What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.
How does Acupuncture work?
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 live rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the body’s 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 the flow in other parts.
The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points. The acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body’s internal organs to correct imbalances in digestion, absorption, energy production, and circulation of energy through the meridians.
The exact mechanism of acupuncture has not been explained by modern science. We believe electro-magnetic vibrations run through connective tissue throughout the body and these vibrations and resonance are vital for the body’s healing and physical and emotional well-being.
Do I have to believe in Acupuncture for it to work?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses, and many other animals. These animal patients to not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude towards wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.
Does Acupuncture really work?
Yes! For over 3000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today, acupuncture is practiced all over the world and is being used more and more in the United States by patients and physicians.
Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other treatments are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions, and massage therapy. It is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything you are doing so that he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.
Why should I consider Acupuncture?
While Dr. Yang Ahn has been practicing Western medicine for over 30 years, he has found limitations with conventional medicine. Although acupuncture has its own limitations, it is very effective for many illnesses and conditions, especially those that conventional medicine has failed.
Acupuncture, when performed by a trained professional, is safe and virtually painless. Acupuncture is also a very cost-effective treatment for many conditions. Is is important that your acupuncturist has been trained in Western medicine, as well as having had a thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Dr. Yang Ahn's background as an MD in family medicine allows him to use his knowledge as a physician and as an acupuncturist to help his patients make the best decisions.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several weeks may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required. For health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all this is necessary.
Are there any side effects with Acupuncture?
Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally, the original symptoms may worsen for a few days or other general changes in the appetite, sleep, bowel, urination, or emotional patterns may be triggered. These should not cause concern as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work.
It is quite common with the first or second treatment 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.
What are the needles like?
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only mild discomfort as the needles are inserted. Some patients do not even feel the needles. Once the needles are in place, they cannot be 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 painful like an injection or blood sampling can be. The risk of bruising or skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.
We use sterile, disposable needles, therefore there is no risk of infection from the needles.
What are the most common conditions that people come to you for Acupuncture?
By far the most common conditions we treat with acupuncture are low back pain and headache. Some of the other conditions we treat are: In the best interest of our patients, many times we recommend conventional treatment for the above conditions. That is why it is so important that your acupuncturist is trained in Western medicine. He or she needs to have a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology and the disease process. Acupuncture is meant to be complimentary to conventional treatment. Because of this, we receive referrals from many medical specialists after they have tried the most advanced conventional medical therapies.
Neck Pain
Cedar Rapids (319) 396-2000
Coralville (319) 338-8000Copyright . Ahn Clinic. All rights reserved.
