same thing. Complementary treatments are used together or along with treatments prescribed by M.D.\u2019s, such as using Yoga, TaiQi or QiGong, in addition to prescription drugs for anxiety. Alternative treatments are generally thought of as being used instead of conventional methods, an example would be seeking treatments from a Homeopath Naturopath or an Acupuncturist.<\/h5>
One basic CAM philosophy is, \u201cyour body heals itself\u201d. CAM practitioners view the role they play as that of a facilitator. To them the body does the healing work and treatments are done to encourage your natural healing processes. Another basic tenet is, \u201cprevention is the key\u201d. Emphasis is on preventive healthcare instead of disease care. Many CAM practitioners may encourage you to seek treatments prior to getting sick and to identify habits and lifestyle changes that are designed to help you keep healthy. Treatments are for health and longevity. A third philosophical tenet is \u201cempowerment through information and education\u201d. Many CAM practitioners view themselves as teachers, mentors or coaches who offer guidance to identify your role and personal responsibilities in maintaining health and wellness \u2013 its proactive medicine.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/span>\n\n \n How Does Acupuncture Work?<\/span>\n\n \n \n \n \n <\/i> <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/i> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n \n What makes acupuncture work is the patients own energy. Acupuncture needles somehow communicate with the mind\/body system which has access to unconscious wisdom and knowledge. This connection creates a\u00a0\u201csafe zone\u201d<\/em>\u00a0where the patient can learn and heal. No one knows exactly how it works, but the body can heal itself when the needles communicate with it. What happens inside the patient while they are sitting in silence with the needles is what does the real work. Acupuncture depends on the body\u2019s ability to heal itself, it doesn\u2019t make a problem worse. It is very safe, gentle and gradual, and it usually helps a lot. But in the unlikely event that it doesn\u2019t help, it doesn\u2019t hurt either. There is a Universal Effect that transcends time, language, culture, etc.<\/p>Although we don\u2019t know why acupuncture works, we do know a few things about how it works best. It requires a series of treatments to work. For acute problems, such as a sprained ankle, a short series of treatments is appropriate; for severe, chronic problems such as autoimmune diseases, acupuncture is effective but might require regular, ongoing treatments for a longer period.<\/p>
According to Lisa Rohleder, L.Ac., the founder of the People\u2019s Organization of Community\u00a0 Acupuncture (POCA) which has about 200 clinics in North America,\u00a0\u201cProviding acupuncture is like cooking and receiving acupuncture is like eating. The ingredients are all contained within the body itself. The acupuncture treatment is a way of arranging them so that the body can use them better. Once the Acupuncturist arranges the needles in the right combination, the patients\u2019 job is to sit quietly long enough to digest the treatment\u2026Acupuncture really does work beautifully when people can get enough of it\u201d.<\/em><\/p>Unlike conventional medicine, which relies heavily on diagnoses via expensive and invasive testing in addition to prescription medications, acupuncture can be a very simple solution to many everyday, run of the mill problems. Many times complaints of poor digestion, back discomfort and many gynecological problems can be resolved with a series of simple treatments. Relief comes without side-effects and without drugs. Remember, acupuncture is unique from other kinds of healthcare; its tools and essence are so simple because it relies so much on the internal resources of the person receiving it.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/span>\n\n \n What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?<\/span>\n\n \n \n \n \n <\/i> <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/i> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n \n Acupuncture is effective for treating an enormously wide-range of conditions without causing major side-effects. Its effects are more like a shotgun than a laser; you can aim it, but its effects go everywhere. The way that acupuncture is beneficial to almost everyone is associated with general health enhancement: more energy, less stress, better sleep, heightened mental clarity, improved moods, better digestion and a greater sense of inner calm and relaxation.<\/p>
Acupuncture is particularly helpful for people with chronic diseases, meaning conditions that can be managed but not cured. Often these people need to take medications with multiple side-effects. It can greatly improve their quality of life without creating anymore side-effects.<\/p>
Just as acupuncture is good for assuaging chronic diseases, it is also very effective for treating everyday, common problems\/complaints such as headaches, back pain, joint discomfort, colds\/flu, and undue muscular tension and stress.<\/p>
Acupuncture is not like other forms of medicine. It initiates processes inside the body that we cannot fully comprehend. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with almost any other therapy as it doesn\u2019t interact with other interventions. It is likely that it will help almost any problem to some degree, even if it can\u2019t cure it entirely.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/span>\n\n \n How Long do Treatments Last\uff1f<\/span>\n\n \n \n \n \n <\/i> <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/i> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n \n Needles are usually retained 30- 45 minutes. The time depends on the patients condition and the practitioner\u2019s treatment plan.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/span>\n\n \n How Deep are the Needles Inserted?<\/span>\n\n \n \n \n \n <\/i> <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/i> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n \n The depth of insertions are determined by many factors, acupoint location, the condition being treated and the patients size, age and constitution.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n
