Holistic Health Center of Cincinnati

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown as effective treatment of specific health problems. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. Recently, electromagnetic research has confirmed their location.

How does Acupuncture work?
Modern Western medicine cannot explain how acupuncture works. Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (Energy) and Xue (Blood) through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do. According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is Deficient , and away from where it is Excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body. In Chinese there is a saying, "There is no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no free flow."

What problems can be treated by Acupuncture?
The World Health Organization has said that Acupuncture is suitable for treating the following:

EAR NOSE THROAT                                                                                                           Toothaches, pain after tooth extraction, ear aches, sinus inflammation, nasal inflammation or dryness.

RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
Uncomplicated bronchial asthma in children or adults.

GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS
Digestive tract problems, hiccups, inflammation of the stomach, chronic duodenal ulcers, inflammation of the colon, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery caused by certain bacteria.

EYE DISORDERS
Inflammation of the conjunctiva, inflammation of the central retina, nearsightedness (in children) and uncomplicated cataracts.

NERVOUS SYSTEM & MUSCULAR DISORDERS
Headaches, migraines, certain facial paralysis or nerve pain, partial weakness after a stroke, inflammation of nerve endings, bed wetting, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain, and osteoarthritis.

Acupuncture has been used for centuries in China to treat many other problems, such as knee pain, sprains and strains, and most gynecological complaints.

Do the needles hurt, and are they safe?
If your practitioner has obtained the correct stimulus of the needle, the patient should feel some cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. In Chinese, acupuncture is bu tong — painless. Some Western cultures may categorize these sensations as types of pain. In any case, if you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild. The best practice among acupuncturists in America today is to use sterilized, individually packed, disposable needles. Needles are never saved and reused for later treatment. This eliminates any possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle.

What criteria should one use in choosing an acupuncturist?
Patients should ask about where the practitioner trained, how long the training was, how long he or she has been in practice, and what experience the practitioner has had in treating the patient's specific ailment. Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated healthcare profession in about half the states in the U.S. Ask your practitioner if your state requires a license to practice

How many treatments will I need?
That depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute problem. A series of five to fifteen sessions may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time. Your practitioner will explain the nature of your problem and what treatment he or she is recommending. Your practitioner will tell you what benefits and risks there are to the proposed treatment, what other treatment options are available to you through this practitioner or by referral to another practitioner or physician.

Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment? 

• Please maintain good personal hygiene to reduce the possibility of bacterial infection.
• To prevent loss, do not wear jewelry. Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses. Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotionally upset, or shortly after sex.

Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?

• Relax. Ask your practitioner any questions you have along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from treatment.
• Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner.
• Some people experience dizziness, nausea, cold sweat, shortness of breath, or faintness during treatment. This often occurs if you are nervous. Inform your practitioner immediately so he or she can readjust or withdraw the needles. Also, let your practitioner know if you feel an increasing amount of pain or burning sensation during the treatment.

What can I expect after a treatment?
Patients often experience the most dramatic results in the first treatment. Some patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some pain may return. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief only to notice the pain diminish over the next couple of days. Generally, you should expect to feel better. You may note a spot of blood at one or more of the needle sites and/or a small bruise could develop. These should not be harmful, but please talk to your practitioner if you are concerned.

Practitioner at Holistic Health Center offering Traditional Chinese Medicine—

• Martyn Thomas, A.P., Dipl. 513-521-5333 ext 40