acupuncture & addiction treatment: what you need to know

Explore

How is it done

What does an acupuncture do?

Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

What are 3 benefits of acupuncture?

Top 10 Benefits of Acupuncture for Workplace Stress and PainReduced Back Pain, Neck Tension and Relieve Joint Pain in the Hands and Arms. ... Relief from Headaches. ... Reduced Eye Strain. ... Improved Immune System and Reduced Sick Days. ... Enhanced Mental Clarity and Increased Energy. ... Relief from Digestive Conditions. ... Allergy Relief.More items...

Does acupuncture really work?

Acupuncture has long been recognized as an effective treatment for chronic pain. In 2012, a study found acupuncture was better than no acupuncture or simulated acupuncture for the treatment of four chronic pain conditions: Back and neck pain.

What are the risks of acupuncture?

The repeated and/or inappropriate use of an acupuncture needle carries the risk of infections. Amongst others, AIDS and hepatitis have been transmitted. Acupuncture needles may also traumatise tissues and organs. Pneumothorax is the most frequent complication caused in this way.

What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?

Acupuncture is used mainly to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and conditions, including:Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting.Dental pain.Fibromyalgia.Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines.Labor pain.Lower back pain.Neck pain.Osteoarthritis.More items...•

Why do acupuncturist look at your tongue?

Tongue Monitoring Acupuncturists check your tongue for color, texture and coating. In addition, the shape of your tongue can be an indicator of poor health. When considering acupuncture therapy in El Segundo, be ready to be fully examined by your practitioner, including inside your mouth.

What should I avoid after acupuncture?

So, what should clients avoid after acupuncture? Clients should avoid strenuous exercise, caffeine, junk food, alcohol, cold temperatures, digital screens, and, where possible, stressful situations.

How long do the effects of acupuncture last?

In summary, the amount of time the effects of acupuncture last largely depends on the individual's age, symptoms, and treatments they are receiving. This means that the effects can last for either a few days to a couple of weeks.

What happens if an acupuncture needle hits a nerve?

If a needle hits a small nerve, muscle, or blood vessel, you may feel some pain or a more intense sensation. A single sensation is OK as long as it's brief. Points on the extremities are more likely to produce stronger reactions in the form of dull aches or tingling sensations.

Who shouldn't acupuncture?

Bleeding disorder such as hemophilia or use of blood thinners. Infections skin disorder or disease. If pregnant, needling in the abdominal area or lumbosacral region should be avoided. It is also advisable to avoid any acupuncture that might stimulate the early delivery of the fetus or even lead to abortion.

How long does it take acupuncture to work?

Generally after 30 minutes of treatment you should feel something working. The length of time needed for it to work depends on what medical problem is being treated and the type of accupuncture being used.

What happens to your body after acupuncture?

What to Expect After Treatment: In general, people tend to feel relaxed after an acupuncture treatment. And the days following might even mean better sleep, digestion, and an overall sense of well-being. But some patients report having a deeper, more intense effect in the days following a session.

What is the role of acupuncture in the body?

Acupuncture is also said to influence the autonomic nervous system (which controls bodily functions) and the release of chemicals that regulate blood flow and pressure, reduce inflammation, and calm the brain. 1 .

How does acupuncture work?

One theory is that acupuncture works by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals. 1 .

Why do acupuncture needles work?

Acupuncturists insert hair-thin needles to specific acupuncture points throughout the body to restore the flow of qi, balance the body’s energy, stimulate healing, and promote relaxation.

How many needles are used in acupuncture?

Typically, acupuncture will use anywhere from six to more than 20 tiny need les per treatment (the number of needles doesn't indicate the intensity of the treatment). The needles are often left in for 10 to 20 minutes. The acupuncturist may gently twist the needles for added effect.

What is laser acupuncture?

Laser acupuncture: This method is said to stimulate acupuncture points without the use of needles. Ear acupuncture, also known as auricular acupuncture, is sometimes used during the treatment for weight loss, 2  smoking cessation, addictions, 3  and anxiety.

How long does acupuncture help with knee pain?

An analysis of previously published studies found that acupuncture improved physical function in the short and long term in people with chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis, but it appeared to provide only short-term (up to 13 weeks) relief of pain.

What does it mean when you feel numbness after acupuncture?

Some acupuncturists consider the resulting tingling, numbness, heavy sensation, or ache (known as "de qi") desirable in achieving the therapeutic effect. If you experience pain, numbness, or discomfort during the treatment, you should notify your acupuncturist immediately.

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies to treat the following: 1 Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy 2 Dental pain after surgery 3 Addiction 4 Headaches 5 Menstrual cramps 6 Tennis elbow 7 Fibromyalgia 8 Myofascial pain 9 Osteoarthritis 10 Low back pain 11 Carpal tunnel syndrome 12 Asthma

What is the purpose of acupuncture points?

Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

How many acupuncture points are there in the human body?

Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee") through the body that is responsible for overall health.

Why is acupuncture controversial?

Because scientific studies have not fully explained how acupuncture works within the framework of Western medicine, acupuncture remains a source of controversy. It is important to take precautions when deciding about acupuncture.

