Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture

 

Does it hurt?

            It is normal to feel some sensation with acupuncture needling. This can be a mild aching, local feeling of vibration, numbness, heaviness, tingling, stinging, and burning. It is beneficial to the treatment process to have some needling sensation. Any strong sensations are usually very brief in duration. Most people find their acupuncture treatments very relaxing and pleasurable despite any brief mild discomfort.

 

Does it treat symptoms only?

According to traditional Chinese medical theory, acupuncture treatment is aimed at the underlying physiologic cause of the problem being treated rather than simply aimed at eliminating symptoms. The response of the underlying problem depends upon its nature. Some are more deep seated and respond slowly after many treatments.   Others can respond very quickly in just a few treatments.

 

What kind of conditions may benefit from acupuncture therapy?

The World Health Organization printed a list of conditions for which acupuncture may be useful.   In addition to this list I would say that it is worth considering acupuncture therapy as an adjunctive therapy for any condition that is responding poorly or inadequately to standard medical therapy, or for which standard medical therapy causes unwanted side effects. Acupuncture can be also be included together with regular medical treatment for those who want a truly comprehensive treatment plan for any condition. Many people find that they can get better overall results with fewer pharmaceuticals when acupuncture is added to their treatment regimen. The World Health Organization list of conditions for which acupuncture may be useful includes:

Respiratory Diseases

• Acute sinusitis
• Acute rhinitis
• Common cold
• Acute tonsillitis

Bronchopulmonary Diseases

• Acute bronchitis
• Bronchial asthma

Eye Disorders

• Acute conjunctivitis
• Cataract (without complications)
• Myopia
• Central retinitis

Disorders of the Mouth Cavity

• Toothache
• Pain after tooth extraction
• Gingivitis
• Pharyngitis

Orthopedic Disorders

• Periarthritis humeroscapularis
• Tennis elbow
• Sciatica
• Low back pain
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Gastrointestinal Disorders

• Spasm of the esophagus and cardia
• Hiccups
• Gastroptosis
• Acute and chronic gastritis
• Gastric hyperacidity
• Chronic duodenal ulcer
• Acute and chronic colitis
• Acute bacterial dysentery
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Paralytic ileus

Neurologic Disorders

• Headache
• Migraine
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Facial paralysis
• Paralysis after apoplectic fit
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Paralysis caused by poliomyelitis
• Meniere's syndrome
• Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
• Nocturnal enuresis
• Intercostal neuralgia

 

 

 

What constitutes an adequate clinical trial?

Most problems that are going to respond easily will show improvement within about 12 acupuncture treatments. An initial trial of acupuncture therapy should last for 8-12 treatments.

 

Does insurance cover treatment?

Despite the clinical and scientific evidence showing that acupuncture is not only effective but also safer than conventional treatment such as steroids or NSAIDs, acupuncture is still not covered by most insurance plans.   The Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture supports the coverage of acupuncture when
performed by trained physicians.

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