Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture

• What is Acupuncture?
• How Does Acupuncture Work from a Chinese Perspective?
• What Does Modern Science Know About How Acupuncture Works?
• Are Acupuncture Needles Really Needles?
• Do Acupuncture Needles Really Hurt?
• What is Moxabustion?
• What is Cupping?
• What is Tuina?
• Are Chinese Herbs Necessary for Treatment Success?
• How Do Chinese Herbs Differ from Western Medication?
• How Quickly Can I Expect to Feel Better?
• How Frequently Should I Be Treated?
• Does Acupuncture Always Help?

What is Acupuncture?

The origin of what is known today as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a collection of healing modalities that can be traced back to over 3,000 years. Acupuncture began its integration into this system over 2,000 years ago. It involves the gentle insertion of disposable, hair-thin needles into specific locations on the body referred to as acupuncture points. Although the benefits of acupuncture have been widely recognized and successfully practiced for many decades in most other major industrialized nations of the world, its integration into mainstream medicine here in the United States is relatively recent.

Unlike conventional medicine which focuses primarily on the management or suppression of symptoms with pharmaceutical drugs, the focus of acupuncture is on treating the underlying energetic imbalances that are at the core of every disorder. Because acupuncture has a cumulative effect on both the mind and body, symptoms usually disappear more gradually as the underlying cause of the disorder is successfully resolved over the course of treatment and the body is able to re-activate its natural ability to restore optimum health.

Currently, acupuncture is under-appreciated in this country for its ability to prevent illness. An experienced acupuncturist can diagnose and detect imbalances within the body long before symptoms ever emerge and formulate treatments specifically designed to prevent them from ever developing into a disease. Acupuncturists refer to these treatments as "tune-ups." Acupuncture is not only widely accepted throughout the world for its ability to successfully treat most forms of pain, it can also be very effective in treating a wide variety of other symptoms, conditions, injuries and diseases. Another of its well known strengths lies in its ability to successfully treat many chronic conditions that have traditionally been managed poorly by conventional medicine.

How Does Acupuncture Work from a Chinese Perspective?

In Chinese medicine, health is considered a manifestation of dynamic energetic balance among the various physiological systems of the body. In order to maintain this balance, the various energies of the body must always be allowed to flow smoothly and in the proper direction. If, for example, an injury occurs, an external pathogen such as cold settles into joints or emotions become blocked, the flow of energy in localized areas of the body can become disrupted. Over time, this may lead to complete stagnation of the energy or even reversal of its normal direction of flow which can ultimately effect the circulation of fluids and blood throughout the body. Without proper circulation, organs and tissues are deprived of the oxygen and vital nutrients they require in order to be able to function properly. As organs weaken, the physiological systems of the body begin to breakdown, symptoms develop and disease formation ensues. In essence, Chinese medical theory attributes stagnation of energy as the underlying, root cause of most patterns of disharmony that eventually lead to disease.

The various energies of the body are collectively referred to as Qi (chee). However, Qi is a very dynamic term that refers to a lot more than just energy. For the sake of our developing a better understanding of this term, it may be more constructive to refer to Qi as "potential energy." For example, Qi can refer to the strength of function of an organ denoted as its Yang Qi. On the other hand, it can also refer to the nourishing properties of fluids, blood or a specific organ in which case it is then called Yin Qi. In Chinese medical theory, health involves the constant interaction of Yin and Yang energies throughout the body to maintain a dynamic balance.

Ancient Chinese scholars believed that the various forms of Qi flowed throughout the body and over its surfaces along channels referred to as meridians and that this energy could be accessed and manipulated by stimulating specific locations along them referred to as acupuncture points. They also believed that each of the meridians was not only connected to an intricate network of finer channels throughout the body, but was also associated with a particular internal organ, group of muscles, bones and tissues to which it could directly exert an influence.

Over the centuries, acupuncturists meticulously recorded their findings through clinical experience as to how to detect imbalances of this Qi energy and how disruptions in its flow affected the fluids, blood supply and organ systems of the body to form patterns of disharmony. They also documented exactly which acupuncture points were able to successfully manipulate the Qi within each disorder in order to restore balance. Eventually, their diagnostic skills became so advanced that they could diagnose imbalances long before symptoms manifested within the body. As acupuncture spread to other Asian countries, different styles of treatment emerged as practitioners discovered that more than one combination of acupuncture points could be used to manipulate and rebalance the Qi energies of the body.