What is acupuncture in Chinese medicine?

What Is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body—most often by inserting thin needles through the skin. It is one of the practices used in traditional Chinese medicine. See the NCCIH Web site for more information on traditional Chinese medicine.

What is simulated acupuncture?

Many acupuncture trials rely on a technique called simulated acupuncture, which may use blunt-tipped retractable needles that touch the skin but do not penetrate (in real acupuncture, needles penetrate the skin). Researchers also may simulate acupuncture in other ways.

Why is acupuncture so challenging?

Studying acupuncture is challenging because: Clinical trials often differ in terms of technique, the number of acupuncture points, the number of sessions, and the duration of those sessions.

What is PubMed in medical terms?

A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed.

Is acupuncture good for chronic pain?

Therefore, acupuncture appears to be a reasonable option for people with chronic pain to consider. However, clinical practice guidelines are inconsistent in recommendations about acupuncture. The effects of acupuncture on the brain and body and how best to measure them are only beginning to be understood.

Does acupuncture help with neck pain?

What the Science Says About the Effectiveness of Acupuncture. Results from a number of studies suggest that acupuncture may help ease types of pain that are often chronic such as low-back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis/knee pain. It also may help reduce the frequency of tension headaches and prevent migraine headaches.

Is acupuncture more helpful than acupuncture?

A 2012 analysis of data on participants in acupuncture studies looked at back and neck pain together and found that actual acupuncture was more helpful than either no acupuncture or simulated acupuncture.

What is the main method of acupuncture in the UK?

The main methods practiced in the UK are TCM and Western medical acupuncture. The term Western medical acupuncture is used to indicate an adaptation of TCM-based acupuncture which focuses less on TCM. The Western medical acupuncture approach involves using acupuncture after a medical diagnosis.

What is the most widely used acupuncture method in the US?

Although various different techniques of acupuncture practice have emerged, the method used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) seems to be the most widely adopted in the US.

Why did needles get thicker during the acupuncture period?

Acupuncture needles during this period were much thicker than most modern ones and often resulted in infection. Infection is caused by a lack of sterilization, but at that time it was believed to be caused by use of the wrong needle, or needling in the wrong place, or at the wrong time.

How are acupuncture needles used?

The most common mechanism of stimulation of acupuncture points employs penetration of the skin by thin metal needles, which are manipulated manually or the needle may be further stimulated by electrical stimulation (electroacupuncture). Acupuncture needles are typically made of stainless steel, making them flexible and preventing them from rusting or breaking. Needles are usually disposed of after each use to prevent contamination. Reusable needles when used should be sterilized between applications. In many areas, only sterile, single-use acupuncture needles are allowed, including the State of California, USA. Needles vary in length between 13 to 130 millimetres (0.51 to 5.12 in), with shorter needles used near the face and eyes, and longer needles in areas with thicker tissues; needle diameters vary from 0.16 mm (0.006 in) to 0.46 mm (0.018 in), with thicker needles used on more robust patients. Thinner needles may be flexible and require tubes for insertion. The tip of the needle should not be made too sharp to prevent breakage, although blunt needles cause more pain.

What is electroacupuncture?

Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture in which acupuncture needles are attached to a device that generates continuous electric pulses (this has been described as "essentially transdermal electrical nerve stimulation [ TENS] masquerading as acupuncture").

How many hours of training do you need to be an acupuncturist?

The World Health Organization recommends that before being licensed or certified, an acupuncturist receive 200 hours of specialized training if they are a physician and 2,500 hours for non-physicians; many governments have adopted similar standards.

When was acupuncture first used?

Ramey and Buell said the "practice and theoretical underpinnings" of modern acupuncture were introduced in The Yellow Emperor's Classic (Huangdi Neijing) around 100 BC. It introduced the concept of using acupuncture to manipulate the flow of life energy ( qi) in a network of meridian (channels) in the body.

Why do people use acupuncture?

Some people swear by acupuncture, citing it as a “miracle” to improving their quality of life because it’s said to be able to treat everything from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.

What is the certification for acupuncture?

A licensed acupuncturist is required to pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exam or complete the NCCAOM program in the foundations of Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and biomedicine.

What is acupuncture needle?

Paul Kempisty, licensed acupuncturist with a MS in traditional Oriental medicine, explains, “ [Acupuncture is] a minimally invasive method to stimulate nerve-rich areas of the skin surface in order to influence tissues, gland, organs, and various functions of the body. ”. “Each acupuncture needle produces a tiny injury at the insertion site, ...

How long does acupuncture last?

The actual treatment portion of acupuncture may last around 30 minutes, though you don’t necessarily have needles in your skin for that long!

Does acupuncture help with cancer?

migraines. Trusted Source. morning sickness. sprains. strokes. Some studies even suggest that acupuncture can help with cancer treatment and multiple sclerosis, however research for these conditions is limited and requires larger studies to confirm the benefits.

Does acupuncture help with mental health?

Thus, acupuncture aims to assist people in achieving balance, or qi, and, as a result, provide relief for many ailments.

Is there a universal response to acupuncture?

