Acupuncture

Although well known in the U.S for pain relief, acupuncture is effective for a wide variety of problems. It has been endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) of the United Nations and the National Institutes of Health. These bodies have declared acupuncture an effective treatment for the following conditions:

• Addictions
• Arthritis 
• Back pain
• Carpal tunnel
• Chemotherapy nausea 
• Depression
• Digestive problems (ulcers, nausea, gastritis, irritable
• bowel)
• Ear problems (ringing, earaches)
• Fibromyalgia
• Headaches
• Infections, cold, flu
• Insomnia
• Menstrual & female disorders
• Muscle & joint pain (tendonitis, bursitis, sprains)
• Post-op. dental pain
• Sinusitis
• Skin disorders
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Urinary problems
• and more

Acupuncture is based on the movement of Qi (pronounced “chee”). Qi is the life-giving energy that circulates along channels to all organs of the body and enables them to function. Qi is what animates you, gives you vitality and shows up as the spark in your eyes. When the Qi in the body is abundant and flowing freely, you thrive. If your Qi Is depleted or obstructed, symptoms –the body’s distress signals warning there is a problem –begin to arise. If the underlying problem is not addressed, very likely sooner or later more serious illness or disease affecting your physical body, your mental clarity, your sense of joy in living, or your sense of purpose, may show up.

Nature’s tendency is to self-correct imbalances in Qi and maintain homeostasis, so we usually recover from most illnesses or emotional hurt in due course. Symptoms that persist, however, alert us to an imbalance on a deeper level. The acupuncturist looks to the underlying disharmony and focuses treatment on both the root cause and the symptoms brought on by the imbalance. 

There are approximately 360 points that acupuncturists use to influence the Qi. This is done with the use of acupuncture needles and/or moxibustion which involves use of the herb artemisia vulgaris smoldered over the point until the patient feels a pleasant warming sensation. Over time, acupuncture treatment rebalances the circulation of Qi to all the organ systems. One impressive advantage of acupuncture is that it is almost completely free of side effects.

The needles used to stimulate acupuncture points are very slender, barely beyond the thickness of several human hairs. The finest quality stainless stee, pre-sterilized, single-use, disposable needles are used. The acupuncturist gently inserts the needle just beneath the skin’s surface. The sensation from the needle varies from person to person. You may feel nothing at all., a quick pinch or perhaps a dull ache or tingle. Most treatments involve only 2 to 6 needles. 

During the initial visit, information about your medical and family history life situation, likes and dislikes, as well as information from a brief physical examination and pulse diagnosis are gathered. This is a time for your concerns to be heard and understood in the context of your particular life situation. Acupuncture does not separate the mind and body, and looks at everything about a person, including lifestyle and stresses as well as symptoms. From this visit, your acupuncturist determines thew underlying energetic imbalances influencing your well-being. This holistic evaluation is very important because even though two people may suffer the same complaint, the energetic imbalance causing it is often different, reflecting the unique circumstances of each individual.

At subsequent visits, a brief update of your life situation, symptoms, and bodily systems is taken. After reading your energetic pulses, a treatment is designed to clear blocks, re-balance, and build energy. Initially you will be seen weekly. After about 6 weeks, as your energy begins to hold balance for longer periods, the time between treatments is spaced out to every other week, then every three weeks, then monthly. Ultimately, to maintain well-being, check-ups at the change of seasons provides an opportunity to correct minor imbalances. Frequency of treatment varies with each person. In addition to treating their primary concerns, people often report side benefits such as increased energy and vitality., more restorative sleep, healthier appetite, more enjoyment of life, better handling of stressful situations, improved menstrual cycles, an overall sense of well-being, and other improvements. 

Acupuncture can be undertaken at the same time that other treatment modalities and medications are being used. It is easily integrated into and used with conventional medicine. We recommend not altering medication or other therapies without consulting your physician or provider.

While acupuncture is widely known to relieve pain, it is also very helpful for other conditions in which pain is not primary, including a wide variety of chronic conditions. It can be used for any physical or emotional problem, or simply the desire to stay well. People from all walks of life use acupuncture for many different reasons. People might particularly benefit include those:

• With chronic pain or other symptoms not responding to Western medical treatment;
• Who are taking a lot of medications and are reluctant to take more, or interested in cutting back, or concerned about drug interactions;
• For whom there are limited medical interventions, as with acute viral infections, nutritional and metabolic disorders, chronic degenerative diseases, allergies and auto-immune diseases, arthritis, hypertension, psychosomatic diseases and certain mental condition, such as depression or anxiety;
• Who feel as if something is “wrong” although tests are inconclusive;
• Whose symptoms seem to be associated with or worsened by stress (asthma, migraines, etc.);
• Who would like additional support for their prescribed treatment to help cope with side-effects or to improve vitality (to help with side effects of chemotherapy, for example).
• Who are in basic good health and want to facilitate their well-being and prevent illness.

Acupuncture has been used successfully to treat children and animals, neither of whom have preconceived beliefs about the effectiveness of acupuncture. As with any healing modality, be it traditional western medicine or a complementary system such as acupuncture, a positive mental outlook and lifestyle can reinforce the effects of treatment, just as negative attitude or lifestyle can hinder healing.

Your student health plan covers acupuncture. If you do not have this plan, check with your insurance provider concerning coverage of the condition for which you are seeking treatment.

The University Health Center offers acupuncture weekly and has a licensed acupuncturist on staff.

People experience acupuncture differently. Most people feel little or no discomfort when the needles are inserted. Some people feel energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed. If at any point during the treatment process you feel uncomfortable, please notify the practitioner immediately.

Treatments are one hour in length and a course of treatment may take place over a period of several weeks or more, depending on the condition being treated.

• Make sure to eat prior to arriving for your appointment
• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. Please bring shorts to access legs and feet. 
• If you have long hair, please bring a hair tie.