It is important to emphasize here that no form of therapy can actually cure a disease. For over half a century, Western medicine has relied almost exclusively on man-made, pharmaceuticals that are not only foreign to the body, but may also be toxic, to try to suppress the symptoms of a disorder or disease. The focus of acupuncture, on the other hand, is to facilitate the smooth flow of Qi so that the proper circulation of fluids and blood can be restored. Once this has been accomplished, oxygen and nutrients are able to revitalize the various organs and tissues so that the physiological functioning of the various systems can be normalized. Through a course of treatments, this ultimately re-activates the body's own, innate ability to heal itself.

What Does Modern Science Know About How Acupuncture Works?

Over the past 15 years, modern research has begun to make significant progress toward unraveling the mysteries of how acupuncture actually works within the mind and body to the point where a growing body of evidence is essentially confirming the theories and claims Chinese scholars had formulated thousands of years ago.

Acupuncture points have now been identified by researchers as small areas on the surface of the body that exhibit an increase in electrical conductance relative to the surrounding skin and subcutaneous tissues and that they also appear to be associated with specific channels along the surface of the body that ancient scholars referred to as meridians. They have also discovered that the degree of conductance at specific points may increase or decrease depending upon the diseased state of the particular organs and tissues that are directly associated with that meridian.

Conducting research at the University of Vermont School of Medicine, Dr. Helene M. Langevin, M. D., has discovered that when an acupuncture needle is inserted into the body, it somehow causes either a biomechanical or biochemical change at the insertion site that exerts a "grasping force" on the needle; what acupuncturists refer to as the arrival of Qi.

This has lead researchers to focus their attention on studying the connective tissue (fascia) that runs as an intricate interstitial network between the muscles, skin, internal organs and skeletal system of the body. As research in this area continues, a growing body of evidence is strongly suggesting that this intricate network is, in fact, the meridian system that the Chinese scholars postulated in their theories.

Using sophisticated diagnostic instrumentation, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), researchers have been able to directly view human brain activity while acupuncture needles are being inserted into specific points along the various meridians of the body. And, to their amazement they have discovered that the needles set into motion a cascade of both neurological and biochemical changes within the brain that vary according to which acupuncture points are being needled.

Discoveries like these are just beginning to help researchers unravel the mechanisms by which acupuncture needles are able to work their magic by manipulating both the central nervous system and endocrine (hormonal) system in ways that can regulate the circulatory, respiratory, reproductive and digestive systems of the body to promote self-healing. In essence, Western medical researchers are discovering that acupuncture needles actually function like little toggle switches that are able to orchestrate the incredibly complex mechanisms of the human brain in ways that can promote health.

At the biochemical level, studies have now shown that acupuncture can cause an increase in the secretion of substances such as endorphins and enkephalins (the body's own morphine-like, sedative substances) and neurotransmitters such as serotonin within the brain and along the gastrointestinal tract. This discovery alone has helped to explain why acupuncture is so effective for treating pain as well as psycho-emotional conditions such as anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Since acupuncture is now also known to produce the Relaxation Response (defined by Dr. Herbert Benson, M. D.), it has helped to explain why it can also be so effective toward greatly ameliorating stress-related symptoms associated with conditions such as autoimmune diseases, hypertension, gastro-intestinal disorders, chronic pain and many others.

Specific acupuncture points are now known to stimulate activity of both the hypothalamus and pituitary glands located deep within the central portion of the brain; thereby setting into motion a cascade of neurological and hormonal activities throughout the body that can positively effect systems such as the female menstrual cycle, male and female reproductive systems for fertility and the immune system. These are just a few examples of a myriad of new discoveries being made with modern research methods that are beginning to elucidate the mechanisms by which acupuncture is able to produce significant, positive health benefits.

Are Acupuncture Needles Really Needles?

As adults, when we think of needles most of us immediately experience a strong aversion reaction as we recall painful episodes during our own childhood when we were literally forced to endure hypodermic needles thrust into our young bodies in order to be vaccinated against certain diseases or for other specific health benefits.

I certainly know because, over the years, I have successfully treated many adults with hypnotherapy who have actually developed phobias toward needles because of these traumatic childhood episodes.

