FAQ About Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine

Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture is a centuries-old Asian medical system – spanning thousands of years, but the use of it for everyday ailments can still be new and mysterious to us. Let us clear up some of the misconceptions you may have heard about or observed in the media so that you can make up your own mind about Acupuncture.

How does it work?

The ancient Chinese theory about Acupuncture claims that the therapy works by re-balancing the body’s function, also referred to as Qi (pronounced, “chee”), to resolve the pain and dysfunction caused by blocked or imbalanced circulation and body functioning. Western medicine has found the concept to hold some truth: by placing needles at strategic points on the body, chemicals are released and guided to the acupoints that will help relieve pain and make the internal systems work more effectively.

Does it Hurt?

Generally, acupuncture does not hurt. Some people may feel a slight pinch or dull ache as some needles go in, and some people feel nothing. A licensed acupuncturist knows how to place the needles into your body with minimal discomfort. Acupuncture needles are solid needles, not hollow like hypodermic needles, and they are much, much thinner – about the diameter of a thick human hair. Patients often have sensations during the treatment, which is the qi (or energy) moving or the opening of a channel that has been blocked. Once you relax, many patients have been known to doze off during the treatment, waking up refreshed.

Are Acupuncture Needles Safe?

I use only needles that are pre-sterilized, pre-packaged and disposable. Each needle is used once and then deposited in a biohazard container, which ensures safe disposal.

Is it Only for Pain?

Many people visit the acupuncturist’s office in order to relieve bodily pain such as back, neck, shoulders and leg pain, but acupuncture does much more for the body than relieve tension and pain. Several patients seek digestive help, cures for insomnia, treatments to ease menstrual pain and alternatives to medication for allergies, anxiety attacks and asthma. Set up a consultation with a licensed practitioner to see which services will work best for you.

What Does Acupuncture Treat?

According to the World Health Organization, Acupuncture can effectively treat the following conditions:

Internal: Hypoglycemia, asthma, high blood pressure, ulcers, colitis, indigestion, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, constipation, diabetes
Ear, Nose, Throat: deafness, tininess, earaches, ear infections, poor eyesight, dizziness, sinus infection, sore throat, hay fever
Genitourinary and Reproductive: impotence, infertility, premenstrual syndrome, pelvic inflammatory disease, vaginitis, irregular periods and cramps, morning sickness

Musculoskeletal and Neurological: arthritis, neuralgia, sciatica, back pain, bursitis, tendinitis, stiff neck, Bell’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, headache, stroke cerebral palsy, polio, sprains

Mental/Emotional: anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia Infections: colds and flu, bronchitis, hepatitis

Dermatologic: eczema, acne, herpes

In addition, Traditional Chinese Medicine has been used in China in conjunction with Western Medicine for every medical problem, such that conditions not listed above are still treatable with acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

Can Acupuncture Treat Infertility?

Yes! The strength of Chinese Medicine, including herbs, is that it can affect the quality of the eggs and the lining of the uterus. Recent research has shown that acupuncture can increase blood flow to the reproductive organs, which provides the woman‘s reproductive system with more nourishment, can increase the lining of the uterus, and relax the uterus. All of these factors help increase fertility. Acupuncture supports a woman‘s overall health and reduces stress. We have found it most helpful to work with both partners to ensure best success.

Can Children Be Treated with Acupuncture?

Yes, and they respond very quickly to it. In China, where acupuncture is widely accepted, children get acupuncture all the time. If they are too young to want needles, then other methods such as Acupressure, Asian bodywork and cupping can be utilized. There are also some special herb formulations in liquid glycerin that are very safe and easy for children to take.

Will Just One Treatment Work?

Yes and no. One treatment will have you leaving the office feeling relaxed and in tune with your body but acupuncture builds on each treatment session and will work the best to balance your body after several sessions. Just as braces require monthly visits of treatment before you see results, acupuncture requires you to follow a schedule set up by your practitioner to get the full effect of the therapy.

What is Cosmetic Acupuncture?

A treatment protocol that utilizes an ancient needling technique that is very superficial. The needling brings increased Qi and blood flow to the face. Additionally, the production of collagen and elastin is enhanced. Since this system is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), I also use point selections on the body to complete the balancing of energy. This results in an overall rejuvenating effect of body, mind and spirit. Diet, lifestyle and skin care are also evaluated and addressed.

How Many Cosmetic Acupuncture Treatments Do I Need?

To get the best results, we’ve found that doing two treatments, per week, for 5 weeks straight will make a big impact on the condition of the skin. Maintenance treatments are typically given every three to four months after the initial treatments were given to maintain the most optimal results, long-term.

Is it Necessary to Choose Between Acupuncture and Other Types of Health Care?

Acupuncture is compatible with other systems of health care. We are happy to work in conjunction with you and your other health care practitioners. Please inform us of any other treatments and medications/ herbs/ supplements which you are currently using so that we may integrate our efforts. Our wish is that you receive maximum benefit from all provider sources.

Which Acupuncturist is Right for Me?

Providing health care services for over 10 years and being a licensed acupuncturist, Kristy McKendrick is equipped with the knowledge, skills and tools to effectively deliver treatments to patients with a variety of conditions. Since each person is different, a customized treatment plan is necessary for each patient, on each visit. Truly customized health care. To meet with her personally, set up an appointment today!