AcupunctureCrWu

Questions & Answers

  • Consumer Information

  • Question and Answers About Acupuncture

  • Question and Answers About Herbal Medicine

Consumer Information

- by University of the State of New York - New York State Education Department

 

What You Should Know About Acupuncturists and Their Services

What is a licensed acupuncturist?

An acupuncturist is a licensed health care professional who, based on the concepts of oriental medicine, maintains the health of patients and evaluates and treats their illness and pain.

How do acupuncturists treat health conditions?

Using the principles of oriental medicine, the acupuncturist will examine you by looking, listening, asking questions, and touching. This allows the acupuncturist to record a full case history.

Once an evaluation is made, the acupuncturist may insert very fine acupuncture needles into a number of points on your body. The purpose of the needles is to stimulate acupuncture points; the needles do not inject any substance into the body. We encourage you to ask your acupuncturist to use presterilized disposable needles.

In some cases, acupuncture may be accompanied by electrical stimulation or the burning of moxa, a form of heat therapy. Acupuncturists may also use a variety of other techniques to enhance acupuncture treatment.

When would I use the services of a New York acupuncturist?

Many conditions may respond to acupuncture, including those related to the following:

  • neurological system
  • musculo-skeletal system
  • respiratory system
  • gynecologic and reproductive system
  • digestive system
  • genito-urinary system

Acupuncture may also help with:

  • acute and chronic pain
  • maintaining emotional balance
  • stress reduction and detoxification

What is the relationship between an acupuncturist and a medical doctor?

Acupuncturists are independent health care providers; you do not need a physician referral to receive treatment from an acupuncturist.

By law, your acupuncturist must advise you of the importance of your seeing a physician. When this is done, you will be asked to sign a form saying that you were advised of this. You will get one copy of this form, and a second copy will become part of your record.

What credentials do New York licensed acupuncturists have?

A licensed acupuncturist has completed a three-year professional training program in acupuncture after a minimum of two years of college education. This three-year program includes both theory and hands-on clinical practice. In addition, a licensed acupuncturist must pass a State-approved licensing examination before becoming licensed.

How do I locate an acupuncturist?

Acupuncturists work in private offices, clinics and hospitals. Check with relatives, friends or colleagues who have had a successful experience with an acupuncturist. You can also check under "Acupuncturists" in the yellow pages of your telephone book.

You may also call professional organizations for assistance in identifying member providers. The State Board for Acupuncture cannot refer you to a practitioner.

What questions should individuals with disabilities ask about accessing services?

Ask such questions as whether the service location is physically accessible (curb cuts, ramps, restrooms, etc.) as well as whether there is a Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) and parking for people with disabilities.

What records does my acupuncturist retain? Can anyone else get them?

Your file includes a record of your history, evaluation and treatment. Your file also includes a copy of the signed form that says the acupuncturist advised you on the importance of seeing a physician. Acupuncturists must keep client records for six years or until the client turns 22, whichever is longer.

Generally, your records are confidential unless you approve their release. Ask your professional about exceptions to this. If you want a copy of your records, provide your acupuncturist with a written request. You may be charged a reasonable fee to offset the cost of providing copies.

Will my health insurance cover the services provided by my acupuncturist?

It may. Some health care plans cover acupuncture. Review your insurance plan's benefits with your insurance provider.

To help your professional relationship with your acupuncturist you should:

  • Answer all health-related questions completely and accurately
  • Ask questions to help you understand your evaluation and treatment plan
  • Ask whether the acupuncturist uses disposable needles
  • Ask if your condition is appropriate for acupuncture treatment, and whether the acupuncturist has had experience treating it   

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Question and Answers About Acupuncture

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  • Q: What is acupuncture?

A: Acupuncture is an ancient system of Eastern natural medicine that developed in China over two thousand years ago. It centers primarily on the concept of maintaining the proper flow of Qi (Energy) throughout the body. This is achieved by stimulating certain points in the body by the insertion of very fine needles. The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other acupuncture ­practicing countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation. This may be combined with heat, mild electrical stimulation, massage and/or herbal medicines.

