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Frequently Asked Questions
Question Does Acupuncture Facial Rejuvenation (AFR) work?
Yes and no. You will not see the type of dramatic results seen with botox, restalyne or a face lift. Acupuncture facial rejuvenation is most effective for fine lines - not deep creases between the eyes or on either side of the mouth. The major benefits are decreased puffiness under the eyes and improved skin tone. I work with the individual on many different levels and discuss factors that could be contributing to excessive wrinkles or premature aging, including diet and lifestyle. Points on the body are chosen to address the individual’s overall, or what we call “root” condition. Herbs may be prescribed to enhance treatment, both topically and internally. Many people report improved sleep and digestion during and after the AFR series. Treatment is centered on strengthening and moistening from the inside out, in order for you and your skin to glow. A course of treatment is ten sessions.
Question Does acupuncture work by placebo effect?
Answer Absolutely not. Acupuncture does not require your belief in it in order for it to work. Inserting fine needles in various parts of the body promotes a physiological response, whether that be by releasing endorphins (pain relieving chemicals), releasing a muscle spasm, or by affecting one or several body processes. Last year, researchers at UC Irvine found that acupuncture lowers blood pressure by up to 50% (Journal of Applied Physiology, March 2005). Although acupuncture research is relatively new in this country, medical schools in China and Europe have been studying its validity and efficacy for decades and publishing their results. A good source for acupuncture-based research is the British publication, the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Question My friend told me that taking gingko would enhance my memory. I saw it at the health food store so I bought some. How much should I take?
Answer Just because herbal medicine is sold in stores over-the-counter does not mean that it is safe for everyone to take. It is imperative that before self-medicating with herbs in the Chinese herbal pharmacy that you consult a California State licensed practitioner of Chinese medicine who is trained and certified in prescribing herbal medicine. Herbs are crude medicines and have the potential for many contraindications and drug-herb interactions. For example, many senior citizens take gingko to enhance their memory, however, a large portion of this population also takes Warfarin (Coumadin), and taking them together is contraindicated.
Question Is acupuncture only for pain?
Answer No. Pain is only the tip of the iceberg. Traditional Chinese medicine is generally effective for all sorts of chronic conditions and for some acute conditions. In China, Western medicine is often reserved for more serious conditions that require the use of pharmaceutical drugs or surgery. Generally speaking, TCM is the first line of defense against colds, flus, headaches, pain, repetitive stress injuries, insomnia and the like, and the main treatment modality for chronic conditions like fibromyalgia or menstrual disorders – conditions of which Western medicine only abates with pharmaceutical drugs.
Question Is acupuncture safe?
Answer Yes. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine are trained extensively in anatomy and know the correct depths for needle insertion for each part of the body. The most common side-effect of acupuncture is bruising. Everybody has hundreds of small capillary beds under the surface of their skin, and their placement is unique per individual. One person may bruise at a certain acupuncture point while another may not. Bruises last for several days, and often do not hurt. The incidence of pneumothorax or organ puncture is extremely rare. In a British study of 34,407 acupuncture treatments received, there were no adverse affects reported. However, there are risks, and people who are asthmatic or anyone who has been on corticosteroid treatment for extended periods of time are at higher risk for complications. These risks should be explained to you by your practitioner before treatment begins. However, it is generally agreed that acupuncture carries less risk than conventional treatment for disease. The National Institute of Health says “[o]ne of the advantages of acupuncture is that the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures used for the same conditions” (http://www.consensus.nih.gov).
Question Does acupuncture hurt?
Answer Acupuncture needles are very fine, about the size of a human hair. Most of the time there is very little sensation upon needle insertion, and once the needle is in place, often the patient will feel nothing at all. Common needle sensations are a feeling of warmth, tingling, or traveling, which are all reported as non-painful sensations. Many people enjoy the needle sensation, most likely due to the release of endorphins. Sometimes the needle can sting upon insertion which is unpleasant and can last for several seconds. If this is the case, the practitioner will take the needle out and either try again in several minutes, or choose a different point.
Question Can acupuncture benefit me if nothing is wrong with me physically?
Answer Yes. Acupuncture boosts the immune system and so using acupuncture during times of wellness can actually keep you from getting sick. A very traditional method of treatment is one treatment per change of seasons, using points that correspond to the winter, spring, summer or fall. |
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Traditional Chinese Medicine
Monica Bloch, M.S., L.Ac. |
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