- What is Acupuncture and how does it work?
- Can you be helped by Acupuncture?
- What is Scalp Acupuncture Therapy (S. A .T.)?
- What is the course of treatment by S. A. T.?
- Does the needle hurt?
- What to expect on your first visit to the clinic?
Acupuncture is an integral part of traditional Chinese
medicine and has a history dating back three thousand years. Injuries and
disorders are treated with the insertion and manipulation of fine needles in carefully
designated points on the body.
According to the classical theory of Chinese medicine, a
continuous flow of energy called Qi originates in the vital organs and moves
throughout the body along paths known as meridians. As long as the flow of Qi
is smooth and balanced, good health is maintained – but if the balance is
disturbed, pain or illness is experienced. Balance may be restored, however, by
stimulation of specific points along the meridians which are associated with
various physical functions.
Acupuncture may be administered in combination with
massage, deep breathing exercises, and herbal medicine; the net
effect being to reduce pain, promote healing and stimulate the immune response.
In California, acupuncture is recognized as a primary
health care treatment. Western medical science is increasingly aware of the
efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases and
disorders, and the World Health Organization (WHO) specifically recognizes at
least
forty conditions for which acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are an appropriate and effective therapy, including the following:
Treatable respiratory disorders including colds,
flu, asthma, and bronchitis.
Gastrointestinal disorders including abdominal pain,
indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation.
Gynecological problems including irregular menstruation,
cramps, PMS, and uncomfortable of symptoms of menopause.
Acupuncture is also effective in treating smoking and drug
dependencies, weight control problems and for stress reduction, as well as
generally strengthening the body, and promoting good health.
Scalp acupuncture therapy, also known as
head point acupuncture treatment, is a division of general acupuncture therapy which
has been proven effective and has good results in treating vertigo, migraine,
paralysis, serious injury, palsy, Parkinson’s disease, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia
and other menstrual disorders. In general, the more symptoms of an illness
which are presented, the more effective S.A.T. will be.
During normal acupuncture treatment, patients may
experience a variety of sensations including warmth, tenderness, numbness,
tingling, or fullness. This is normal response to acupuncture known as ‘the
gaining of Qi’ and indicates the effectiveness of the therapy. In the care of a
skilled acupuncturist, the patient should feel no unpleasant side effects which
interfere with normal activity.
Deep breathing, an important adjunct of modern QiGong and
therapeutic exercise , is also employed with S.A.T., as it is considered to
promote the flow and balance of Qi , and naturally improves blood circulation
and oxygenation.
4.What is the Course of
Treatment by S. A. T. ?
Generally it is most effective to have treatments once or
twice a week totaling seven to ten treatments per course.
For more serious situation such as paralysis , treatments daily
or every other day, totaling ten to fifteen treatments per course, are
recommended.
After a rest or recess of a week or two, another course of
acupuncture may begin, but during such recess patients should continue with
massage or therapeutic exercise which will improve the effectiveness of S. A. T.
5.Does the needle hurt?
Generally, needle does
not hurt. There may be a little tingling feeling of sensation like a mosquito
bite while needles are inserted. The response to needles is varies by
individual. Some people reported no sensation, where as most reported tingling
sensation. This variation difference depends on the general health of an
individual and where on the body the needles are being placed. Dr. Chau usually
coach his patients a breathing technique before the treatment to help them
receive needles without discomfort.
6.What to expect on your first visit to the clinic?
Many of our patients are new to
acupuncture. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call or fax questions
in advance.
When you first call in to schedule your
first visit, usually you will be asked a series of questions on you current
health condition, health insurance, and referral information from our skilled
clinic assistant.
On the day of your visit, please bring
necessary documents such as insurance card and referral notice from your family
doctor as instructed by the clinic assistant when you schedule the appointment.
After checking in, you will be asked to fill in forms detailing your complete
medical history. Please provide background on the condition including Western
diagnosis, duration, previous treatments, medications, and other medical
conditions as indicated.
After you have completed the medical
history forms, our clinic assistant will escort you to Dr. Chau’s examination
room where he will review your condition, check your pulse (on the wrist) and
examine your tongue which are important in Chinese medical diagnosis. Based on
your condition, Dr. Chau will prepare a treatment plan and instruct you a
breathing technique to minimize any discomfort associated with receiving
needles.
Then, you will be escort to a treatment
room where Dr. Chau will give acupressure or apply acupuncture needles at
different points along your body’s “meridians” or scalp to stimulate, clear or
redirect energy based on your treatment plan. After Dr. Chau has applied
needles, you will be asked to rest quietly for approximately 30-45 minutes
depending on your treatment plan.
After Dr. Chau remove your needles, take
a moment to relax after treatment and return to the reception area. Then you
can check out, schedule your next treatment, and pick up any herbal medicine
prescribed by Dr. Chau.
Copyright
© 2003 CSAC.
All rights reserved.
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