What conditions does acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organization (WHO), in its official report entitled Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials, has found acupuncture to be effective for a multitude of conditions.
Pain: low back, neck, knee, face, dental, & post-operative pain, sciatica, sprains, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia
Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis of the shoulder
Ob/Gyn conditions: Malposition of the fetus, induction of labor, morning sickness, dysmenorrhea (painful
periods), infertility, lactation deficiency, PMS, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS aka Stein-Leventhal
syndrome)
Gastro-intestinal disorders: Peptic ulcer, nausea & vomiting, acute bacillary dysentery, acute &
chronic gastritis, acute epigastralgia (epigastric aka stomach pain), ulcerative colitis, gallstones
Cardiopulmonary disorders: Hypertension, hypotension, asthma
Ear, Nose, Throat, Head, Face: Earache, headache, allergic rhinitis, acne, Bell's Palsy, Meniere's
Disease, sore throat
Addictions: Tobacco addiction, alcohol dependence & detoxification, narcotic addiction
Urogenital: Male sexual dysfunction, chronic prostatitis, recurrent lower UTI, retention of urine, kidney
stones
Respiratory: Asthma
Psycho-emotional: Depression, schizophrenia, insomnia
Please remember that the above list is what acupuncture treats according to the World Health Organization. Acupuncture is helpful for many more conditions than these. If you do not see yours listed here, simply give a call or email to ask if acupuncture is right for you!
Does acupuncture hurt? What does it feel like?
Most people do not find acupuncture to be painful. The needles are incredibly thin (about the width of a hair), and a fast and skillful insertion allows them to quickly pass the body's pain receptors, which lie atop the surface of the skin. Once inserted, you may feel a slight dullness or heaviness when the needle has been placed. This is a desirable sensation, and means your body's energy has been activated.
Is acupuncture safe?
Definitely! The needles are 100% sterile & are only used once - on you & only you. After removal, they are disposed of in a SHARPS container, never to be seen again.
How does acupuncture/Chinese Medicine work? What is the theory?
Chinese Medicine is based on the theory that energy & fluids flow in a continuous circuit throughout the body. In an optimal state of health, the energy & fluids flow unimpeded, nourishing & enlivening every area of the body. Unfortunately, many factors (stress, poor eating, lack of exercise, emotional upheaval, etc.) can block this flow - leading to pain or internal dis-ease. There is an ancient Chinese saying: "If there is pain, there is no free flow; if there is free flow, there is no pain." The acupuncture needles are inserted into the body to free the flow. The image that I always think of is Christmas lights: if one bulb is out, the whole strand is broken. But when you replace that bulb, the whole strand lights up once again. The flow has been freed!
How many treatments will I need? How often?
This question does not have one answer. Different problems require different numbers of treatments. An acute condition will generally require fewer treatments that a long-standing, chronic issue. It is best to treat pain (especially acute pain) a few times a week for optimal results. Chronic, internal conditions may require weekly treatments. Furthermore, since everybody (every body) is unique, each person responds to acupuncture differently. On our first meeting, we will discuss your case & I will give you a prognosis in terms of both number & frequency of treatments. Then we will work together to come up with a plan that is doable for you.
Does insurance cover acupuncture treatments?
Some insurance plans do cover acupuncture. Be sure to check with your insurance company regarding your policy's coverage. While I currently do not accept insurance, I will be happy to give you an itemized receipt with the appropriate codes for you to submit to your insurance company. Please note that payment is due at the time of service.
Please also see "What to Expect" for further discussion. If you have any questions that are not addressed here, please email LizRosemanLAc@gmail.com or call (828) 333-4614. I will be happy to help you!
Liz Roseman, L.Ac.
Sustainable Health Acupuncture,LLC 70 Woodfin Place, Suite 417 Asheville, NC 28801
828.333.4614
LizRosemanLAc@gmail.com