SOALAN LAZIM AKUPUNTUR SEBAGAI TUSUKAN AJAIB

AKUPUNTUR – TUSUKAN AJAIB DI PUSAT RAWATAN QALBUN SALIM

Setiap insan ingin mendapatkan rawatan kesihatan pada bahagian-bahagian tubuh yang dirasakan kurang sempurna. Salah satu kaedah untuk mewujudkan keinginan itu adalah melalui Akupuntur.

Akupuntur merupakan suatu rawatan kesihatan promotif, preventif, kuratif dan rehabilitatif yang selamat, jimat, hasilnya memuaskan dan tanpa kesan sampingan. Kaedahnya yang menggunakan jarum yang ditusukkan ke dalam tubuh manusia pada tempat-tempat tertentu di bawah kulit atau sampai ke otot-otot bagi mencapai pengaturan keseimbangan Qi Xue (energi dan darah). Dengan demikian dapat mencapai hasil pengubatan dan perawatan yang optima.
Qalbun Salim dikelolakan oleh ahli akupuntur iaitu Prof. Dr. Hj. Shahrin Abd. Rahman yang ingin memasyarakatkan akupuntur sebagai pengubatan dan juga sebagai prasarana mencapai kesegaran, kebugaran dan kecantikan alami tanpa kesan sampingan dan sebagai Produk Pelancongan.

Bersama ini diperturunkan soalan yang lazim ditanya oleh orang ramai yang hendak mendapatkan rawatan akupuntur:

1. Bagaimana cara kerja Akupunktur?
Akupunktur memperlancarkan peredaran darah ke seluruh tubuh manusia, sehingga dapat meningkatkan energi yang mempengaruhi keseimbangan tubuh melalui titik-titik tertentu.


2. Apa yang dapat dilakukan oleh akupunktur?
Kebanyakan orang mencuba Akupunktur dan Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sebagai jalan terakhir setelah beberapa metode pengubatan lain tidak dapat mengatasi kesakitannya. Di waktu ini Akupunktur dan TCM telah dapat mengatasi berbagai rintihan penyakit dan kecantikan dan telah dipertimbangkan sebagai salah satu metode pengubatan masyarakat. Akupunktur dapat pula menjadi saranan pencegahan penyakit, meningkatkan antibodi dan stamina tubuh.

3. Rintihan penyakit mahupun kecantikan apa sahaja yang umumnya dapat ditangani dengan akupunktur?
Sinusitis, radang tenggorokan, demam, telinga berdesing, pusing, tekanan darah tinggi/rendah, kesulitan buang air besar, diare, alergi, sakit perut, buasir, diabetes mellitus, insomnia/sulit tidur, migrain, sakit urat, kolesterol, trigliserid, stress, lumpuh, sakit belakang, asma/sesak nafas, batuk, influenza, trigeminal neuralgia, disfungsi seksual lelaki dan wanita, ketidakseimbangan hormon, menopause, sakit semasa haid, haid tidak teratur, mandul, jerawat, rambut gugur, keriput, mata letih, kulit hitam, kulit kendur, selulit, obesiti, tubuh tidak proporsional, dll.

4. Berapa kali terapi akupunktur diperlukan?Tergantung dari keadaan usia dan lamanya rintihan yang diderita pasien.

5. Bila hasil terapi mulai nampak atau dirasakan pasien?
Umumnya setelah terapi pertama sampai dengan keempat, insyaAllah

6. Berapa kerap terapi yang harus dijalani ke atas pasien?Tergantung dari apa yang dirawati dan saranan akupunkturisnya. Pada umumnya 1 x seminggu atau 2 x seminggu pada tahap awal untuk mencapai hasil optima.

7. Berapa lamanya waktu terapi per kali kunjungan?
Lama terapi umumnya 20 – 30 minit. Jarum yang digunakan adalah jarum sekali pakai buang / disposable needles.

