About Denise Jenderzak, L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., Dipl. C.H.Personal
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?The use of acupuncture dates back to over 3000 years ago. Since then, the practice of acupuncture has been refined in the use of knowledge, equipment, and technique. Acupuncture is the use of needles inserted into specific locations in the body. There are twelve channels that run along the surface of the body that are connected to different organs. Each channel has specific points that have specific indications and chosen dependent on the patient?s condition. The needles differ in gauge and length, depending on location and patient?s sensitivity. HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture works by aiding the flow of qi, the body?s vital energy, throughout the body. This allows the functions of the organs to work more efficiently, and therefore alleviate symptoms. There are a few scientific theories of how acupuncture works. It is theorized that the needles stimulates the nervous system, and thereby signals the regulation of the organs; or the needles stimulate the body to produce endorphins, an endogenous pain killer. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM AN ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENT?Acupuncture treatments usually run from 45 to 90 minutes. It begins with an interview regarding your condition. The length of the interview depends on your condition and the extent of your health status. From the interview, the acupuncturist will be able to determine what your condition is, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, and select appropriate acupuncture points. You will then be asked to lie either on your back or your front side, which then needles will be placed and retained for approximately 15-30 minutes. Prior to their first treatment, many people do not believe that acupuncture can be painless. Different sensations, such as warmth or pressure may be felt, but the sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing. HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO SEE MY ACUPUNCTURIST?Because acupuncture works to harmonize the body, several treatments may be necessary. The amount of treatments depends on the extent of your condition. However, improvements should be seen with each treatment. For maximal benefits, three treatments per week are recommended. However, once per week is adequate for most patients. The series of treatments depends on the condition. WHAT ARE OTHER THINGS THAT MY ACUPUNCTURIST CAN DO?Dietary recommendations Food is an important medicine in Chinese philosophy. Proper dietary habits allow better functioning of organs in the body, and therefore allow healing of the body systems. Chinese herbs Chinese herbs are very important to promoting proper functioning of the body. Due to improper lifestyles, most people are unable to maintain a state of health. Chinese herbs can help to rectify the balance of the organs. Moxibustion Moxibustion, also known as moxa, is derived by an herb called mugwort (Artemesia vulgaris). There are several ways to administer moxa. It is either in pole form or loose grain. The pole form is burned at one end and held a few inches away from the skin. Loose moxa is directly placed on the skin or at the end of the needle. Moxa is used to help warm the area and channel and penetrates deeply to affect the organs. Due to the strong smell of moxa, any person?s with chemical sensitivities should alert the acupuncturist before treatment. Cupping Cupping is used to help circulate blood. A vacuum is created within a glass cup by either the use of an air pump or fire and placed on the location of pain. Usually used for shoulder, neck, and back pain. Discoloration of the skin may result, and can last up to a few days to weeks. Tui Na Tui Na, also known as Chinese massage, is used to stimulate and invigorate the qi and blood in the body. It is used to treat conditions of pain and poor circulation. BEFORE TREATMENT, YOU SHOULD:
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