Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain, which results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine that has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.
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Dr. Fockler of Windber Medical Center
treats a patient using Acupuncture |
Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care:
Promotion of health and well-being
Prevention of illness
Treatment of various medical conditions.
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or along with standard medical treatment.
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:
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Digestive disorders: gastritis and acid reflux, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea. |
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Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections. |
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Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis. |
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Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems. |
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Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions. |
The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments per week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is necessary.
Usually not. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days or other general changes occur. These should not cause concern as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work.
It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.
Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle. Because your doctor uses sterile, disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses, and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude (“I don't know if I can really believe in this”) will not block treatment results.
Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:
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Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment |
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Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within six hours before or after treatment |
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Plan your activities so that after the treatments you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits. |
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Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol), especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of the acupuncture treatments. |
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Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem. |
NON-COVERED SERVICES:
A portion of the treatment modalities
provided at the WMC Institute for New Medicine are
categorized as N/C (not covered) by third-party payors.
Therefore, it is the policy of Windber Medical Center to
collect fees for non-covered services at the time service
are rendered.
COVERED SERVICES:
As a general rule, levels of coverage
will vary between third-party payors. Coverage is ultimately
dependent both upon the type of insurance plan, and also the
type of service performed. Windber Medical Center will bill
third-party payors for covered services. However, patients
will be responsible for copays, deductibles, etc. as defined
by their specific health insurance carrier.
O
ur physician, a doctor of
osteopathy, has been trained in three distinct Acupuncture
therapies including Auricular (Ear) Acupuncture, Korean Hand
Therapy and Meridian Acupuncture (Body Acupuncture).
Institute of Integrative Medicine
Windber Medical Center
600 Somerset Avenue,
Windber PA 15963
• Jeanne Brinker RN, BSN, Director of Institute of Integrative Medicine
Tel: (814) 467-3000 or E-mail:
jbrinke@conemaugh.org