8. Apakah ada kesan sampingan / risiko dari terapi akupunktur?
Tidak ada kesan sampingan. Pada umumnya akupunktur adalah pengubatan yang selamat, kerana bersifat merangsang dan meningkatkan fungsi-fungsi organ tubuh manusia itu sendiri.

9. Apakah ada rasa sakit pada pasien pada sewaktu terapi?
Pasien merasakan sensasi seperti digigit semut hanya pada saat jarum ditusuk, selanjutnya pasien akan merasa rileks. Pasien hendaknya bersikap tenang dan serileks mungkin, agar tidak tegang.

10. Bagaimana tingkat keberhasilan dari terapi akupunktur?
Pada umumnya tingkat keberhasilan dari terapi ini sangat tinggi, tentunya semakin kurang rintihan pasien datang, akan semakin cepat pula baik. Disamping itu diperlukan pula disiplin dan ketekunan pasien untuk mentaati saranan-saranan yang diberikan.

Sila lihat testimoni yang sedia ada di dalam blog ini.

COSMETIC ACUPUNCTURE

Discover a Natural Approach to
Youthful Appearance
Discover a beauty secret used by Chinese nobility for thousands of years. Now you can harness this time-honored wisdom to reclaim a radiant and youthful appearance. Reverse the aging process naturally. No cosmetic surgery facelifts, Botox, or anti-aging skin creams needed to achieve beautiful skin.

Non-Surgical QS Cosmetic Acupuncture
A time-tested solution to an age-old problem
The non-surgical QS cosmetic acupuncture procedure is a holistic, natural and comprehensive skin rejuvenation program designed to restore, rejuvenate and relax. Drawn from the ancient texts of Chinese medicine, the QS cosmetic acupuncture is a relatively painless, natural technique. Small, less than hair-width acupuncture needles are placed in a precise configuration just under the skin's surface to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. It is an excellent natural alternative to cosmetic surgery facelifts and botox treatments.

What to Expect from QS Cosmetic Acupuncture
The results of cosmetic acupuncture anti-aging treatments reflect not only a change in external appearance, but also an improvement in total body wellness.

Specifically, you may notice:
• More radiant, beautiful skin
• Disappearance of fine lines
• Smoothing of deep lines
• Fading of age spots
• More toned muscles
• Enhanced overall appearance and health

Additionally, there are positive side effects to both the facial skin rejuvenation and abdominal cosmetic acupuncture procedures that include
• a clearing of acne and rosacea;
• reduced depression and less anxiety;
• better digestion and sleep cycles; and
• fewer hot flashes and night sweats.

For those who opt for abdominal acupuncture, benefits include
• increased fertility and/or sex drive

The Benefits of QS Facial Rejuvenation
Promotes blood and lymph circulation; increased circulation dilates peripheral blood vessels for better distribution of oxygen and nutrients as well as cellular regeneration.

Rehydrates the skin's external layers through stimulation of the secretion of the sweat and sebacious glands which encourages the regeneration of healthy skin cells.

Helps exfoliation, aids the proliferation of new skin cells, increases nutrition to the skin's surface, improves the quality of the skin and promotes a healthy glow.

Allows healthy "breathing" of the skin, increasing the skin's protective ability to ward off infections and clogged pores.

Increases oxygen consumption of the skin's external layer speeding up the release of carbon dioxide and nitrogen at the cellular level, helping to keep skin deeply clean; contributes to reducing the accumulation of excess grease on the skin's surface.

Stimulates the production of elasin and 4 collagen proteins in the skin to reduce and soften wrinkles.

Reduces and relaxes the tension in the nerves and muscles improving the integrity of the skin resulting in improved overall facial appearance.

