What is acupuncture?

 

Q: What is acupuncture?

A: Acupuncture is one branch of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), which is a comprehensive approach to health. Based on an analysis of the patient’s physical, mental and emotional symptoms, the diagnosis is formed according to the meridian concept, seasons and diet. Unlike the other two branches of TCM, Herbs and Tuina, which is manual manipulation of the body, Acupuncture employs the use of needles to effect the healing.

Q: Why do I need it?

A: If you have any of the symptoms listed below, you would benefit from acupuncture. If you are in perfect health, acupuncture will still help you to maintain it. However, if you are in physical or mental pain, whether acute or chronic, there’s a good chance that acupuncture will help you.

Each patient is treated using one or more of a combination of acupuncture, homeopathy and allergy elimination/bio vector balance methods. Common conditions treated include:

Asthma & Allergies

Side effect of Chemotherapy

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dizziness & Vertigo

High Blood Pressure

Anxiety & Depression

Arthritis, Tendonitis, & Joint pain

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Auto Injuries

Bladder and Kidney Infections

Cardiac Palpitations (Irregular Heartbeat)

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Common Cold & Influenza

Degenerative Disc Disorders

Diet, Nutrition, & Weight Control

Fibromyalgia

Headaches & Migraines

Impotence

Indigestion, Gas, Bloating, Constipation

Infertility

Insomnia

Menopause Symptoms

Musculoskeletal pain

Nausea

Neuropathy

Orthopedic Conditions

Pain

PMS & Menstrual Irregularity

Smoking Addiction

Sports Injuries

Tension / Stress Syndromes

Tinnitus

Work Injuries

Q: What kind of needles are used and will it hurt?

A: Only sterilized, disposable needles are used. You may feel the needle piercing the skin at certain points, but the sensation will disappear in seconds. The needles are hair thin, and it takes about six to ten acupuncture needles to fit into the diameter of a normal injection needle. While acupuncture is safe, it is possible that bruising or minimal bleeding can occur. These are usually minor and fade quickly.

We often treat patients who have fear or phobia of needles. Every time so far, they got over the fear after the first treatment. However, in case of severe phobia or stubborn children, we can use laser, piezoelectric device, magnets or tuning forks.

Q: Can I still get acupuncture and your other services if I'm already taking medication?

A: Yes. Acupuncture and homeopathy are safe and complement any other treatment or medicines. It sometimes happens that patients who’ve been on certain medications for a long time are in fact, allergic or sensitive to them, and once this is tested and treated, the medicine actually works better. At Holistic Health, Chinese herbs and nutritional supplements may also be suggested. It is important that you disclose all of your medications to check for any possible contraindications.

For the allergy treatment using Bio Vector Balance and NAET, you might be asked to avoid certain foods and supplements for up to 24 hours following the treatment. Some children, while undergoing AIT (Auditory Integration Training) may show increased sensitivity to their normal supplements, but that is often corrected by the end of the ten day session.

Q: Why do I need to go to a board certified acupuncturist or a licensed homeopath?

A:In addition to being licensed in the state of residence, the acupuncturist must have NCCAOM certification. Only then can you be sure of that the acupuncturist has met the rigorous standards required for proper understanding and practice of this complete medicine. Ask the acupuncturist how many internship hours she/he had and how many patients she/he has treated before opening a public practice. Make sure that the person has had a minimum of 800 hours of clinical acupuncture, and experience treating a wide variety of ailments.

For Homeopathy, there are currently no licensing requirements in the state of Illinois. However, it is important that the homeopath has extensive training and education. Homeopathy is truly an art, and it requires a comprehensive analytical approach as well consideration of the individual picture.

Q: What can I expect at my first appointment?

A: The initial appointment will take about 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Dr. Partha will meet with you and take your complete history and design a treatment plan for your particular needs. Some patients come for symptomatic relief of pain or discomfort while others are more interested in developing and maintaining a wellness plan. Dr. Partha will weigh your needs and desires while formulating the treatment protocol.

Then you will receive a treatment, which consists of homeopathic consultation, acupuncture, and may include additional therapies such as auricular needle therapy, NAET, infrared heat therapy, electrical needle stimulation, moxibustion, cupping, gua sha, reiki, exercise, breathing and tuning forks. The treatment does not include the cost of homeopathic remedies, herbs or nutritional supplements, and those need to be purchased separately.

Follow-up visits consist of a much shorter intake/diagnosis period before treatment, and generally last for 45 to 55 minutes.

Preparation for first visit:

Bring with you any prescription medications you may be taking.

Wear no make-up or perfume.

Do not drink Coffee at least 2 hours prior to visit.

Do not drink alcohol.

Drink plenty of water.

Eat a balanced meal 1 to 2 hours before an acupuncture treatment. A lot of energy movement takes place during the treatment, and it is possible to experience dizziness if on an empty stomach.

Wear loose, comfortable clothes, preferably shorts or sweats that can be pulled up to the knee, and a tank top. You will be lying down on a massage table, and there will be soft music in the background. The treatment is very relaxing, and it is quite common for patients to fall asleep during treatment.

After your visit:

Do not drink alcohol.

Do not eat greasy or spicy food.

Do not exercise.

Rest is preferable. Make the day as easy as possible.

Q: How often will I need to come for treatment?

A:Ideally, if one is good health, an acupuncture treatment once a month is enough to keep the body balanced. The goal is to reach that level of health. As we explain to the patient during the initial consultation, how long and how many treatments it will take varies according to individuals and their particular state of health and medical history. Regardless of the condition, however, the treatments have to be frequent during the initial phase for maximum effectiveness.

For most conditions, a minimum of two times, preferably three times, per week is recommended. In some cases, such as acute injuries or fractures, it is sometimes necessary to get daily treatments for a while. We find that most patients prefer to come at least once a week, even after the primary issue for which they came, is resolved. At your first or second appointment, the various options for treatment schedule will be discussed with you.

In China, it is common for acupuncturists to treat patients on a daily or every other day basis over the course of a week or two (sometimes longer) in order to make substantial and lasting changes in the condition being treated. By comparison, in America, it is more common for acupuncturists to treat patients only once per week. However, depending upon the severity of the ailment, on how long the effects of acupuncture are maintained after each treatment, and other factors, it may be advisable to more closely follow the Chinese model. The results of 6 or 8 treatments over two weeks may be superior to the same number of treatments spread over two months, while having the same cost and total office visit time. It is important for patients to inform their practitioners about how long the beneficial effects of a treatment lasted. If they only lasted two days, then treatment every two or three days may be needed in order to make sufficient progress. In the event that only infrequent treatment is possible, then greater reliance may need to be placed on herb therapies, diet changes, special exercises, and methods of treatment that can be performed at home between office visits.

 

It should be mentioned here that on occasion, an aggravation of the symptoms may occur in the first 24 hours following a treatment. If this should happen, be assured that this is a good sign; the aggravation will subside within 24 to 48 additional hours, with the symptoms significantly improved.