Facts About Acupuncture

Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than all other health modalities combined. Today, acupuncture is practiced in Asia, the now-disbanded Soviet Union, and Europe. Patients and doctors are now using it more and more in America.

Acupuncture treatments can be given simultaneously with other techniques, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. Your physician-acupuncturist must know everything you are doing to help you benefit the most from your treatments.

No. Acupuncture is successfully used on cats, dogs, horses, and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them improve. 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 therapy. A neutral perspective ("I don't know if I can believe in this.”) will not block treatment results. 

Yes, the following guidelines are essential to enhancing the value of a treatment:

• Do not eat a substantial meal immediately before or after your treatment.

• Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within six hours before or after treatment.

• Plan your activities so that after the treatments, you can get some rest or at least not have to be working at top performance.

• As your regular doctor has instructed, continue to take any prescription medications. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol), especially the week before treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of the acupuncture treatments.

• Remember to keep good mental or written notes of your response to the treatment. Your response notes are essential for your doctor to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to help you and your problem.