Components of the QS Cosmetic Program
A complete QS cosmetic program is tailored to your individual needs and incorporates the following:
• Acupuncture, facial or abdominal, and overall balancing
• Herbal Therapy to restore balance and overall health
• Food Therapy to maximize results
• Eastern Nutritional Counseling
• Moxibustion Therapy to nourish the body
• Facial Massages to increase circulation
• Organic Skin Care products
• Breathing Tecniques

Success of Cosmetic Acupuncture & Facial Rejuvenation
How successful is cosmetic acupuncture? A study published in the International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture showed that of 300 people who received facial acupuncture, 90% saw marked results after one course of treatment.
How long your new look will last depends a lot on your lifestyle, and whether you are willing to address other areas that may need attention such as exercise, nutrition, and stress reduction. But at a fraction of the cost of other procedures, cosmetic acupuncture is a sound alternative that can restore your radiant glow both inside and out.

QS Rejuvenation Treatment
A typical protocol begins with a consultation to determine your overall health and if you qualify for the procedure. We will also discuss your goals and which procedure you are interested in (facial vs. abdominal). This consultation runs 15-30 minutes and is free of charge. This can be conducted over the phone.

If you qualify for treatment, then a 1 1/2 hour session is scheduled to include a complete evaluation, diagnosis and overall body balancing treatment. We then schedule a course of treatments that run two times per week for five weeks. During this time, herbs and foods will be prescribed that are specifically tailored for your overall health and your stated goals for facial rejuvenation. You will also be given Islamic Taichi exercises and recommendations for skin care.

MOXIBUSTION

What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is the application of heat to acupuncture points or areas of the body using moxa to treat and prevent health conditions. Chapter 73 of Miraculous Pivot, a famous chinese medical book stated, "a disease that may not be treated by acupuncture may be treated by moxibustion "

What is Moxa Made of?
The main material is moxa or moxa wool from Artemisia Vulgaris (ai ye, or mugwort), a type of Chrysanthemum. The best variety is the one produced in Qizhou (China). Its leaves are thick with lots of wool. Moxa leaf is bitter and acrid, gives up warmth in small amounts and strong heat used in large amounts. Older moxa is better; it is easy to light, has a good smell, gives off moderate heat, reaches deep parts of the body and is inexpensive. You can use other materials such as peach stem, mulberry stem, bamboo skin, or Deng Xin Cao.

Functions of Moxa
Moxa is used for diseases that are not well-treated by acupuncture and chinese herbs or combined with the above to increase the effects of treatment. For conditions that do not respond to herbs and needles, use moxa. It applies to many diseases, deficiency, excess and heat syndrome & acute conditions. Moxibustion:

1. Warms the channels to expel cold: The heat from moxibustion reaches deep portions of the body such as muscles and tendons. It warms, moves and unblocks Qi in the channels. It treats cold damp bi syndrome, stubborn deep disease and Yang deficiency syndrome.
2. Reinforces the middle jiao, replenishes Qi, recovers Yang and rescues the Yang from collapse. Treats cold limbs bi syndrome, minute pulse, extreme sweat, anuresis, diarrhea, prolapse of rectum & uterus.
3. Promotes Qi and blood circulation, resolves blood stasis, and removes obstruction & pain due to above symptoms. Treats dysmenorrhea, Bi syndrome, skin abscess such as carbuncle, scrofula of cold type.
4. Prevents disease & maintains health. St 36 promotes health, Du 14 prevents disease. Both activate the Zheng (correct) Qi and increase bodily resistance to disease.

Do not substitute moxa for needles in an acupuncture formula. Moxibustion adds new energy to the body while needles only manipulate pre-existing energy. Moxibustion is faster, easier & less expensive than chinese herbal formulas because it manipulates energy more directly. However, it cannot always replace herbal treatment.

Indications
• Chronic conditions & Yang Qi deficiency such as chronic diarrhea, chronic dysentery, malaria, phlegm, water retention, edema, asthma cold type, impotence, enuresis, Bi syndrome, abdominal pain, stomach ache and metrorrhagia due to Qi deficiency.
• Older people with frequent urination due to Yang deficiency, wind stroke of Tuo type, profuse sweating, dying Yang syndrome and collapse of Qi.
• Emergency treatment- collapse of Yang.
• Summary: Yin syndrome, cold syndrome and deficiency syndrome.

