Acupuncture Healthcare

What is acupuncture?  
Chinese medicine is a complete medical system originating from China more than 3000 years ago. Acupuncture, a therapeutic specialty of Chinese medicine, applies traditional Chinese medical theory to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being by inserting acupuncture needles at specific points throughout the body.

How does acupuncture work? 
According to Chinese medical theory, energy or Qi ("chee") runs through the body and along its surface in regular patterns called channels or meridians. These channels nourish and regulate the functions of the body. When the energy flows freely in these channels, health is maintained. When the energy is blocked or depleted, pain or illness results. Needling acupuncture points normalizes the flow of Qi to help correct internal imbalances in the body.

A more scientific explanation of acupuncture is that the stimulation of certain trigger points on the body by acupuncture needles affects the autonomic nervous system, the vascular and endocrine physiology, and the brain chemistry, as well as the body's production of endorphins.

Is acupuncture painful? 
While most people express fear or anxiety of needles before their first treatment, they are surprised by the pleasantness of the acupuncture treatment. Unlike hypodermic needles used for injections, acupuncture needles are very fine - about the thickness of a human hair. There should be very little or no discomfort with needle insertion. For your safety, only sterile and disposable needles are used. There are certain transient sensations, not considered painful, associated with the therapeutic effects of acupuncture which may include euphoria, warmth, tingling, heaviness, distention, or numbness.

How many treatments do I need?  
Since each person is unique, the number of treatments will vary. Among the determining factors are the nature, severity, and history of each person's complaint, as well as the general health of the individual. Usually one or two treatments per week are necessary to begin with. Many conditions can be alleviated very rapidly with acupuncture and herbs. Chronic illnesses may require treatment for several weeks or longer. Acute problems generally respond much faster. As in any form of medical care, the patient's attitude, diet, determination, and lifestyle will affect the outcome and course of treatment.

Does medical insurance cover acupuncture treatment?  
Some health insurance companies cover acupuncture treatment. You should contact your health insurance company to verify acupuncture coverage. We would also be happy to verify coverage for you. Please call us to discuss the specifics of your situation.

What can I expect on the first visit?  
During your first office visit, your practitioner may take a detailed medical history, discuss your symptoms, examine your pulse and tongue, then apply appropriate treatment according to the diagnosis derived from the intake . After arriving at a specific diagnostic conclusion, one or several of the following techniques will be incorporated:

 Needles: Thin, sterile, stainless steel needles are placed in specific acupuncture points. The needles are at least five times thinner than typical hypodermic needles and insertion is usually painless. You may feel a dull ache or tingling sensation when the needle is stimulated. Acupuncture is generally a very relaxing experience.

Electric Stimulation: Very low level electrical current may be applied to the needle or to the skin. This is often used for muscle spasms and acupuncture analgesia and to enhance point stimulation in general

How long does a treatment take?

The initial consultation plus first treatment normally takes 1.5 hours.  I will ask a variety of questions about your specific complaint and general questions about your health.  Subsequent treatments last between 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

How can I best be prepared for my acupuncture treatment?

Eat before treatment and wear comfortable, loose clothing.  Eating keeps you from feeling light-headed or weak after treatment.  For full benefit, refrain from rigorous exercise two hours before or after treatment

What kind of infertility problems is the Chinese Medicine approach better suited for?

Physiological problems such as irregular menstruation, amenorrhoea, endometriosis, thin lining of the uterus, fibroids, endocrine function disorder, irregularity in the autoimmune system, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and well as emotional problems such as depression, anxiety, etc. Chinese Medicine is also good for patients who have repeatedly failed in IVF, and also for those whose cause of infertility cannot be detected by Western Medicine.

To discuss any treatment in strictest confidence

Contact: Sharon at 01-8220738 / 0861501844

email: fertilityacu@gmail.com

Acupuncture Healthcare Patient Information Sheet

ConfidentialityEverything concerning your treatment is kept totally confidential.

Request to the PatientIn order to provide the best possible treatment and to ensure your safety,

I request you:

• Inform me of all medications, supplements, herbs, drugs, or special foods taken
• Inform me of all other treatments you are currently involved with.
• Inform me of anything new or different at each return visit
• Inform me if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant

Before your treatment, please consider the following:

• eat a light meal or snack prior to your treatment (within a couple of hours) -avoid heavy meals,
• Use the restroom upon arrival before the treatment.
• avoid alcohol prior to the treatment
• wear loose fitting clothing, if possible, especially trouser legs and sleeves
• do not brush or scrape tongue prior to visit as tongue analysis is crucial to a TCM diagnosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment

• Begins with the intake of very detailed information from the patient, including written and verbal statements, visual observations, palpation of pulse, tender areas, and/or acu-points, and other pertinent details.

Traditional Chinese Medical treatments include one or any combination of the following:

• Acupuncture, with or without moxibustion, electro-stimulation or cupping
• Chinese herbal formulations

Chinese herbal formulations

• Herbs can be taken as a pill or capsule, a dissolvable powder, a tincture, or a boiled decoction ("tea"). There are also liniments, creams and other applications for the skin.

Lifestyle

The patient will learn to recognize where shifts can be made in daily living to improve health and vitality. Areas of consideration include nutrition, supplementation, and substance use. Specific quieting techniques include habits of sleep, exercise, and meditation.

To discuss any treatment in strictest confidence

Contact: Sharon at 01-8220738 / 0861501844

email: fertilityacu@gmail.com