In the past two decades, acupuncture has grown in popularity throughout the United States. A report from a Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1997 stated that acupuncture is being "widely" practiced by thousands of physicians, dentists, acupuncturists, and other medical practitioners for relief or prevention of pain and for various other health conditions.

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Q: What problems can be treated by acupuncture?

A: The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that acupuncture is suitable for treating the following:

  1. 1.       Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders: Toothaches, pain after tooth extraction, earaches, sinus inflammations, nasal inflammation or dryness.
  2. Respiratory Disorders: Uncomplicated bronchial asthma in children or adults.
    1. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Digestive tract problems, hiccups, inflammation of the stomach, chronic duodenal ulcers, inflammation of the colon, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery caused by certain bacteria.
  3. Eye Disorders: Inflammation of the conjunctiva, inflammation of the retina, nearsigh tenderness (in children), and uncomplicated cataracts.
    1. Nervous system and Muscular Disorders: Headache, migraines, certain facial paralysis or nerve pain, partial weakness after a stroke, inflammation of nerve endings, bed wetting.
  4. Circulatory Disorders: Hypertension, high cholesterol, arteriosclerosis, angina pectoris
    1. Urogenital Disorder: Cystitis, stress incontinence, neurogenic bladder, prostatitis, prostatic hypertrophy
    2. Gynecological Disorders: Menstrual irregularity, endometriosis, PMS, infertility, menopausal syndrome.
      1. Musculoskeletal Disorders: Tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, TMJ, sciatica, low back pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia

Psychoemotional & Neurological Disorders: Depression, anxiety, insomnia, post-stroke paralysis, dizziness, tinnitus. Acupuncture has been used for centuries in China to treat many other problems, such as knee pain, sprains and strains, and most gynecological complaints.

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Q: How does acupuncture work?

A: Modem Western medicine cannot explain how acupuncture works. Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (Energy) and Xue (Blood) through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body somewhat like nerves and blood vessels do. According to the ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it is excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body. In Chinese there is a saying, "There is no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no free flow."

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Q: Are there different styles of acupuncture?

A: Yes, there are. Acupuncture originated in China but has spread to Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Europe, the British Isles, and the United States. In different countries, different styles have

- developed based on differing opinions as to theory and technique. Patients should talk to their practitioners about their particular style and learn as much as possible about the treatment being proposed.

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Q: What criteria should one use in choosing an acupuncturist?

A: Patients should ask about where the practitioner was trained, how long the training was, how long he or she has been in practice, and what experience the practitioner has had in treating the patient's specific ailment.

Acupuncture is a licensed and regulated healthcare profession in more than 40 states (New Yorkis one of them) in the United States. Patients should ask to their practitioner if their state requires a license to practice. In states that do not currently require licensing, patients should ask their practitioner if they are certified by the NCCAOM (national acupuncture board). Acupuncturists who have passed this exam are entitled to add Dipl. Ac. (Diplomate of Acupuncture) after their name.

Before scheduling the appointment, ask for a free consultation, or at least the opportunity to speak with the acupuncturist on the phone. If they are with a patient during the call, leave a message so that they can call back. The patient will want to discuss such details such as rates for visits, insurance billing, and the practitioner's appointment cancellation policy. He/she should remember to make a list of questions before calling.

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Q: How deep do the needles go?

A: That depends upon the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patient's size, age, constitution, and the acupuncturist's style or school. Usually, needles are inserted from 0.5 to 1.5 inch in depth.

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Q: Does acupuncture hurt? What does it feel like?

A: Acupuncture needles are very fine-not much thicker that a human hair. It is nothing like receiving an ordinary injection. People's experiences of acupuncture vary and can include some mild, but temporary discomfort or a feeling of a slight electrical impulse. Many people report entering a state of relaxed awareness, and others fall asleep during treatment. Some people are extremely sensitive (and receive fewer and even thinner needles) while others may not feel much at all. While most acupuncture treatments are not painful, some of the deeper treatments of Classical Acupuncture can involve some discomfort. If the acupuncturist feels the patient's condition warrants this type of treatment, he/she will discuss it with the patient thoroughly before proceeding.

