Frequently asked questions
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very fine needles (acupuncture needles are hair-thin, sterile, individually packaged, and disposable) into the skin to stimulate specific anatomic points in the body (called acupoints or acupuncture points) to treat bodily dysfunction or diseases to modify or prevent pain perception, and to normalize the body’s physiological functions.
Does it Hurt?
This is the question everyone asks first. There is a slight prick at the initial insertion of needle. However, the needle is so thin that it is not perceived by most people as painful. The surface of the skin has the greatest number of nerve endings, so that once the needle passes through this skin layer, it may be manipulated without the initial sensation. At this stage there may be feelings of warmth, tightness, tingling, or a mild dull ache sensation associated with the flow of Qi.
If my insurance doesn’t cover Acupuncture, are the cash options expensive?
At the Essential and Arlington Acupuncture Clinic, we offer a wide range of payment methods for your convenience. Please call the clinic for our current rates.
How are the conditions treated through Acupuncture?
The goal of oriental medicine is to balance the energy of the body thus promoting the ability of the body to heal itself.
According to the traditional medical theory, the body has 12 main channels through which energy, called Qi, flows.
Excess, deficient, or obstructed Qi causes pain or disease.
The acupoints (acupuncture points) are stimulated throughout the treatment to balance the movement of energy (qi) in the body to restore health.
The acupuncturist selects points and therapies on the basis of a diagnosis which is made primarily by examining the radial pulses of both wrists, looking at the tongue, and considering the medical history. The acupuncturist sees these signs and symptoms as fitting into distinct patterns that reflect the internal energy relationships as understood by traditional east Asian medicine.
How many Treatments are necessary?
This varies by each individual, because it depends on how quickly the body responds to the treatment, and how long it takes for the body to heal.
As an example, a person with a very painful sprained back may be completely pain free after 1-5 treatments, while someone else with the same condition may need a longer series of treatments.
For conditions that have lasted longer than 6 months, a series of 10-20 treatments is not uncommon. If there are still symptoms but progress is encouraging, a further series of treatments may be recommended. However, if there is little improvement, another type of therapy is suggested.
We opt for full healing and restoration for each patient, and to do that patience is required.
Remember that acupuncture helps your body heal itself-a process that is not always speedy.
What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal medicines are natural remedies which are reinforced and harmonized in comprehensive ancient Oriental herbal formulas that have been passed down through the years.
For thousands of years, natural Oriental herbal remedies and herbs have been used to improve health, vitality, and overall life expectancy.
The effectiveness of these herbs is continually proven as they are used to restore body functions to normal and to treat numerous illnesses.
How does Herbal Medicine work?
Oriental herbal medicine focuses on treating the entire body to promote health. The emotional and spiritual health of a patient, in addition to total wellness, are considered when treating and diagnosing conditions and problems. When illness or disease is present, the condition is considered a symptom of the person being out of balance.
Oriental herbal formulas promote a healthful balance of yin and yang, two forces present in all of nature. When yin or yang forces or Qi/energy levels are off-balance in the body and spirit, health problems arise. Oriental herbs and herbal remedies are used to help realign an individual’s yin and yang balance in order to improve overall well-being.
Oriental herbal formulas include hundreds of popular organic ingredients that work in harmony to produce the desired effects in a person’s body.
These ingredients are primarily of plant origin, and may include roots, bark, seeds, flowers and leaves. Each organic ingredient typically has unique characteristics of yin/yang balancing and qi/energy boosting.