Even though the tip design of hypodermic needles have been greatly improved upon over the past several decades to reduce pain on insertion, for a child, getting a hypodermic needle jabbed into its little body can still be a very painful experience. The sharp, beveled tip is designed to cut through flesh and muscle so that a liquid medication or vaccine can then be injected via a plunger into the tissue through a central bore within the needle shaft. The severe pain experienced is not only caused by the actual cutting of both flesh and muscle tissue during insertion, but also by the additional damage inflicted by the forceful injection of the liquid into the muscle.

Acupuncture needles, on the other hand, are really not even needles! They are, in fact, sterilized, disposable, hair-thin pins that are polished to a fine, smooth point. Some are so thin that five of them can be inserted into the bore of a hypodermic needle. Instead of cutting through flesh as hypodermic needles are designed to do, the smooth, polished point of an ultra-thin, acupuncture needle literally pushes the epithelial cells at the surface of the skin aside during insertion. This is why insertion is not painful and the needles rarely ever exude even a tiny drop of blood upon removal (which only happens when a very small capillary is unable to move out of the way during insertion).

Do Acupuncture Needles Really Hurt?

Insertion of hair-thin, sterilized acupuncture needles is rarely painful. Sensation during insertion ranges from no feeling whatsoever to that of a mild mosquito bite due to the localized pressure of moving the cells aside. Once inserted, a needle can then be adjusted if the patient still feels any discomfort. An acupuncturist may sometimes gently manipulate the needles after insertion in order to stimulate the arrival of Qi to the treatment area. This facilitates communication between the needles, the brain and the various organs and tissues of the body.

Patients describe the various sensations experienced with the arrival of Qi as a mild degree of warming, heaviness, numbing, distending or tingling. Most patients find themselves quite surprised at how relaxing an acupuncture treatment really is and, as the brain begins to secrete endorphins (morphine-like, sedative hormones) many actually fall into a deep, rejuvenating sleep.

What is Moxabustion?

Moxa is an herb made from the ground leaves of Artemisia vulgaris (mugwort plant). Depending on the nature of the patient's condition, an acupuncturist may decide to either burn balls made of this wooly material on top of the handles of specific acupuncture needles or place small cones on top of a protective cream applied directly to the skin in order to enhance the stimulation of specific acupuncture points. Sometimes patients are also taught how to perform moxabustion on themselves as a part of their own home self-care treatments.

Chinese studies have shown that moxa therapy can improve digestive function, increase both white blood cell and platelet counts and enhance immunity by positively effecting T-cell formation when applied to specific acupuncture points. Clinical trials in this country have also demonstrated that applying moxa to a specific point on the foot produces a 75% success rate in turning breech babies during the third trimester.

What is Cupping?

Cupping is an ancient technique where round, glass jars are placed under vacuum and applied directly onto the skin in order to remove local stagnation of Qi, lymphatic fluids and blood. It is commonly used for acute conditions such as colds and respiratory illnesses and can also relieve tension, trigger points and pain due to musculoskeletal injury; especially in the neck, shoulder and low back areas.

Another similar procedure is referred to as sliding cups. This involves application of a lubricating cream to the skin so that the cups can be slid across the surface while under vacuum. This is a very invigorating technique that essentially provides the same therapeutic benefits of deep tissue massage but without the pain. It flushes lymphatic fluids out of tissues, eliminates trigger points within muscles and promotes the circulation of fresh, oxygenated blood throughout the treatment area.

What is Tuina?

Tuina is a form of Chinese massage. Depending upon both the condition and the style of acupuncture being used, your acupuncturist may want to massage a particular, local area, either before or after the acupuncture needles have been inserted, in order to enhance the movement of stagnant Qi and blood.

Are Chinese Herbs Necessary for Treatment Success?

In a majority of cases, Chinese herbs are not necessary in order to achieve success with acupuncture. However, herbal medicine has been a major component of Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 3,000 years and these natural ingredients can be very effective in supplementing acupuncture treatments. Most experienced acupuncturists, however, choose to start a course of treatments involving only acupuncture in order to observe the patient's response to the therapy. They may then recommend herbs at a later time if the desired results are not being realized within a reasonable period of time.

How Do Herbs Differ from Western Medication?