Classification of Moxa Methods

1. Moxa cone

A. Direct moxibustion:
Non scarring, no local scar on skin. Apply vaseline on on acupoint, then cone, burn about 2/5, remove cone & replace it with another one. Do several times until skin is red & congested. It may cause a blister Scarring: This method is not use in the west. There are several scarring methods to cause local congestion & blister such as garlic, Ban jie zi, Suan Ni (garlic)

B. Indirect moxibustion:
Herbs placed between the moxa and the skin. Combines the function of the herbs, the moxa and adds the energetic property of the herb.

Ginger moxibustion:
a slice of raw fresh ginger 2-3 mm thick, diameter of moxa cone, punch holes in ginger, place ginger on acupoint, then on cone and ignite it. If a burning pain occurs, slightly lift it, move it or place additional ginger slices. Use 5-10 cones until area is red. Ginger regulates Yin, dispels cold, relieves exterior syndrome, regulates middle jiao, harmonizes stomach, dispels accumulations, regulates Qi, promotes digestion and dispels water. Indications: deficiency cold syndrome such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, stomach aches, vomiting and joint pain.

Garlic moxibustion:
same technique as for ginger slices. It has a strong stimulation on the skin and can easily cause blisters. It dispels cold dampness, expels pathogens, strengthens spleen & stomach, relieves swelling and resolves masses. For carbuncles, sores, furuncle, lung TB and abdominal masses.

Salt moxibustion:
Only used in the umbilicus; fill navel with dry salt to skin level, ignite it or place slice of ginger between salt and cone. If umbilicus is not concave, place material on top of umbilicus, then salt and cone. Used for acute gastro enteritis such as vomiting, diarrhea and dysentery. Abdominal pain around umbilicus to rescue the Yang, for Yang collapse and cold limbs. Very good for chronic diarrhea.

Fu Zi moxibustion:
slice fresh Fu Zi (aconite root) on acupoint, ground Fu Zi make a paste with rice wine, place herb under cone, same as ginger method, use 5-7 cones, skin will be warm & red. Fu Zi is acrid, warm, hot. Functions: Warm kidney, supplement Mingmen fire and various Yang deficiencies such as impotence, diarrhea before dawn, cold limbs and carbuncle Yin type.

You can also use cones or cakes made of Hu jiao (pepper), Ding xiang, Rou gui, She xiang to treat Bi syndrome due to wind damp or numbness of local area. Mix Huang Tu with water to make a cone for carbuncles, sores on the back or eczema.

2.Moxa sticks or cigars:

Mild warm moxibustion, chronic diseases, about 1 to 2 cm from the skin for 3-5 minutes until skin shows reddish. It warms & dredges the channels, expels wind damp & cold, treats fainting & numbness. Put your own hand on area to control heat, use moxa between fingers especially when treating numbness. Round moxibustion, for chronic diseases, move stick in circular motion above point. Sparrow pecking, acute & child diseases, move in closer, then back up, do not touch the skin.

3. Warm needling:

Very common, combines the functions of acupuncture & moxibustion. Obtain De Qi, then use a pinch of moxa on needle handle, repeat 3-5 times, for Bi & Wei syndrome. Some people cut a cent size off a moxa stick, put a hole through & place it on needle handle.

