Sleep better, perform better, and feel better with Acupuncture.
Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management.
Nervous about the needles?
Don't worry. It's seriously no big deal.
Let’s be honest, when you hear the word acupuncture, you want to run out the door, right? You know there are needles involved and needles mean pain…but W.A.I.T. a minute!
Most patients feel only minimal, if any, discomfort as the acupuncture needles are inserted! Once a needle is placed, if you felt any initial discomfort, it definitely does not continue…you won’t even know it is there. Acupuncture needles are stainless steel, super thin and solid with smooth points. They come pre-packaged, sterilized and are disposable, so there is no risk of infection. Insertion is just through the skin, rarely, if ever, drawing blood. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is extremely low.
Side Effects?
Nope, not really.
As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated to promote healing. On occasion, you may experience general changes in appetite, sleep, bowl or urination patterns; or emotional states may be triggered. Sometimes immediately following the first few treatments, you may feel sensations of deep relaxation. Extra rest and good hydration with clean water are always a recommendation following treatment. Arnica - an over the counter, homeopathic gel - may be used to help with any bruising, although risk is low. Every once in a while a needle may feel uncomfortable - just let Dr. English know and she will remove and replace it immediately.
Discover Acupuncture and it's benefits!
Acupuncture is a 3,000 year old form of traditional Chinese medicine based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe and the body in terms of opposing forces, Yin and Yang. When these forces are in balance, energy (known as Qi~pronounced “chee”), flows freely along pathways (known as meridians), resulting in a healthy body. When the flow of energy becomes blocked, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function or illness. Acupuncture can release blocked Qi in the body to stimulate function, allowing the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems.
Medical acupuncture, as it pertains to our practice here at Beach Family Medical & Wellness, is performed by Dr. English, who is trained in medical acupuncture as a specialty practice. With this specialty training, Dr. English may use her conventional Western medical training, acupuncture or a combination of both to influence a desirable health outcome.
Literally hundreds of clinical studies demonstrate that acupuncture can be successful in treating many conditions including common musculoskeletal issues (back, neck & other pain), migraines, nausea, anxiety, depression, insomnia and infertility, to name a few. Well-trained practitioners often find it effective as a stand-alone treatment or as an adjunct to other medical treatment forms in many medical disorders.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has documented and publicized the safety and efficacy of acupuncture for treating a wide range of conditions. Modern research continues to show acupuncture’s positive effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system and digestive system. Through stimulation of these systems, acupuncture therapy may help to resolve pain, improve sleep, enhance digestive function and promote an overall sense of emotional wellbeing.
The number of treatments and frequency varies depending upon the condition/s being treated. Some patients experience dramatic relief with one treatment. For complex, persistent and chronic conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute issues, typically fewer treatments are required, generally you can expect eight to ten in total. Your personalized treatment plan, that includes the estimated number of treatments, will be discussed with you by Dr. English during your initial consultation & treatment. On an additional note, to maintain health and promote emotional wellbeing, you may want to consider scheduling ongoing monthly treatments.
Yes, acupuncture really works! No, you don’t have to believe in acupuncture for it to work…any more than you have to believe in any medical or complimentary therapy. But, just like any treatment, a positive attitude is known to reinforce the effects while a negative attitude has been known to hinder the effects of treatment in general. The best thing to do is to keep an open mind, no matter what therapy you and Dr. English decide are best for you.
Your initial appointment includes a consultation prior to treatment. To begin, you are asked to remove your outer clothing and cover yourself with a (disposable) sheet and lay comfortably on a treatment table. A couple of pillows (with disposable pillow slips) are available to place under your head and knees. Dr. English asks about your health history, discusses specific ailments and performs a physical exam and other necessary physical manipulation depending upon your condition. At the conclusion of the assessment, Dr. English establishes a treatment plan and presents recommendations to you for approval.
Treatment is initiated with the placement of needles on various areas of your body to stimulate precise acupuncture points. Typically Dr. English leaves the treatment room, allowing the needles to stay in place for anywhere from five to thirty minutes. This is an opportunity for you to rest in a very relaxed state; oftentimes patients fall into a lovely sleep. When Dr. English returns, needles are removed and the treatment is at its conclusion. You are asked to allow yourself whatever time you need to slowly get up, get dressed and check-out.
- Consume light meals and healthy snacks, like fruit and nuts, on the day of treatment
- During six hours before and after treatment, go light on exercise and refrain from alcohol and sexual activity
- Attempt to limit activities after treatment; at the very least, so that you don’t have to be working at top performance; optimally, allowing yourself some rest at least for the first couple of treatments
- Take any prescription medicines as directed by your doctor/s. Substance abuse (alcohol & drugs), especially in the week prior to treatment interferes with the effectiveness of treatment
- As treatments progress, let Dr. English know your response to the therapy; this valuable information is critical in the continuation and efficacy of your treatment overall
PAYMENT OPTIONS
Insurance companies often cover acupuncture costs; others do not yet recognize the value of acupuncture as a medical therapy. Ask our administrative assistant to check with your insurance company to learn if your plan covers acupuncture therapy. If it does, our staff bills your insurance company, leaving you responsible for any co-payments at the time of each treatment. Should your plan not cover acupuncture therapy, you may want to consider receiving the series of treatments using on our non-insurance based fee schedule for complimentary medicine. Please inquire with our staff for details!