All Chinese herbs are acquired from plants and other naturally occurring substances. Although they may be administered in order to relieve symptoms, their primary purpose is to treat the underlying cause of any disorder. Consequently, relative to Western medications, herbal remedies typically interact with the body more gently and slowly with very few side effects. Depending upon the condition, an herbal formula a patient is given may frequently have to be modified over the course of treatment to meet the changing needs of the body as it moves more toward energetic balance and restoration of health.

The most convenient method of taking herbs is in a tablet or capsule form; however, this may limit the practitioner's ability to modify specific ingredients as needed. When the latter is necessary, herb combinations can be formulated from powder extracts which can then be dissolved in water and taken as a liquid. A less convenient method is to have the patient brew raw herbs at home as a tea.

How Quickly Can I Expect to Feel Better?

Depending upon the condition being treated, some patients begin to experience dramatic results after just one or two treatments whereas others must undergo several more treatments before they begin to experience positive results. As a rule of thumb, if acupuncture is going to be able to help a patient's condition, positive results will usually begin to appear by about the sixth treatment. The only exceptions to this rule are very deficient patients, certain acute injuries and some chronic conditions. These may take more time to show benefits from treatment. The rate of progress, however, can also be greatly influenced by how frequently a patient comes for treatment.

How Frequently Should I be Treated?

It is very important to emphasize that acupuncture is a form of therapy just like physical therapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are different forms of therapy. As such, acupuncture has a cumulative effect on the body just like these other therapies. For example, in order for physical therapy to work effectively, it usually has to be administered at least 2 to 3 times per week. Likewise, in order for chemotherapy and radiation therapy to be able to provide health benefits, a course of treatment may typically require participation on either a daily or every-other-day basis for a period of many weeks or even months.

As a form of therapy, therefore, acupuncture is no different. Consequently, all things being considered and as a rule of thumb, the more frequently a patient comes for treatment the more rapidly he/she will be able to realize his/her health goals with the least, total number of treatments. Consequently, coming more frequently can often add up to a significant cost savings for a patient over the course of treatment.

Most Chinese and Asian-trained acupuncturists living and practicing within the United States cannot understand how the once-per-week treatment protocol became established for acupuncture within this country. In China, for example, a course of treatments typically ranges from a frequency of every day to three times per week; depending upon the disorder being treated. Consequently, on average, three treatments per week would be considered the ideal in this country with once per week being the minimum in order to be able to realize positive benefits from acupuncture. On the other hand, "tune-up" treatments as a part of a maintenance and prevention program can be administered once every few months.

Does Acupuncture Always Help?

About 90 % of patients reap significant benefits from a course of acupuncture treatments. If a patient does not begin to experience at least some positive signs of improvement by the end of a first course of treatment, then both the acupuncturist and the patient should evaluate whether or not progress can be made with additional treatments. Of course, many factors may have to be weighed before an appropriate decision on whether or not to continue treatments can be made. Some of these may include how deficient the patient's body is at the time of treatment, how chronic the nature of the condition has been, and how long a period of time the patient has been suffering with the condition prior to seeking treatment. In those 90% of cases where acupuncture is demonstrating effectiveness, improvement typically exceeds 85% by the end of the treatment plan.

Summary and Links

Western medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture and hypnotherapy all must ultimately rely on the body's own innate ability to promote self-healing. Up until this time, Western medicine has relied almost exclusively on man-made, pharmaceutical drugs designed to either manage or suppress symptoms or surgery to remove and/or repair tissues and organs that have become severely damaged by disease. Many of these pharmaceutical drugs are toxic to the body and may produce their own significant symptoms and side-effects.

Acupuncture, on the other hand, relies on gentle needling in order to facilitate the body's own self-healing processes whereas the focus of regression hypnotherapy is to completely purge the unresolved, chronic stress that may be actually exacerbating or causing the energetic imbalances to occur within the body out of the nervous system altogether. Once the energy associated with chronic stress has been released from the nervous system, the mind and body can rapidly return to more normal, energetic levels, restore balance and promote health.

Although somewhat simplistic, a convenient way to view the primary difference between acupuncture and hypnotherapy for treating disease is that the former restores balance to the various energies of the mind and body whereas the latter removes the excess energy in the form of chronic stress that may be contributing to or actually causing those imbalances.

I feel very confident that all of these modalities will ultimately be integrated into a more ideal, comprehensive medical system that can better meet the health care needs of the public in the future.

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