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Q: Are the needles clean?

A: The best practice among acupuncturists in Americatoday is to use sterilized, individually packaged, disposable needles. Needles should not be saved and reused for later treatments. This eliminates the possibility of transmitting a communicable disease by a contaminated needle.

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Q: How does the patient know acupuncture is safe?

A: All licensed acupuncturists are highly trained in avoiding and possible harmful effects of acupuncture. Acupuncture needles are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and are sterile, disposable and single-use only. Acupuncture licensing requires passing a written and practical exam demonstrating expertise on preventing infection and transmission of bloodbome diseases, as per OSHA standards. Licensed acupuncturists must also demonstrate their knowledge of the specific angle and maximum safe insertion depth of each acupuncture point. One of the great advantages of acupuncture over other treatments is the rarity of serious side effects or dependency. Most side effects are minor, including occasional dizziness and slight bleeding after needles are withdrawn. Infection at the needle site and other side effects are very rare.

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Q: Does acupuncture have side effects?

A: Possible side effects from acupuncture occur infrequently and are generally mild but can include slight bleeding or bruising at a needle insertion site or light-headedness. Supporting techniques, such as cupping, can leave temporary red marks on the skin, but the acupuncturist will advise the patient of this and receive permission before proceeding. This being said, sometimes acupuncture can cause symptoms to temporarily worsen before significantly improving. This is called a "healing crisis", and should last no more than two days. If the patient's symptoms worsen and do not improve after two days, please contact the acupuncturist immediately.

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Q: What should the patient know about the proposed treatments?

A: When the patient visits the acupuncturist for consultation, the acupuncturist will explain the nature of the patient's problem and what treatment he/she is recommending. He/she will tell the patient what benefits and risks there are to the proposed treatment, what other treatment options are available through himself/herself or by referral to other practitioner or physician.

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Q: What can the patient expect after treatment?

A: The patient may note a spot of blood at one or more needle sites and/or small bruise. These shouldn't be harmful, but he/she should talk to the practitioner if concerned. Patients often experience the most dramatic results in the first treatment. Some patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or other symptoms. Their pain, however, may return. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief only to notice the pain diminish over the next couple of days. Generally, the patient should expect to feel better.

Most patients will have more questions than the above list. Practitioners are most often asked:

"Should I continue to see my medical doctor? Should I continue taking my present medication? What should I eat? Is there anything I can do for myself at home? What signs or success should I look for first and after how long?" Usually, acupuncturists will discuss these questions in person with their patients.

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Question and Answers About Herbal Medicine

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 Q: What is Chinese herbal medicine?

A: Chinese herbal medicine is the main treatment method within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM is the world's oldest, continually practiced professional medicine. Its written history stretches back over two thousand years and its practice is probably much older than that.

Although acupuncture was the first Chinese method of treatment to gain wide acceptance in the West, Chinese herbal medicine is quickly establishing itself as one of the most popular and effective alternative therapies in the West.

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Q: What is the difference between Western folk herbalism and Chinese herbal medicine?

A: Western folk herbalism primarily treats diseases or symptoms, such as headaches, runny nose, menstrual pain, etc. Chinese herbal medicine, when practiced as a part of TCM, is based on an individualized pattern diagnosis as well as a disease diagnosis. An individual's pattern is made up of his/her signs and symptoms, emotional temperament and overall body composition.

A TCM patient receives a custom written herbal prescription designed to treat their individual pattern as well as the symptom or disease.

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Q: Are there any other differences?

A: Western folk herbalism usually focuses on one symptom or disease at a time and use a single herb or groups of herbs for treatment.