\n \n \n \n <\/span>\n\n \n Does Acupuncture Hurt?<\/span>\n\n \n \n \n \n <\/i> <\/div>\n\n \n \n <\/i> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n\n \n\n \n Needlephobia, the fear of needles aka\u00a0belanophobia<\/em>, is a big concern for some people. It includes the extreme fear of medical procedures involving injections or hypodermic needles. This is quite common, especially between close relatives. It is estimated that 10{7eb8efb7a1f9ac392342a5adf93acc57af7f98e02bb27fb270ee2c31e68eab03} of American adults have a fear of needles, the median age is 5.5 years old. It is likely a larger number but severe cases are never documented due to the tendency of sufferers avoiding medical treatment \u2013 a serious condition.<\/p>In ancient times, thousands of years ago, a puncture wound often led to infection and subsequent death. Evolutionary psychologists speculate that the innate instinct for survival is the cause of needlephobia, as the needle delivers what might be thought of as a puncture wound.<\/p>
The anxiety related to a needle\/blood test triggers the Vasovagal Reaction Response. The blood pressure and heart rate increases, as does the anxiety level. Prior to or during an injection\/blood draw, the blood pressure drops quickly, as does the heart rate, resulting in loss of consciousness or possibly convulsions. The main source of pain from injections is due to the large diameter of the hollow needle used and the pressure of medications being forced into fat and\/or muscle tissue. Acupuncture needles are very fine, approximately 10 could fit inside a hypodermic needle. Acupuncture needle insertions bear no resemblance to the feelings associated with injections. The key to minimal discomfort is a skilled practitioner with good technique. Occasionally, one may feel a pinch, brief stinging or heavy sensation. Other normal responses are warmth, tingling, itching or a mild electrical sensation.<\/p>
\u00a0<\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine encompasses a complete system of medicine that encourages the body to promote natural healing and improve functioning. It includes Acupuncture (the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the surface of the skin), Chinese Herbs and Medicinal substances,\u00a0Moxibustion\u00a0(the warming of Acupuncture points by burning\u00a0mugwort<\/i>\u00a0and other dried, aged herbs on or over acupoints), the other primary modality derived from Japanese and means (\u201cburning herb\u201d),\u00a0Cupping\u00a0(the placement of cups using a vacuum to increase warmth and promote circulation),\u00a0Gua Sha\u00a0(vigorous scraping on the skin surface to facilitate the circulation of Qi and blood,\u00a0Meditation,\u00a0Breathing and Movement\u00a0Exercises\u00a0(QiGong, TaiQi,<\/i>),\u00a0Therapeutic Bodywork\/Massage\u00a0(Anmo (Acupressure) and Tuina<\/i>), and Nutritional and Dietary Therapy. All are designed to facilitate our body\u2019s \u00a0innate ability to function more efficiently to promote healing, longevity and remove obstructions that result in imbalances and pain.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n One basic CAM philosophy is, \u201cyour body heals itself\u201d. CAM practitioners view the role they play as that of a facilitator. To them the body does the healing work and treatments are done to encourage your natural healing processes. Another basic tenet is, \u201cprevention is the key\u201d. Emphasis is on preventive healthcare instead of disease care. Many CAM practitioners may encourage you to seek treatments prior to getting sick and to identify habits and lifestyle changes that are designed to help you keep healthy. Treatments are for health and longevity. A third philosophical tenet is \u201cempowerment through information and education\u201d. Many CAM practitioners view themselves as teachers, mentors or coaches who offer guidance to identify your role and personal responsibilities in maintaining health and wellness \u2013 its proactive medicine.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n What makes acupuncture work is the patients own energy. Acupuncture needles somehow communicate with the mind\/body system which has access to unconscious wisdom and knowledge. This connection creates a\u00a0\u201csafe zone\u201d<\/em>\u00a0where the patient can learn and heal. No one knows exactly how it works, but the body can heal itself when the needles communicate with it. What happens inside the patient while they are sitting in silence with the needles is what does the real work. Acupuncture depends on the body\u2019s ability to heal itself, it doesn\u2019t make a problem worse. It is very safe, gentle and gradual, and it usually helps a lot. But in the unlikely event that it doesn\u2019t help, it doesn\u2019t hurt either. There is a Universal Effect that transcends time, language, culture, etc.<\/p> Although we don\u2019t know why acupuncture works, we do know a few things about how it works best. It requires a series of treatments to work. For acute problems, such as a sprained ankle, a short series of treatments is appropriate; for severe, chronic problems such as autoimmune diseases, acupuncture is effective but might require regular, ongoing treatments for a longer period.