Acupuncture is the medical application of thin needles into specific points of the body. The body is constantly making electro chemical changes. Herbal medicine more directly affects the chemical processes while acupuncture affects the electrical system.

 

Acupuncture works on meridians in the body which contain qi which can be translated as "energy". It is important to note that in Chinese "qi" is not one thing. There are several kinds of qi each with separate functions. Points and herbs which effect "Yang Qi" effect nitric oxide, which dilates blood vessels and increases circulation. Points effecting "Yin Qi" have actions on hormonal networks in the hyperthyroid-pituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis. Likewise points effecting "Wei qi" or protective qi have actions on the immune system and effect white blood cell counts.

 

 

 

Q: How does acupuncture work?

 

A:. Acupuncture has effects on multiple electrochemical mechanims within the body depending on the points which are used. The pathways along the body appear to involve piezoelectricity. Piezoelectricity is created by pressure or load on bone and collagen which creates a fixed charge. When fluid is moved along containing substances with varying electrical charges it creates streaming potentials which may aid in tissue healing and regulation at the cellular level as well as having effects on the immune system.

 

Q: Does acupuncture hurt?

 

A: There are hundreds of points on the body. Some of them are more sensitive than others. One common characteristic of points which require needling is that they are more tender than the rest of the body. The sensation is more of a pressure sensation and sometimes electric in nature. Most of the pain receptors are in the skin. The needle goes through the skin within a millisecond and after that it is the pressure receptors which are more dominant. Sometimes sensations of heat or coolness are associated with needling sensation. The perception of pain is very relative. In Chinese hospitals patients often request more stimulation while in N. American clinics they may want little to none.

 

Q: How do I tell if it’s working?

 

A: Improving lab tests can objectively show your degree of progress. Besides lab tests, the best way to tell that it works is that your condition improves and you don't have to keep going back to the clinic.

 

 

Q: How many sessions will I need?

A: Our goal is to see you as few times as possible. For chronic illnesses 10 visits should be the maximum number of visits for acupuncture. Beyond this and you should be referred to someone else. If you are not seriously improving from herbal therapy (as measured by bloodwork) within 100 days the same rule applies. Patients who visit us typically see relief within the first few sessions and then learn to take care of themselves for lasting maintinence.