How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is based on the movement of Qi (pronounced “chee”.)  Qi is the life-giving energy that circulates within the body along acupuncture channels to all the organs in the body, enabling them to function.  Qi is what animates you, gives you vitality and shows up as the sparkle in your eyes.  When Qi 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, it is possible that a more serious illness or disease may result.

There are approximately 360 acupuncture points that are used to influence the Qi.  This is done with the use of acupuncture needles, moxibustion and cups.  Over time, acupuncture treatment will rebalance the circulation of Qi to all the organ systems with little or no side effects.

Originating in China about 3,000 years ago, acupuncture is one of the oldest continuously practiced medical systems in the world.  Acupuncture first gained media attention in the United States in 1972 when an American reporter was successfully treated with acupuncture in China and wrote about his experience in the New York Times.  The fundamental principle of Chinese Medicine is to treat each person as an integrated whole and to remedy both the symptoms and the root cause of disease.  Acupuncture is used in the United States as an adjunctive therapy, which supports, supplements and facilitates the treatment a patient receives from his or her  primary care provider.  The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health have endorsed acupuncture and declared it an effective treatment for a wide variety of conditions

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?

Acupuncture has been used successfully to treat children and animals, neither of whom has preconceived beliefs about the effectiveness of acupuncture.  Acupuncture has also been shown to be effective when tested in double blind research studies.  As with any healing modality, Western or alternative, a positive mental outlook and healthy lifestyle can reinforce the benefits of the treatment.

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?

More and more insurance plans are covering acupuncture.  We can help you find out if your plan covers acupuncture.  If you have coverage for acupuncture we can, in most cases, bill your insurance directly.  We are in network with many insurance companies.

What Can I Expect?

Your First Treatment:

The first acupuncture appointment is approximately two hours long and consists of a full intake, diagnosis and acupuncture treatment.  An herbal consultation is included if herbs are indicated or desired.  There is ample opportunity at your first visit for you to share any concerns or questions you may have.  At Great Bear Acupuncture your comfort and ability to relax during your treatment are of the utmost importance.  For patients who are nervous about needles we start very slowly.  We specialize in painless needle insertion and gentle, yet effective, technique.  We also offer heated tables, custom music selection, extra pillows, eye covers and complimentary aromatherapy spritz if desired.

New patient herbal consultations and shiatsu massage appointments are both one hour long.

Follow-Up Treatments:

Follow-up acupuncture appointments are 60 to 75 minutes long and include an herbal consultation if indicated.  The recommended number of treatments varies from person to person and will be discussed at your first visit.  Generally several treatments, on average about eight,  will be recommended.  The acupuncture treatments are designed to effect a deep and lasting rebalancing, and as a result both specific symptoms and general health are improved.

If you are passing through the area it is appropriate to have just one or two treatments if you would like to try acupuncture, shiatsu massage or Chinese herbs.  One or two treatments can often be very helpful if you are dealing with a sudden illness, injury or stressful situation.

Comments are closed