Does It Hurt?

Most people don’t even know that Eastern Medicine, like Western Medicine, has a vast array of tools and techniques. Most are painless and all of them work with the body to produce verifiable, consistent results. But, since most people think acupuncture is the only method of treatment and because your OMD will probably want to use acupuncture, let’s answer the question, “Does it hurt?’ for acupuncture only.

While people who haven’t experienced acupuncture find it hard to believe, acupuncture is virtually painless.

Acupuncture uses small, extremely thin, sterile needles—not at all like the needles you see in a MD’s office. Acupuncture needles have tips that are smooth and rounded so they won't cut the skin. The rounded edge pushes the tissue aside, and the needles are so thin (about the thickness of thread or a strand of hair) they glide through the space between the tissue.

Most patients are surprised to find how comfortable they are during acupuncture. Many patients even go to sleep during treatment!

Is It Safe?

One of the great advantages of acupuncture is its safety. With years of medical training and clinical experience, your OMD knows exactly what to do.

It is an ideal complementary therapy for people who are already taking medications, because it is drug-free and will not interact adversely with existing prescriptions.

How Long Does Treatment Last?

The average treatment session lasts about an hour: an extensive diagnostic period, then anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes of treatment. You should allow two hours for the initial intake session, and up to an hour for follow-up visits. We encourage patients not to schedule so tightly that they are stressed out about the time during their appointment.

Some conditions are improved in a single visit (for example, for a sore throat, fever, and body aches); other treatments will involve multiple visits (for example, if you have been suffering from arthritis for the last ten years and you are fifty pounds overweight). The length of treatment depends on the condition, the severity, and the duration of the condition. Moreover, no two conditions or people respond exactly the same. The physical and emotional state of the patient is also important, as well as the compliance with your doctors instructions and recommendations.

The primary focus of Chinese medicine is on correcting the underlying cause, not simply alleviating symptoms, so Eastern medicine has a great track record in effecting long-lasting change.

What Problems Can Be Treated by Acupuncture?

The World Health Organization has stated that acupuncture is suitable for treating many conditions. Please see our separate WHO page for more details.

In addition, acupuncture has been used for centuries in China to treat a host of other problems, such as joint pain, sprains, and strains, stress, skin problems, infertility, sexual dysfunction, PMS, menopause, and most gynecological complaints.

It’s also an extremely effective, drug-free, non-surgical adjunct to cancer treatment, and is particularly helpful in treating the serious side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Moreover, it can successfully treat many autoimmune diseases, and is a powerful tool to ease post-operative pain.

Many other conditions can be treated, too. Among the most responsive are musculoskeletal problems such as sciatica, low back pain and arthritis; circulatory problems like high or low blood pressure, or cold hands and feet; nervous system imbalances, especially anxiety, nervousness, sleeplessness or depression; asthma, allergies and sinus problems; and digestive disorders like Crohn's Disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, and constipation.

We often treat headaches, vertigo, sports and stress injuries, skin problems, immune system disorders, fatigue, and chronic pain. Acupuncture has been found to be especially useful for detoxification from addictive substances such as drugs, alcohol, caffeine, cocaine, heroin and cigarettes.

Eastern Medicine is particularly effective at treating emotional disorders such as phobias, grief, and anger.

It’s not only good if you are sick, but it balances the body's systems and promotes good health and well-being so you are then able to handle the stresses of everyday life more easily, and minor health issues can be resolved before they become more major problems.

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