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Acupuncture
Reston, VA
Do you have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
 The simple answer is “NO”. One
way we know this is acupuncture works quite well on animals. Since, so far as we know, animals have no belief system it therefore follows that belief in the efficacy of acupuncture is not a requirement.
On the other hand, all human beings have beliefs, attitudes and values. These qualities give meaning to our lives and shape our experiences.
Perhaps you have heard of the placebo effect. This refers to the phenomenon where people’s health improves when given an inactive substance. Researchers use this in
studies to rule out the influence of the people conducting the test and other psycho-emotional factors. In Chinese medicine no attempt is made to separate out these factors because the bodymindspirit is
experienced and treated as a whole.
Why acupuncture?
"I've had chronic, debilitating back pain for years. I tried everything. Two surgeons told me that fusing my spine was the only solution. So I was at the end of the line. One doctor
suggested acupuncture as a "last resort". I just finished a series of treatments and my back pain is gone!"
-Typical "Last Resort" Patient
Conditions treatable through acupuncture
Among other things, acupuncture may be appropriate for treating bronchitis, asthma, arthritis, sciatica, back pain, headache, high blood pressure, colitis, anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, eczema, tinnitus,
dizziness, hay fever, impotence, infertility, PMS, PID and irregular periods or cramps. Studies have shown acupuncture may also help with addiction withdrawal. Additionally, patients report that acupuncture
accelerates the benefit they receive from counseling.
Acupuncture has a strong record of successfully treating chronic conditions. Furthermore, patients often report increased stamina and vitality and greater flexibility in daily life.
A typical acupuncture treatment
In a typical appointment, needles are inserted at 3 or 4 specific sites in the body. Acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable and about twice the diameter of a human hair. Due to the needle's nominal size, only a
fleeting, dull ache is usually experienced by the patient upon insertion. This is easily tolerated by most patients.
To treat new patients effectively, sessions should be scheduled once a week for six to eight weeks. Then, the practitioner can evaluate the effect and often lengthen the time between visits. Chronic conditions may
require a longer course of treatment.
Regarding insurance coverage
More companies are offering insurance coverage for acupuncture. A prospective patient should determine the extent of the coverage with the carrier, as well as restrictions on the use of acupuncture. While Ms.
Mitchell does not file insurance claims for her patients, she gladly provides the receipts necessary for reimbursement as well as negotiating certification of treatments.
"After a brutal assault, I discovered acupuncture. I immediately began to feel less fearful, less vulnerable and more optimistic. At the same time, I learned, to maximize the
resources of my body, mind and spirit. "
-Crime Victim
Eastern and western medicine
The relationship between traditional acupuncture and contemporary medicine is complementary. The acupuncturist works with any known medical diagnosis and responses to past and current medical treatments.
Generally acupuncture is done while the patient continues medications as prescribed by physicians.
How practitioner and patient interact The goal of acupuncture is to restore the balance of body, mind and spirit while teaching the patient how to maintain that balance. To do this, patient and practitioner form a
partnership. The practitioner plans and carries out treatment that addresses the patient's condition and concerns. The patient reports the changes that occur between treatments. Together, the practitioner and
the patient determine which patterns of exercise, rest, work, play, nutrition and spiritual practice should be kept and which should be modified to extend the benefits of treatment.
Patients report high satisfaction with treatment through acupuncture. Many have said it restores their energy, spirit and hope after a dramatic illness, exhaustive conventional treatment,
or a deeply stressful life event.
Throughout history, acupuncture has also been used preventatively, helping people maintain health and keeping chronic difficulties from worsening. Importantly, acupuncture often assists patients in developing
a fuller, richer life using the body's own neural network and metabolic system as a guide.
About pain relief
When a client experiences intractable pain, acupuncture may ease the suffering. While fear of suffering might be worse than actual physical discomfort, patients can learn to move from a "survival mode" to a
"thriving mode". In this way, patients become active participants in their recovery. Guidance from the practitioner helps extend the benefits of
treatment by empowering patients against further deterioration of their condition.
"My fear of the needle almost prevented me from seeking acupuncture. But when I saw the way Ms. Mitchell responded to me, my fear dissolved and never returned. She helped my
headaches, chronic fatigue and attitude so much. I am truly grateful that I didn't allow my fear to get in the way of such relief!”
-Former Skeptic
For more information about Acupuncture,
please visit www.TAI.edu.
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