Life Balance Acupuncture

Why should I see an acupuncturist?

There are four main reasons patients consider acupuncture treatment:

• Most commonly, patients have a condition that does not respond to conventional care. They seek a treatment option that can effectively provide a solution to their healthcare issue.

• Conventional treatment often requires drugs with undesirable side effects or an unwanted surgery to treat the condition; therefore an alternative medical option is sought.

• Patients are taking many western drugs that are expensive, have side effects or interfere with one another. Often Chinese medicine can treat these conditions so that the drugs can be withdrawn.

• Patients seek a natural, holistic medical approach to healthcare. 

 

NY Times on Why Patients Choose Alternative Medicine

 

How does acupuncture work?
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an energetic model rather than the biochemical model of Western medicine. The ancient Chinese recognized the vital energy inherent in all living things. This energy is called Qi (pronounced chee). Over thousands of years of practice, the ancient physicians discovered a system of cyclic energy flowing in the human body along specific pathways called channels. Each channel is associated with a particular physiological system and internal organ. When the Qi in the pathways becomes obstructed, deficient or excessive, disease may occur.

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The channels communicate with the surface of the body at specific locations called acupuncture points. Needles inserted in these points influence the Qi that flows to all body tissues. Acupuncture can also affect specific areas of pain associated with injury or trauma. A needle inserted near the area of overstrained muscle or tendon will adjust the flow of Qi and nutrients to that area, thereby reducing pain and accelerating the healing process.

 

From western biomedical research, we understand that acupuncture influences a number of physiological functions such as release of endorphins (natural pain killing chemicals) by the brain, restoration of proper blood circulation in diseased areas, and stimulation of hormonal glands and immune system function. Research into the effects of acupuncture is still young. Scientists discover more information every year that helps us understand more fully how acupuncture works.

 

What can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture is a holistic medicine. That means it not only treats symptoms but all body systems. Therefore acupuncture can treat any condition.

 

Can I get acupuncture when I am pregnant or on blood thinners?

Yes, you can. Acupuncturists are well-trained regarding pregnancy. There are acupuncture points that are on the forbidden list, and we know not to use them during pregnancy.

Patients who are on blood thinners can still receive acupuncture. The needles are very thin and do not cause bleeding.

 

How many treatments will I need?

This depends on the individual patient. Young and relatively healthy people will need fewer treatments than older people with chronic conditions. It also depends on the severity of your complaint. On average patients feel a significant difference after the 4th or 5th treatment. The practitioner will discuss the issue at the end of your first office visit.

 

Can acupuncture help me even if I feel healthy?

Yes, absolutely. Many patients come in for regular ‘maintenance’ treatments to stay healthy.  Acupuncture is a powerful preventative method to keep patients healthy throughout the year. Many people are prone to get sick during transitions times such as changes of seasons or stressful life events. Acupuncture helps to maintain a strong immune system and promotes resilience to weather or stress. Practitioners see subtle signs of disease processes at work before symptoms begin to interfere with daily life.

Should I keep my appointment if I'm sick?

Yes, you should unless you feel too weak to leave bed. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are highly effective for treating any acute conditions, such as colds and flus, stomach viruses and headaches. Patients report immediate improvement in symptoms after acupuncture treatment. If you are able to come in when you feel the first sign of getting sick we might be able to nip it in the bud. Otherwise we shorten the length and severity of your complaints.  

 

What are maintenance tune-ups?

Some patients like to come on a monthly or quarterly basis for preventative care. These types of treatments are nicknamed 'maintenance tune-ups'. Just as we get regular maintenance on our cars, our bodies need regular maintenance to keep them healthy, too. Acupuncturists see subtle signs of disease processes and can address these issues in a few number of treatments, thus avoiding the development of more serious health problems that require a longer series to treat.

 

These preventative care visits are especially important for patients with long-standing, chronic conditions that tend to recur. Because acupuncture treatments are so deeply relaxing, many patients find regular maintenance treatments beneficial for stress relief.  

 

What kind of education and training do acupuncturists receive?

This important question has a varied answer. Chinese medicine first came to the US during the 1970's, when James Resdon, a NY Times reporter received acupuncture anesthesia during an emergency appendectomy while in China. (He was part of President Nixon's entourage reporting on negotiations to open China for trade with the US .) He ran a story about the amazing experience he had with TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). [How acupuncture became popular in the US: James Resdon story] Shortly thereafter, acupuncturists began noticeably practicing in this country, and acupuncture colleges began to appear.

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The early acupuncture college programs in the US were typically two years in length. At that time, not many books on TCM had been translated or written in English, so the early students received much of their material orally from more experienced practitioners. Since that time, acupuncture colleges have proliferated in the US, the programs have increased in length, and a great amount of scholarly literature and clinical manuals have been published in English about Chinese medicine. There are now approximately 60 accredited and candidate acupuncture colleges in the US, and the master's degree level is required for state licensure.

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Accredited master's level programs must be at least three years in length and at least 2,200 hours for Chinese Medicine (includes acupuncture and Chinese herbology), or 1,700 hours for acupuncture only programs. State laws vary regarding minimum length of study and content of programs they require for licensing acupuncturists.

 

What are the licensing and certification requirements for acupuncturists?

The answer to this question varies, depending upon the state in which the acupuncturist is licensed. Most states, including Oregon, require acupuncturists to pass the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) acupuncture certification exam.

 

The NCCAOM certifications are the gold standard of certification in the Chinese medical field. NCCAOM offers several different certifications: Acupuncture, Chinese herbology, Oriental bodywork therapy (Shiatsu massage) and the comprehensive certification: Chinese Medicine.

In order to sit for the NCCAOM exam, one must have graduated from an accredited acupuncture college, and be certified in Clean Needle Technique by the CCAOM (Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). As part of the certification process, NCCAOM verifies transcripts and graduation status from accredited acupuncture colleges, and Clean Needle Technique certification. NCCAOM exams test for adequate depth of knowledge and clinical expertise a diplomat must have in order to practice in the various disciplines of Chinese medicine.

 

Chinese Medicine certification candidates must have completed required coursework in acupuncture, Chinese herbology as well as biomedical sciences, nutrition and Chinese dietary therapy, Tai Qi and Qi Gong (Chinese style meditative exercises used for therapeutic purposes), moxibustion which a heat therapy and cupping.

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