In terms of results, it’s nearly impossible to say what one should expect, as everyone responds to and experiences acupuncture differently. “There is no universal response to acupuncture. Some people feel relaxed and may be a little tired, others feel energized and ready for anything,” Kempisty explains.

What is the benefit of acupuncture?

Benefits. What to expect. Risks. Acupuncture is a form of treatment that involves inserting very thin needles through a person’s skin at specific points on the body, to various depths. Research suggests. Trusted Source. that it can help relieve pain, and it is used for a wide range of other complaints. However, according to the National Center ...

What is acupuncture point?

Some experts have used neuroscience to explain acupuncture. Acupuncture points are seen as places where nerves, muscles, and connective tissue can be stimulated. The stimulation increases blood flow, while at the same time triggering the activity of the body’s natural painkillers.

How much does acupuncture cost?

According to Costhelper Health, an acupuncture session and medical consultation will cost from $75 to $95, and a routine visit will cost between $50 and $70.

What side of the body do you lie down on for acupuncture?

The patient will be asked to lie down on their back, front, or one side, depending on where the needles are to be inserted. The acupuncturist should use single-use, disposable, sterile needles. As each needle is inserted, the patient may feel a very brief stinging or tingling sensation.

How many acupuncture points are there in the body?

Qi is said to flow through meridians, or pathways, in the human body. These meridiens and energy flows are accessible through 350 acupuncture points in the body.

What is the purpose of needles in acupuncture?

An acupuncurist will insert needles into a person’s body with the aim of balancing their energy. This, it is claimed, can help boost wellbeing and may cure some illnesses. Conditions it is used for include different kinds of pain, such as headaches, blood pressure problems, and whooping cough, among others.

How does Chinese medicine work?

How does it work? Traditional Chinese medicine explains that health is the result of a harmonious balance of the complementary extremes of “yin” and “yang” of the life force known as “qi,” pronounced “chi.”. Illness is said to be the consequence of an imbalance of the forces.

When was acupuncture invented?

acupuncture, ancient Chinese medical technique for relieving pain, curing disease, and improving general health. It was devised before 2500 bcein China and by the late 20th century was used in many other areas of the world. Acupuncture consists of the insertion of one or several small metal needles into the skin and underlying tissues ...

How many points does acupuncture use?

The actual practice of acupuncture consists of inserting needlesinto any of hundreds of points located over the 12 basic meridians and over a number of specialized meridians. The needles used may be slightly arrowheaded or may have extremely fine points.

How many meridians does Qi flow through?

Qi flows through 12 meridians, or pathways, in the body, each in turn associated with a major visceralorgan (liver, kidney, etc.) and with a functional body system. Acupuncture is designed to affect the distribution of yin and yang in these channels so that the qi will be enabled to flow freely and harmoniously.

What is the yin and yang?

The yin, the female principle, is passive and dark and is represented by the earth; the yang, the male principle, is active and light and is represented by the heavens. The forces of yin and yang act in the human bodyas they do throughout the natural universe as a whole.

What are the first six points of the yin lung meridian?

Similarly, successive points on a specific meridian may affect widely different areas or conditions; e.g., the first six points of the yin lung meridian deal primarily with swollen joints, excessive heat in joints, bleeding of the nose, heartpains, mental depression, and inability to stretch the arms above the head.

Does acupuncture help with pain?

There is speculation that acupuncture can relieve pain, including to the extent that it can act as an anestheticduring surgery. Evidence to support this notion, however, is lacking. The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers, Senior Editor.

What is acupuncture in China?

What is acupuncture? Readers Comments 15. Share Your Story. Acupuncture is a component of the health care system of China that can be traced back at least 2,500 years. The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that there are patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the body that are essential for health.

What are the mechanisms of action of acupuncture?

Findings from basic research have begun to elucidate the mechanisms of action of acupuncture, including the release of opioids and other peptides in the central nervous system and the periphery and changes in neuroendocrine function.

What is cupping therapy?

What Is Cupping? Cupping therapy is usually used as part of acupuncture or body work treatment. Cupping therapy involves heating the air inside a glass cup, which removes some of the air from the cup. The cup is then quickly placed on the skin, and the resulting vacuum pulls the skin part of the way into the cup.

What is the most common injury from acupuncture?

The most common infection reported from acupuncture treatments is viral hepatitis, a potentially serious infection of the liver.

What are the side effects of acupuncture needles?

Generally, side effects seem to relate to poor hygiene and training of the acupuncturist.

When was the consensus statement on acupuncture made?

The following statement is from the NIH Consensus Development Statement on Acupuncture on November 3-5, 1997. Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention is widely practiced in the United States. There have been many studies of its potential usefulness.

Is acupuncture considered an experimental device?

After reviewing the existing body of knowledge, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed acupuncture needles from the category of "experimental medical devices.".

Overview

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and a component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in which thin needles are inserted into the body. Acupuncture is a pseudoscience; the theories and practices of TCM are not based on scientific knowledge, and it has been characterized as quackery. There is a range of acupuncture variants which originated in different philosophies, and techniques vary depending on the country in which it is performed, but can be …

Clinical practice

Efficacy

Safety

Conceptual basis

History

Adoption

Regulation