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Acupuncture is used in traditional Chinese medicine and has its roots in ancient times. Today, even though western methods are also used, acupuncture is still taught to all medical students in China. The use of acupuncture is rapidly spreading throughout the U.S., Europe, Australia and other parts of the World.
Acupuncture treatment consists of inserting very fine needles into specific points on the skin. When the needles are stimulated, the specific nerves involved send signals (electrical impulses) to the brain and affected area. The nerves control processes in the body, such as intestinal function, muscle tone and hormone secretion. It is believed that the body tries to maintain itself within normal bounds called homeostasis. The purpose of acupuncture is to re-establish homeostasis.
Two to 10 needles are usually used. The number of treatments depends on the problem being treated and on the patient’s response. Three to 10 treatments are usually enough. Some conditions may respond dramatically after 1 to 3 treatments. In some cases, repeat treatments every 4 to 8 weeks are needed.
Acupuncture does not cause sharp pain but patients do experience a distinct feeling that is like a slight soreness, heaviness, numbness or a feeling of swelling. This is often accompanied by a pleasant feeling of drowsiness. At this point, the patient usually begins to have less pain.
Generally there is minimal sensation. This is due to the extreme thinness of the needle, the sharpness of its point, and the dexterity of the practitioner in inserting it swiftly through the skin. Once the needle is in place, a sensation of a dull ache, a light electric current along the treated limb, to a nice heat may be felt.
Performed properly, acupuncture is one of the safest forms of therapy. Any time a needle enters the skin, there is a slight chance of infection. To eliminate this risk, we use sterile, disposable needles and take proper precautions.
Before receiving acupuncture, you should tell the doctor if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking medicine that may increase the risk of bruising. Also tell the doctor if you are pregnant. Acupuncture has in fact been used to induce labor.
Acupuncture works for many problems, including headaches, neck pain, low back pain, musculoskeletal injuries, arthritis and various facial pain syndromes. Acupuncture has also been used to treat problems that are not related to pain, such as bronchial asthma, hay fever and other allergies, insomnia, gastrointestinal disorders, and menstrual problems.
This is hard to predict. Many people get pain relief immediately; some people don’t feel better until the next day. A few people feel slightly worse for a day or so, and then they begin to feel better. This temporary worsening often means the patient is responding to the acupuncture. The pain relief may last for a few hours or several days, but it usually wears off. That is why repeat treatments are needed.
Treatments are usually done once to twice a week. In the Orient, however, treatment is given daily. With each treatment, the improvement may be greater and last longer. Some treatments may help more than others, until finally severe and chronic diseases, subsequent flare-ups may be milder.
Although acupuncture has gained acceptance in the medical community, some insurance carriers do not cover acupuncture. Check with your insurance company about the coverage and limits that you have. If you are unsure, our staff can verify benefits with your insurance company.
Please feel free to contact Dr Brausen with any questions you may have. He is at our Burnsville clinic on Tuesday and Thursday and at our Highland Park clinic on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Our Acupuncturists are not employees of Sister Rosalind Gefre Massage and Wellness Centers and operate under their own buisness and separate tax identification number.
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