FAQWelcome to the Frequently Asked Questions page. What is TCM? What is Acupuncture?Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of healing in the world. Although it has only recently grown in popularity in the West, it was developed in China over three thousand years ago, and continues to be a primary source of healing there. Acupuncture is only one element of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is important to note that TCM is a medical system that not only includes acupuncture, but diet, exercise, meditation, and herbs as well. As TCM gains popularity in the United States, people have become familiar with herbs such as ginseng, astragalus, and dong quai. Although these are highly effective herbs, there are hundreds more that are of equal merit in the Chinese pharmacopoeia. When these herbs are combined into a formula by a trained professional, their actions often take on a synergistic effect, and they become far more effective than if used alone. The same can be said for acupuncture when combined with herbs, exercise, meditation, and diet. Although acupuncture is highly effective in its own right, when these five basic pillars of TCM are combined their healing effects are increased exponentially. In the United States, TCM is most notably used for the treatment of pain. TCM is very effective at treating pain, as well as a host of other physical ailments such as the common cold, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), endometriosis, infertility, and allergies. TCM is also used effectively on many emotional problems such as depression, PMS, and stress. The World Health Organization (WHO) currently recognizes TCM as an effective treatment for over forty common disorders. Some of these include toothaches, sinusitis colds and flu, asthma, allergies, hypertension, cystitis, menstrual irregularity, menopausal syndrome, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and sciatica. As more research is performed on this ancient medicine, it is likely that TCM’s recognized scope of efficacy will be broadened. For more information, please visit the following links: National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine World Health Organization Acupuncture Links Acupuncture Today Does it hurt?Not really. While acupuncture uses needles, they are far thinner than the hypodermic needles used to give injections. Generally you don’t even feel the needle go in. Patients can expect to feel warmth, tingling, or a heavy sensation in their bodies once the needle has been inserted. These sensations are attributed to the stimulation of Qi (pronounced “Chi”), or energy. What can Traditional Chinese Medicine treat?Traditional Chinese Medicine is effective at treating many common ailments. Pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), allergies, common cold, digestive problems, and menopausal symptoms are commonly treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM is also effective in treating many other disorders, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, and depression. Are the needles clean?Only sterile, single-use disposable needles are used to treat patients at Points of Health Acupuncture and Herbs. Due to this, there is almost no risk of infection or contamination. How many treatments will I have to have?It really depends on the nature of you complaint. Patients with acute problems can often see results within 2-5 treatments. More chronic ailments may take 5-10 treatments to achieve the desired effect. Is it true that acupuncture can help with infertility?Yes. Depending on what the root of the problem is, acupuncture can be quite effective in treating infertility. A recent study demonstrated a significant increase in the success of in vitro fertilization when combined with acupuncture, as opposed to in vitro fertilization alone (1). Combining acupuncture with herbal treatment is often necessary to achieve desired results. Can TCM really help with symptoms associated with menopause?Yes, and it is especially important to have alternate options for women who do not want to use hormone replacement therapy in light of the recent controversy surrounding its use. Is it safe to treat depression with TCM?As with any treatment, there are no guarantees that acupuncture will help with a patient’s depression, but a recent study conducted at the University of Arizona offers some promising news. The study was performed on women who were suffering from depression, and found that acupuncture was at least as effective at treating depression as drugs or psychotherapy, and there were no side effects (2). How well does acupuncture work on insomnia?Very well. Whether your insomnia manifests as not being able to fall asleep or not being able to stay asleep, your practitioner will be able to determine the root cause of your insomnia, and treat your condition accordingly. Unlike western medicine, there is no use of addictive medications with potentially unsafe side effects. How well does acupuncture work on low back pain?There is significant research showing the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of low back pain. These promising results include acute lumbar sprain, degenerative disc disease, and lumbar disc protrusion. Can acupuncture help with Irritable Bowel Syndrome?Yes. No one knows exactly why certain people develop this condition, but most will agree that it is exacerbated by stress and poor dietary habits. Your acupuncturist will most likely treat you with herbs and acupuncture, as well as advise you on how to modify your lifestyle so that future flare-ups do not occur. (1) Fertility and Sterility (2002) Volume 77, Issue 4: 721-724. Home |