Acupuncture Center of Richmond

Are Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine the same thing?

No. Acupuncuture is just one of the tools that make up Chinese medicine. We practice Chinese Medicine which consists of many things including acupuncture, chinese herbal medicine, cupping, gua sha, moxabustion, shiatsu massage, tuina massage, and nutrition. Chinese medicine stands on its own as a complete medicine that has been growing, changing, and improving since its start over 5000 years ago.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world. It involves the use of needles to stimulate points on the body to treat a wide range of medical conditions.

Why should I try acupuncture?

Acupuncture can be used as a complement or as an alternative to western medicine. It has been shown in numerous scientific trials to be very effective. There are generally no side effects associated with acupuncuture. Acupuncture respects the body's innate and powerful ability to heal. The basis for acupuncture healing is balance. If the body is in proper balance it will heal itself. Acupuncture attempts to set the body back in balance allowing it to heal and thus achieving a condition of wellness. Acupuncture has been in continuous practice for over five thousand years.

Acupuncture needles are hair-thin so they enter the skin very quickly. Unlike needles used for injections they are solid and do not have a cutting edge. So, there is minor if any uncomfortable sensation when an acupuncture needle is inserted. Acupuncture is a relaxing experience and should any needle cause discomfort, it will be adjusted or removed.

Is it safe?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only. Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been reported to the FDA in light of the millions of people treated each year and the number of acupuncture needles used. If the needles are inserted by a trained professional, it is very unlikely that any damage to the skin or internal organs will result.

Does acupuncture work?

Yes, there have been many scientific studies that show acupuncture to be highly effective for a wide range of conditions. Acupuncture has been around for more than five-thousand years and is part of mainstream medical care in other countries and is one of the fastest growing types of alternative medicine in the US.

How does it work?

There are many theories about acupuncture's effects on the body. Some think it stimulates the nervous or immune system causing endorphin release or immune cells to react. In the East, acupuncture is thought to stimulate certain energy pathways in the body directly affecting the skin, muscles, hormones and organs.

What is an acupuncture session like?

Most acupuncture sessions will last about an hour to an hour and a half though the first session can last up to two hours. The session starts with several minutes of questions as well as some simple diagnostics such as looking at the tongue and taking the pulse. The patient will then lie on a massage table while the needles are inserted in various points on the body depending on the diagnosis. After insertion of the needles, the patient will relax on the table for about twenty to thirty minutes. Depending on the condition and treatment strategy, the patient may or may not be turned over and needles inserted on the opposite side. After the needles are removed there will usually be some body work done, such as tuina, shiatsu or reflexology, to further relax the patient. After the session the patient will usually feel very relaxed for the remainder of the day and will usually sleep very well.

Are there any side-effects?

There are generally no side-effects associated with an acupuncture treatment. Usually a patient will feel very good and relaxed afterwards.

How often do I need to come in?

Generally, patients will come in for an acupuncture treatment once a week until the illness is resolved then patients may follow-up with visits for maintenance of health. In certain cases such as very acute injuries, it may be beneficial to come in more often to expedite healing.

How do you incorporate Chinese herbs into your practice?

Chinese herbs are usually a big part of our treatment strategy. We have found that taking herbs between acupuncture treatments is very helpful in speeding recovery. The formulas we use are time tested, most of them being in use for several hundred years, and are both effective and safe. The herb sources we use are from high quality, GMP factories which are all internationally certified. Some people choose to just do chinese herbs instead of acupuncture and this too can be very effective. One good thing about chinese herbs is that the formulas are very balanced, meaning they are always good for the body as a whole, they don't fix one problem while causing another.