Contraindications and Cautions
Mainly for cold, deficiency and Yin syndrome. Improper use may cause problems.
• Be very careful in Yin deficiency with Yang rising, vomit/cough with blood, wind stroke, Bi syndrome, severe infection with high fever
• Do not use for excess syndrome, Yin deficiency with fever or heat syndrome
• Do not use moxa on face, genitals or close to vessels. Do not use for pregnant women on abdomen or lower back

AURICULAR THERAPY

Auricular therapy is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Many practitioners specialize in this aspect alone. Dr. Gary Young developed the "Auricular Aroma Technique". This technique integrates essential oils with standard auricular technique. He found that using essential oils in conjunction with acupuncture was extremely beneficial. He also found that acupuncture stimulation with essential oils was noticeably greater that either acupuncture or essential oils application by themselves. He began to develop a technique everyone could use. That technique is called "Auricular Probe Technique", using a small pen-shaped instrument with a rounded end to apply the oils to the acupuncture meridians or Vital Flex points on the ears. This technique can be used in both the emotional and physical areas on the ears.

People can learn to use the Young Living Essential Oils on ear points as well. (NEVER DROP ESSENTIAL OILS INTO THE EAR CANAL). One way to use the oils is to take a toothpick and put thru the orifice reducer in the oil bottle and then dab the ear point gently with the tip of the toothpick. For a wonderful nights sleep, drop a drop of Lavender onto the forefinger, rub the forefinger middle finger and thumb together and then massage all over the ear.
Each ear contains a complete reflex map of the body as shown in the chart. Through the years, we have also found there to be emotional areas in the ear as well. Instead of using needles, you can use the toothpick method described above, you can also use a fingernail. Treat the indicated organ points or wherever there is a tender spot; press for a minute or more each day or whenever convenient. In addition, it will be very stimulating to the whole body to massage both ears thoroughly by rubbing them between thumb and index finger simultaneously. Massage daily, and pulling the ears different angles is also beneficial.
Tri is used for circulatory, glandular, chest and abdominal problems. Shenmen is used for sedating, as with nervous problems, insomnia, anxiety. It is the main point for pain relief, as in arthritis or inflammations. It is also used for dry coughs, bronchial asthma, epilepsy and hypertension.

To get Physical Ear Chart, email to dr_hjshahrin@yahoo.com

AURICULOTHERAPY

Definition
Auriculotherapy, also called ear acupuncture, applies the principles of acupuncture to specific points on the ear. Auriculotherapists believe that healing processes can be promoted by working with these points on the ear, because the ear contains many blood vessels and nerve endings that, when stimulated, influence the organs and bodily functions.

Origins
Acupuncture is one of the world's oldest therapeutic techniques, having its roots in ancient China. Some of the oldest texts of Chinese medicine mention acupuncture points and massage techniques specifically for the ear. For eye problems, silver or gold earrings were sometimes prescribed in ancient times to provide constant healing stimulation at points on the ear, a practice that is still performed in some areas of the world, including Malaysia. The ancient Egyptians and Greeks believed that working with the ears could influence health. Hippocrates, the Greek father of medicine, mentioned a point on the ear that could be operated on as a birth control measure in men. In Europe in the Middle Ages, doctors prescribed surgery on a particular spot on the ear for a condition called sciatica, which causes nerve pain in the hips and thighs.
In modern times, auriculotherapy has been advanced by Paul Nogier of France. Beginning his work and experiments in the 1950s, Nogier laid out an intricate map of points on the ear that correspond to the organs and processes in the body. Nogier believed that the ear is shaped like an upside down human fetus, and the acupuncture points on the ear correspond to the body parts of the fetus shape, with the earlobe representing the head. Nogier theorized that by stimulating these points on the ear, the corresponding organs and bodily processes would be stimulated by nerve impulses. Nogier also theorized that by measuring electrical impulses on the skin of the ear, problems could be detected in the internal organs, and therefore auriculotherapy could be used to diagnose illnesses. Nogier and many followers, including ear acupuncturists in America and China, conducted scientific experiments in auriculotherapy, and showed some significant and surprising results in both treatment and diagnosis of conditions.