<\/p> According to Lisa Rohleder, L.Ac., the founder of the People\u2019s Organization of Community\u00a0 Acupuncture (POCA) which has about 200 clinics in North America,\u00a0\u201cProviding acupuncture is like cooking and receiving acupuncture is like eating. The ingredients are all contained within the body itself. The acupuncture treatment is a way of arranging them so that the body can use them better. Once the Acupuncturist arranges the needles in the right combination, the patients\u2019 job is to sit quietly long enough to digest the treatment\u2026Acupuncture really does work beautifully when people can get enough of it\u201d.<\/em><\/p> Unlike conventional medicine, which relies heavily on diagnoses via expensive and invasive testing in addition to prescription medications, acupuncture can be a very simple solution to many everyday, run of the mill problems. Many times complaints of poor digestion, back discomfort and many gynecological problems can be resolved with a series of simple treatments. Relief comes without side-effects and without drugs. Remember, acupuncture is unique from other kinds of healthcare; its tools and essence are so simple because it relies so much on the internal resources of the person receiving it.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n Acupuncture is effective for treating an enormously wide-range of conditions without causing major side-effects. Its effects are more like a shotgun than a laser; you can aim it, but its effects go everywhere. The way that acupuncture is beneficial to almost everyone is associated with general health enhancement: more energy, less stress, better sleep, heightened mental clarity, improved moods, better digestion and a greater sense of inner calm and relaxation.<\/p> Acupuncture is particularly helpful for people with chronic diseases, meaning conditions that can be managed but not cured. Often these people need to take medications with multiple side-effects. It can greatly improve their quality of life without creating anymore side-effects.<\/p> Just as acupuncture is good for assuaging chronic diseases, it is also very effective for treating everyday, common problems\/complaints such as headaches, back pain, joint discomfort, colds\/flu, and undue muscular tension and stress.<\/p> Acupuncture is not like other forms of medicine. It initiates processes inside the body that we cannot fully comprehend. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with almost any other therapy as it doesn\u2019t interact with other interventions. It is likely that it will help almost any problem to some degree, even if it can\u2019t cure it entirely.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n Needles are usually retained 30- 45 minutes. The time depends on the patients condition and the practitioner\u2019s treatment plan.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n The depth of insertions are determined by many factors, acupoint location, the condition being treated and the patients size, age and constitution.<\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n Needlephobia, the fear of needles aka\u00a0belanophobia<\/em>, is a big concern for some people. It includes the extreme fear of medical procedures involving injections or hypodermic needles. This is quite common, especially between close relatives. It is estimated that 10{7eb8efb7a1f9ac392342a5adf93acc57af7f98e02bb27fb270ee2c31e68eab03} of American adults have a fear of needles, the median age is 5.5 years old. It is likely a larger number but severe cases are never documented due to the tendency of sufferers avoiding medical treatment \u2013 a serious condition.<\/p> In ancient times, thousands of years ago, a puncture wound often led to infection and subsequent death. Evolutionary psychologists speculate that the innate instinct for survival is the cause of needlephobia, as the needle delivers what might be thought of as a puncture wound.<\/p> The anxiety related to a needle\/blood test triggers the Vasovagal Reaction Response. The blood pressure and heart rate increases, as does the anxiety level. Prior to or during an injection\/blood draw, the blood pressure drops quickly, as does the heart rate, resulting in loss of consciousness or possibly convulsions. The main source of pain from injections is due to the large diameter of the hollow needle used and the pressure of medications being forced into fat and\/or muscle tissue. Acupuncture needles are very fine, approximately 10 could fit inside a hypodermic needle. Acupuncture needle insertions bear no resemblance to the feelings associated with injections. The key to minimal discomfort is a skilled practitioner with good technique. Occasionally, one may feel a pinch, brief stinging or heavy sensation. Other normal responses are warmth, tingling, itching or a mild electrical sensation.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n \n In recent years there has been an ever-increasing number of people in our culture who are seeking treatment for their ills from Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) healthcare professionals. If not covered by their health insurance policies, there is a greater willingness to pay out of pocket for these services.
CAM generally refers to practices that aren\u2019t integral parts of conventional medicine. Though the two terms, Complementary Medicine and Alternative Medicine are often used together, they aren\u2019t necessarily the same thing. Complementary treatments are used together or along with treatments prescribed by M.D.\u2019s, such as using Yoga, TaiQi or QiGong, in addition to prescription drugs for anxiety. Alternative treatments are generally thought of as being used instead of conventional methods, an example would be seeking treatments from a Homeopath Naturopath or an Acupuncturist.<\/h5>