| How does Acupuncture Work? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) holds that acupuncture regulates the flow of Qi (energy) along established pathways, called meridians, in the body in order to prevent or cure energy imbalances and obstructions that lead to pain and other internal disorders. Modern scientific research explains that acupuncture simulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles and central nervous system that influence the body's internal regulating system. |
| Does it hurt? Everybody responds differently to acupuncture. Acupuncture needles are typically not much thicker than a hair. Upon insertion you may feel a slight pinch, but it is nothing like receiving a normal injection. In some cases, you will not even know the needles are in place. In others, there may be some tingling, warmth, heaviness, or a feeling of the Qi moving up or down the channel. This is a desirable effect. Most people find acupuncture extremely relaxing and many even fall asleep during treatment. |
| Is acupuncture safe? When preformed by a competently trained, licensed professional acupuncture is extremely safe. All licensed acupuncturists today use individually packaged sterile disposable needles. So there is virtually no chance of infection or contagion. |
| How many treatments will I need? The initial length of treatments will vary depending on your health care concern and how you respond to treatment. In China, treatments are daily for a ten day period. After the ten days of treatment, the prognosis is re-evaluated. In the states it is more difficult to schedule appointments that close together, so usually people make a weekly or bi-weekly appointment. It depends on the ailment and the person, but expect 5-10 treatments. I have treated people whose pain or aliment is eased or gone after one treatment, but I have also treated people who respond only after several treatments. Acupuncture is a form of therapy and people respond differently to the therapy. It is an individual experience and depending on the degree and length of their injury or ailment, treatment length varies. |
| What are treatments like? The first treatment is 1.5 hours. During this treatment we collect information about the patient's main health concerns. We gather a detailed health history and the status of her current health. This usually takes about 30 minutes. A treatment plan will be constructed based on the patient's TCM diagnosis. The remaining hour will be used for the acupuncture treatment. During this part of the appointment the patient lies on a massage table and the needles are inserted. They are retained for a period of 10-30 minutes. The needles are removed, any nutritional or herbal recommendations are discussed and then appointment is over. The follow up treatments are only one hour. We first establish any changes the patient has experienced since the last treatment, adjust the treatment plan accordingly, and then the rest of the time is for the acupuncture treatment and follow-up recommendations. |
| What do I need to know before receiving an acupuncture treatment? The following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment. 1. Wear lose comfortable clothing that pulls up easily over joints. 2. Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotionally upset, shortly after sex or when not sober. 3. Relax. The needles stay inserted between 10-30 minutes. During this quiet time most people experience deep relaxation and a peaceful sense of well- being. |
| Are Chinese herbs safe? Are there any side effects? Chinese herbs are effective medicinal substances that are usually more gentle than pharmaceutical drugs. Chinese herbs are well known as a natural and safe medicine when prescribed by a licensed professional. All herbs used by Green Oasis are GMP(Good Manufacturing Practices) and are FDA approved. |
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