About Acupuncture

Questions & Answers
What does Acupuncture Treat

Common Questions & Answers about Acupuncture

The Ki (vital energy) circulates throughout the pathways of the body along meridians. Ki in Aikido (a Japanese martial art) is this same Ki. It is invisible but functional. Meridians are like freeways of energy. There are 12 major meridians in the body, each connecting with a major organ system. Disease results when the flow of ki is blocked just like freeways are blocked by traffic jams. The causes of the blockages may come from outside (changes in air quality, climate, and environment), from inside (an intense emotional state), or from external factors such as injuries, overeating, drinking, overwork, stress, and sex)."Alive points"appear on the meridian pathways when there are abnormalities in the meridians. These points may appear as sluggish/taut, dry/damp, cold/hot, concaved/raised, and/or may be colored differently from the others. By treating these alive points, the blockages in the meridians are smoothed out and the flow of ki is then normalized. As a result, the imbalanced state of the mind and body is stabilized and restored to a state of good health and balance.

Why Acupuncture?
The expense associated with negative side effects that stem from drugs and surgery can be prohibitive. Acupuncture is a cost-effective alternative that has consistently proven effective as a treatment for these issues.

Since the whole body is treated during an Acupuncture treatment, it is classified as holistic - that is to say, it involves the mind and body, not just an isolated system or part of the body.

Traditional Japanese Acupuncture treats not only localized problems but the root cause of those problems. As a result, it increases vitality and strengthens the immune system. Acupuncture treatments do not cause side effects and when treated for a specific condition, people frequently notice an overall improvement in their health and well being.

Does it hurt?

No. This kind of traditional Japanese Acupuncture with the contact needling technique simply contacts key points on the surface of the body. Because of this contact only treatment you do not experience any pain or discomfort associated with the insertion of needles; however, when the blockage has cleared and ki flow has been restored, you may experience many types of sensations. Some common symptoms could be pain, dullness, numbness, tingling, and even hot or cold sensations. They may even be felt at a remote distance from the site of treatment. These sensations do not have a lasting effect, disappear shortly, and are indicative of the reconnection of certain meridians.

How many treatments will be necessary?
It depends upon the individual's condition. I take a comprehensive history and identify the severity of the underlying conditions in each patient. You may need only a couple of treatments for an acute condition. Usually, a series of 5 to 6 treatments are necessary to make a further assessment for frequency of the treatment in future. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.

What should I do before a treatment?
To maximize the positive effects of an acupuncture treatment, eat a small meal and do not drink alcohol. Please wear loose clothing. We recommend wearing pants that are loose enough to raise above the knees with ease.

What is Heat Therapy?
Moxibustion, the burning of dry a soft herb called Mugwort on specific body points, is an essential part of traditional Japanese acupuncture. However, at Yoshi's Acupuncture Clinic, this Moxibustion method is modified for people in this culture. As part of your treatment it may be advisable to use the application of concentrated heat generated by the use of incense for a therapeutic purpose. Depending on your condition, it may or may not be suggested that you perform this treatment as part of your particular home care program. This is a valuable part of the Acupuncture treatment and will help facilitate the healing process, as well as to help you regain control over your health.

--back to top--

What does Acupuncture treat?

The WHO (World Health Organization) has listed the following symptoms, diseases, and conditions that have been treated effectively by acupuncture:

Musculoskeletal Disorders:
Arthritis, joint pain (neck/shoulder/knee/back), carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, sprains, and fibromyalgia pain.

Gynecological/OB-GYN Disorders:
PMS, Irregular menstruation, Amenorrhea (no period), Dysmenorrhea (painful period), menopausal syndrome, Endometriosis, infertility, morning sickness, induction of labor, and correction of fetus malposition (breech).

Emotional Disorders:
Stress, depression, anxiety, insomnia.

Respiratory Disorders:
Colds, Flu, Asthma, Allergies, Bronchitis, and Allergic Rhinitis.

Neurological Disorders:
Headache, Bell's Palsy, Trigeminal Neuralgia, post-stroke paralysis, Multiple Sclerosis, dizziness, and Tinnitus.

Digestive Disorders:
Nausea and vomiting, acute and chronic gastritis, constipation, diarrhea, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and acid reflux.

Ear, Nose & Throat Disorders:
Toothaches, ear aches, acute and chronic Sinusitis, and Meniere's disease.

Circulatory Disorders:
Hypertension, hypotension, high cholesterol, Angina, and Arteriosclerosis.

Urogenital Disorders:
Bladder and kidney infections, incontinence, and benign enlarged prostate condition.

Others:
Post operative pain and adverse reactions to radiation or chemotherapy.

Other conditions that can be treated by Acupuncture:
Epilepsy, insomnia, sty, tearing eyes, chest pain, Herpes Zoster, Hepatitis C, gluteus pain, hip and ankle joint pain, heel pain, and peripheral nerve pain.

--back to top--