Benefits
Auriculotherapy is a quick, inexpensive, and non-invasive method of pain control. Ear acupuncture is also used as anesthesia during medical procedures. It is used frequently to help people overcome drug, tobacco, and alcohol addictions, and is used to treat chronic health conditions and diseases.
Description
After an initial exam and interview, auriculotherapists begin treatment by checking the patient's ears closely. Practitioners may palpate (feel) the ears with their hands, and check for any irregularities or painful spots. They may check for spots that are insensitive or numb by using cold or hot needles on the ear. They may also rely on electrical devices that measure skin resistance at points on the ear.
Several techniques may be used during auriculotherapy. Acupuncture needles are typically extremely thin. More than one needle may be used at one time, inserted deeply, or just pricked slightly along the contours of the ear. On some points, needles may be twisted or slanted to create more healing effects. Needles may be left in from a few minutes to half an hour or more.
Auriculotherapists may use permanent press needles. These small, tack-shaped needles may be attached to the ear with a narrow band of tape for several days or weeks. They are used for conditions that may require constant stimulation to acupuncture points on the ear, such as addictions, chronic (long-lasting) infections, and other health problems.
Auriculotherapists also practice electroacupuncture, which utilizes electrical devices to send small electrical currents into the ear or through the body. Electroacupuncture is used for conditions such as paralysis or nerve damage in the body, drug and alcohol addictions, and chronic pain. Auriculotherapists may also employ bleeding, which removes one or two drops of blood at certain points on the ear. Bleeding is used for health problems such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease.

Precautions
Auriculotherapy, like all acupuncture, should not be performed on weak or exhausted patients, nor on those who are very hungry or have just eaten a meal or drunk alcohol. Auriculotherapy should not be performed on pregnant women during the first two trimesters (six months) of pregnancy, and afterwards only on very particular points on the ear for pain control. Auriculotherapy is not recommended for children under seven years old, and should be performed with care on the elderly. Ear acupuncture is to be avoided by those with anemia (low red blood cell quantity in the blood). Patients with nervous conditions should be thoroughly relaxed and prepared before treatment. For people that find acupuncture disagreeable, ear massage and acupressure may be preferable to treatment with needles.

Side effects
Some patients may experience uncomfortable side effects during or after acupuncture. Side effects that may occur after treatment include fainting, dizziness, nausea, numbness, headaches, sweating, or sharp pains throughout the body. These reactions may be due to anxiety or because acupuncture needles have been inserted too deeply or in the wrong area. Side effects can be alleviated by removing the needles and allowing the patient to lie down under supervision. Some side effects that occur during treatment, such as hot flashes, increased pulse, and temporarily increased symptoms, are considered normal and usually disappear quickly.

CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH ON STOKE BY "XNKQ" ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY ABSTRACT

Stoke is one of important diseases harmful to health, the incidence of which is the highest in our country. Through the clinical dan animal researches on the diagnosis, treatment and mechanisms of stoke, we set up the diagnosis and treatment system focusing on acupuncture and moxibustion. Xing Nao Kai Qiao (XNKQ, activating the brain and opening orifices) acupuncture therapy has been formulated on basis of our new knowledge on pathogenesis of stoke which is mainly due to obstruction of brain orifices and hiding of vitality. The acupoints on Yin meridians and Du meridian are mainly selected and standard quantitative manipulations are applied emphatically. The main acupoints are as follows: Neiguan (PC6), Renzhong (DU26) and Sanjinjiao (SP6). The total effective rates were all over 98% for 9005 patients of stroke on every course by "XNKQ" therapy, much more effective than other kinds of therapies. The earlier "XNKQ" acupuncture therapy were used, the better effect could be achieved. We also discuss the therapeutic mechanisms of "XNKQ" on stroke from aspects such as circulation improvement, ultrastructure changes in brains cells, reperfusion injury caused by free radicals, overload calcium ion in cells, changes of neurotransmitters in brain, improvement of apoptosis, stress genes, transcription activity of DNA and RNA and so on. A lot of clinical and animal researches has prove that "XNKQ" acupuncture therapy is effective for stroke.