TCM formulas are crafted to treat the patient's entire pattern as well as the symptoms or disease that prompted him/her to seek treatment. TCM formulas may include six to eighteen herbs to treat the symptoms or disease as well as a patient's entire pattern.

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Q: Are all the "herbsn vegetable in origin?

A: Chinese herbal medicine may include vegetable, animal, and mineral ingredients. However, the majority of ingredients are from vegetable sources, which include but are not limited to: leaves, flowers, twigs, stems, roots, tubers, rhizomes, and bark.

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Q: Do all the herbs come from China?

A: The Chinese adopted and incorporated herbs from all over the world. Fifteen to twenty percent of the 500 ingredients considered standard originated from outside China. What makes these "Chinese" herbs is that they are prescribed according to Chinese medical theory and a TCM pattern diagnosis.

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Q: Does Chinese herbal medicine work for Western patients?

A: Yes, Chinese herbal medicine works as well for Westerners as it does for Chinese people. Chinese herbal medicine has been used successfully in North and South America, Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and all throughout Asia.

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Q: How are Chinese herbal medicines taken?

A: Chinese herbal medicine is traditional taking as a liquid, prepared by boiling the selected herbs. There are also herbal pills, tinctures, and powdered extracts for those who do not have the time or taste for drinking the more traditional liquid form.

Considering most patients may not have enough time to boil herbs and may not accept the bitter taste of herbal liquid, many TCM clinics offer powdered extracts and capsules as well. It is very convenient for intake and is suitable for both adults and children.

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Q: Do Chinese herbal medicines have side effects?

A: Most of the components of Chinese herbal medicine have a very low toxicity compared to even common, over-the-counter Western drugs. When prescribed according to a correct TCM pattern diagnosis, patients should have few, if any, side effects. In general, high quality herbs have very little or no side effects when used properly. But it can cause problems when misused, as with all other Western medications. That is why the patient will need a knowledgeable board­ certified herbalist to prescribe an herbal formula.

If the patient experiences any discomfort while taking Chinese herbal medicine, he/she should tell the practitioner who will then search for alternative methods to minimize the side effects as much as possible.

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 Q: What is Chinese herbal medicine good for?

A:Chinese herbal medicine treats the full range of human diseases.  It used to treat:

• Acute diseases, like intestinal flu and the common cold

Chronic diseases, such as allergies, gynecological disorders, autoimmune diseases, and

• chronic viral diseases

Degenerative diseases due to aging

• Chinese herbal medicine is especially good for promoting the body's ability to heal and recover from illness.

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Q: Can pregnant women take Chinese herbs?

A: Yes. A professional TCM practitioner can write prescriptions that are appropriate for pregnant women and lactating mothers.

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Q: Can children take Chinese herbal medicine?

A: Yes. Pediatrics is a specialty within TCM and children can be given reduced dosages. There are also specially prepared pediatric herbal medicines in pill and power form. Chinese herbal medicine can treat atopic eczema, colic, earache, diarrhea, cough, and fever in babies and children.

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Q: How long does it take to see results with Chinese herbal medicine?

A: In acute conditions, results may occur in a matter of hours. In chronic conditions, most results should be seen within two weeks. Although chronic conditions may require taking Chinese herbal medicine for a long time, signs that the medicine is working should be apparent to the patient and practitioner alike early on in the treatment.

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Q: How does the patient know if a practitioner is professionally trained in Chinese herbal medicine?

A: Although Chinese herbal medicines are safe when prescribed by a trained, knowledgeable practitioner, they are strong medicine. Patients should ask about where the practitioner was trained, how long the training was, how long he or she has been in practice, and what experience the practitioner has had in treating the patient's specific ailment.

Chinese herbal medicine may be part of the testing done where acupuncture is a licensed and regulated healthcare profession. Patients should ask the practitioner if their state requires a license to practice; more than 40 states (New Yorkis one of them) in the United States do. In states that do not currently require licensing, patients should ask their practitioner if he/she is certified by the National Commission for the Certification of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).