Acupuncture Q & A

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into specific points to regulate the Qi (vital energy) in the body. The needles used are, by Florida law, disposable - single use only. It is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system.

What is Qi?

Qi (pronounced "chee") flows throughout the body. It helps to animate the body and protect it from illness, pain, and disease. A person's health is influenced by the quality, quantity, and balance of Qi.

Is Acupuncture New, I have never heard of it before?

Oriental Medicine, including Acupuncture is the oldest continuously practice system of medicine in the world today. In schools, written texts dated 300-500 BC are still studied and ancient herbal formulas have been adapted for treatment of modern disease.

When was Acupuncture introduced to the United States?

The first publicized use of acupuncture in the United States was in 1826 when Ben Franklin's grandson, Franklin Bache, MD, published a paper on the beneficial effects of Acupuncture. Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture were used in the 1860s, 702, and 80s for lower back pain, fractures and anesthesia. In the early 1900s however, with the rise of Western allopathic medicine, the use of acupuncture because less known in the US except in Chinatowns.

It was not until 1971, during the Nixon Presidency that acupuncture was revived for Americans. James Reston, of the NY Times newspaper, was traveling in China with Henry Kissinger when he developed acute appendicitis. Chinese physicians successfully treated him for post-operative pain using acupuncture. Reston wrote an article entitled "Now, Let Me Tell You About My Appendectomy In Peking" This piqued the interest of Americans everywhere. A resurgence of acupuncture practice took place.

When did the state of Florida began licensing Acupuncturists?

The state of Florida was one of the first to start licensing acupuncture physicians starting in 1982.

What is the educational requirement for an Acupuncture Physician in the State of Florida?

Acupuncture Physicians in the state of Florida must complete a four-year program of intensive study of 2700 hours of training. This is similar to the number of hours required of other medical professionals: MD/DO 2756 (+3 years of residency), and DCs (Doctors of Chiropractic 2887. The course of study includes training and supervision in the use of Oriental Medicine diagnosis and techniques, herbal studies, western biomedical terms, anatomy and physiology, pathology, laboratory tests, x-ray imaging, and many other courses.

Are there any side effects?

Acupuncture is a gentle healing method without harmful side effects.

What can Acupuncture Treat?

The World Health Organization and the National Institute of Health recommend acupuncture for a wide variety of ailments, a few examples are:

Infections: Colds, flu, bronchitis, hepatitisSkin: Eczema, acne, herpes

Mental, Emotional: Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Insomnia

Eyes, Ears, Nose Throat: Deafness, ringing in the ears, earaches, allergies, poor eyesight, sinus infection, dizziness, sorethroat.

Internal Medicine: High blood pressure, asthma, hypoglycemia, ulcers, hemorrhoids, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion

Muscles, Nerves, and Bones: Arthritis, sciatica, back pain, tendonitis, stiff neck, Bell's palsy, stroke, neuralgia, sprains, trigeminal neuralgia, bursitis, cerebral palsy, headaches.

Reproductive: Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), pelvic inflammatory disease, irregular periods and cramps, vaginitis, infertility, impotence, morning sickness.

How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to solve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of four weeks to see significant changes.

What should I expect during treatment?

Where the acupuncture needle has been inserted, you may experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling, or dull ache. Sometimes people may experience a sensation of energy spreading or moving around the needle. This is call the "Qi Sensation". All these reactions are good and a good sing that the treatment is working. After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

Do the needles hurt?

The sensation caused by the needles varies. Some people feel a little pain as the needle is inserted, but most people feel no pain at all. The needles are tiny, just a little larger than a human hair. During the treatment, the patient does not experience pain. In fact, most people experience a state of deep relaxation, and some even fall asleep during the treatment. How safe is acupuncture? Acupuncture is extremely safe. It is an all-natural, drug-free therapy, yielding no side effects expecting feelings of relaxation and well-being. There is little danger of infection from acupuncture needles because they are sterile, used once, and then discarded.

How can I support my acupuncture treatment?

Eat Healthy Be sure to get plenty of Fresh Air Get an adequate amount of rest Do Low or moderate impact exercise

Does my insurance company cover acupuncture?

Many of the major health insurance companies cover acupuncture and other therapies in Oriental Medicine. To verify coverage, please call the office at 954-390-0411 or can visit us online at http://highpointhealing.com/insurance.htm

For more information on Acupuncture, you can visit us online at

http://highpointhealing.com/acupuncture.htm