Shi Xuemin MD
(Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering)

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is an effective form of health care that has evolved into a complete and holistic medical system. Parishioners of acupuncture and Chinese medicine have used this noninvasive medical system to diagnose and help millions of people get well and stay healthy.
An acupuncturist will place fine, sterile needles at specific acupoints on the body. This activates the body’s Qi and promotes natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity and physical and emotional health. It also can improve overall function and well-being. It is a safe, painless and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems.


What is Qi and how does it travel?
At the core of this ancient medicine is the philosophy that Qi (pronounced “chee”), or vital energy, flows throughout the body. Qi helps to animate the body and protect it from illness, pain and disease. A person’s health is influenced by the quality, quantity and balance of Qi.
Qi circulates through specific pathways called meridians. There are 14 main meridian pathways throughout the body. Each is connected to specific organs and glands. Meridian pathways are like rivers. Where a river flows, it transports life-giving water that nourishes the land, plants and people. In the same way, meridian pathways transport life-giving Qi to nourish and energize every cell, organ, gland, tissue and muscle.
When Qi flows freely throughout the body, one enjoys good physical, mental and emotional well-being. An obstruction of Qi anywhere in the body is like a dam, backing up the flow in one area and restricting it in others. This blockage can hinder the distribution of the nourishment that the body requires to function optimally.

What can affect Qi?
Many things influence the quality, quantity and balance of Qi. Physical and emotional trauma, stress, lack of exercise, overexertion, seasonal changes, diet, accidents or excessive activity can lead to a blockage or imbalance of Qi.
Normally, when this imbalance occurs, the body naturally bounces back, returning to a balanced state of health and well-being. When the disruption to Qi is prolonged or excessive, or if the body is in a weekend state, then illness, pain or disease can set in.

What is my acupuncturist do?
During the initial exam a full health history will be taken. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms, health and lifestyle. Your acupuncturist also may check pulses and your tongue and may conduct a physical exam. This information is then organized to create a complete, accurate and comprehensive diagnosis of where Qi has become blocked or imbalanced. After the interview process, you may receive an acupuncture treatment. Visits with your acupuncturist may last from 30 to 90 minutes.

Why do they want to feel my pulses?There are 12 pulse positions on each wrist that your acupuncturist will palpate. Each position corresponds to a specific meridian and organ. Your acupuncturist will be looking for 27 individual qualities that reflect overall health. If there are any problems, they may appear in the pulse.

Why do they want to look at my tongue?The tongue is a map of the body. It reflects the general health of the organs and meridians. Your acupuncturist will look at the color, shape, cracks and coating on your tongue.

How many treatments will I need?The number of treatments will vary from person to person. Some people experience immediate relief; others may take months or even years to achieve results. Chronic conditions usually take longer to resolve than acute ones. Plan on a minimum of a month to see significant changes.
Treatment frequency depends on a variety of factors: your constitution, the severity and duration of the problem and the quality and quantity of your Qi. An acupuncturist may suggest one or two treatments per week, monthly visits for health maintenance or seasonal “tune ups”.

What should I expect during treatment?Where the acupuncture needle has been inserted, you may experience a vague numbness, heaviness, tingling of dull ache. Sometimes people experience a sensation of energy spreading and moving around the needle. This is called the “Qi sensation”. All these reactions are good and a sign that the treatment is working. After treatment, you may feel energized or may experience a deep sense of relaxation and well-being.

How should I prepare?
Come with any questions you have-we’re here to help you.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.
Don’t eat large meals just before or after you visit.
Refrain from overexertion, working out, drugs, or alcohol for up to 6 hours after the visit.
Avoid stressful situations. Make time to relax, and be sure to get plenty of rest.
Between visits, take notes of any changes that may have accrued, such as alleviation of pain, pain moving to other areas, of changes in the frequency and type of problems.