Frequently asked Questions about Acupuncture

Do the needles hurt?
No, acupuncture should not hurt. The insertion and removal of Acupuncture needles is virtually painless. The turning and movement of the needles by the Acupuncturist may create a moment of discomfort like a dull pressure or tingling. Most people are amazed at how relaxed they feel during and after treatment. Even the children who are our patients enjoy the experience.
 

Is Acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is extremely safe. Acupuncturists are required to use sterile and disposable needles that are discarded after each use. Needles used in this office are slender as a human hair. It is seldom necessary to penetrate much below the surface of the skin.

 
What conditions are treated with acupuncture?

Pain Stress related disorders Insomnia Menopausal symptoms Allergies Fatigue Depression Headaches Backaches and Neck Pain Menstrual Disorders Arthritis Asthma  Anxiety PMS High Blood Pressure Digestive disorders These are just a few of the conditions treated

 
How many treatments will I need?
In my Fort Lauderdale clinic the total treatment time will be determined by your current lifestyle, and by the history of your illness. By the third or fourth visit, a determination of the number of additional treatments required can usually be made. For some conditions as few as 4 treatments are all that is necessary. Improvement of symptoms is generally experienced after four to five treatments, sometimes less.

Is Acupuncture also preventative?
People interested in maintaining peak health seek regular acupuncture treatments before any physical illness occurs. It is especially advisable to balance the flow of chi energy in each season; spring, summer, late summer, fall and winter. Our office will notify you at appropriate times so that you may schedule a visit.

Auricular Acupuncture and Detox
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, however auricular acupuncture was only discovered in 1973 by a DR, H L Wen of Hong Kong, he was working on a patient in hospital using acupuncture and was using a particular point in the ear (the lung) which was for the relief of post operative pain, and noticed that it had an improving effect on the relief of the withdrawal symptoms of a recovering opiate user. Then it was noted to also help those recovering from alcohol addictions. Many clinical trials were used and the benefits recorded, and today auricular acupuncture is widely used in treating addictions, and the symptoms of withdrawal including anxiety and stress as well as promoting well being.

In 1985 The National Acupuncture Detox Association (NADA) was established to promote education and training within substance abuse and alcohol and drug services. The five point protocol was mainly developed to assist detoxification, withdrawal and relapse prevention from drugs and alcohol.

Auricular Acupuncture, does more than reduce the experience of pain quickly; it also facilitates the body's own internal healing processes.

Auricular Acupuncture, like most complementary therapies, deals with the underlying problem and not just the symptoms of the problem.

Auricular Acupuncture treatment raises the body's levels of endorphins which are a natural pain killer within the body, and can raise the body's pain threshold by a large percent.

Treatment of Auricular Acupuncture
The treatment consists of inserting five small sterile needles into each ear for up to 40 minutes; the needles are placed into points relating to some of the body's major organs, which include the lungs, the liver, the sympathetic nervous system, and the kidneys. The treatment has an affect on the organ/body functions concerned with cleansing and balancing the body. The treatment involves sitting in a quiet peaceful atmosphere, where relaxation can happen quite quickly. Treatment can last for up to forty minutes and should be a pleasant experience, when the treatment is finished the practitioner may place small studs in the same places of the acupuncture sites in the ears in order to continue the effect of the treatment over the next few days.

The Acupuncture Points

• It alleviates stress.
• It is a pain killer for the intestines.
• Helps with night sweats.
• Nervous system is a powerful stress response in the mind and the organs of the body. Anxiety gives way to calmness

Shen Men Point - known as the spirit gate.

• It alleviates anxiety.
• Controls nervousness.
• Has relaxing effect.
• Helps to bring the energy of the heart into balance.
• Helps with insomnia,
• Lowers blood pressure.
• Harmonizes the liver
• Reduces sensitivity.
• Impatience and moodiness gives way to calmness

Kidney Point - known as the essential source of energy.

• Alleviates toxicity in the kidneys.
• Is related to life force and longevity.
• Improves memory.
• Improves willpower
• Strengthens self worth.
• Strengthens the spine.
• Aids brain tissue.
• Invigorates digestion.
• Fear is the associated temperament
• Fear anguish and paranoia give rise to awareness and gentleness
  

Liver - rules the flow of life force energy

• Elevates toxicity in the blood and liver.
• This energy is known to keep everything running smoothly.
• Stabilizes impulsive behavior and mood swings.
• Regulates the blood circulation.
• Helps clears dizzy spells

Lungs - rules the life force energy

• Alleviates toxicity in the immune system.
• Helps respiration and skin function.
• The lungs are the very balance of life force and are a nourishing organ.
• Regulates body temperature.
• Controls breathing.
• Helps with mentally letting go.
• Helps edema.
• Promotes oxygenation of the blood.
• Grief and sadness give way to courage and hope.