Acupuncture consists of the gentle insertion and stimulation of thin, disposable needles at strategic points near the surface of the body. The needles are much finer than the familiar hypodermic needle. While many acupuncture patients are initially wary of the claim that acupuncture doesn't hurt, they soon discover that the experience is quite pleasurable. Acupuncture has been proven to stimulate the release of opiate-like hormones and normally induces a deep state of relaxation, balance and healing.

Typically, an acupuncturist will begin by taking a complete health history. This may be done with the practitioner or by the patient completing an extensive form. The practitioner will then do a comprehensive intake and exam, which will consist of asking numerous questions about your primary complaint as well as more general health issues.

Your first treatment
An acupuncturist's physical exam may resemble a more conventional exam, including vital signs like weight, temperature, and blood pressure. It is also likely to include a more detailed examination and analysis of the pulse and tongue as well as abdominal palpation and facial diagnosis.

When the acupuncturist has arrived at a working diagnosis, he or she will place you in a comfortable position to insert the needles. You may be seated although it is more common to lie down. Ten to 20 needles may be inserted, although more or less is not uncommon. Once the acupuncturist has made sure your are comfortable, you will relax in the treatment room for 15 to 20 minutes. The acupuncturist or an assistant may check to see that you are still comfortable during that period. The acupuncturist will return, take out the needles, and may put a similar amount of needles on the other side of your body. Once again , you will be left to relax.

After the acupuncture treatment is over, the acupucnturist may prescribe Chinese herbal medicines if they would be helpful. If the acupucnturist has not had herbal training, you may be referred to an herbalist if needed.

Most health problems take more than one treatment to resolve. Expect to have four treatment before a reassessment. Many problems may require ten or more treatments before significant benefits accrue. Along the way, though, you should see an overall improvement in your health as your main complaint improves as well.

What it Helps
A committee of the United Nation's World Health Organization has issued a list of over 30 diseases that lend themselves to treatment by acupuncture. Herbal remedies may broaden the range of treatable disorders.

Neurological and Musculo-Skeletal Disorders
Headache and migraine, Trigeminal neuralgia, Facial palsy (early stage within 3 to 6 months), Paresis following stroke, Peripheral neuropathies, Meniere's Disease, Nocturnal enuresis, Cervicobrachial syndrome, "Frozen shoulder", "tennis elbow",Sciatica, Low back pain Osteoarthritis

Respiratory System
Acute sinusitis, Acute rhinitis, Common cold, Acute tonsillitis, Acute bronchitis, Bronchial asthma

Disorders of the Eye
Acute conjunctivitis, Central retinitis, Myopia (in children), Cataract (without complication)

Disorders of the Mouth
Toothache, post extraction pain, Gingivitis, Acute and chronic pahryngitis

Gastrointestinal Disorders
Hiccough, Acute and chronic gastritis, Gastric hyperacidity, Chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief), Acute duodenal ulcer (without complication), Acute and chronic colitis, Constipation, Diarrhea

Common Terms
Meridians - the Chinese have identified a system through which energy flows in the body. Energy or 'qi' flows through meridians in much the same way that blood flows through blood vessels.

Acupuncture point - a point on the meridian that has a specific effect on the energy of the meridian or organ system.

Organs - You will often hear acupuncturist refer to a Liver, Kidney, Spleen or other "organ" imbalance. These terms refer to energetic as well as physical organ systems. For example, when acupuncturists say there is an imbalance in the Liver, they may be referring to a liver disease, an emotional imbalance, or even an eye problem. Ask your acupuncturist to clarify these terms as they relate to your condition.

Five Elements or Phases - a theory describing the interaction of energetic systems in nature and in the body.

Moxibustion - the warming of acupuncture points.

Cupping - the use of suction to increase circulation in an affected area.

Electro-stimulation - the use of low voltage electricity to stimulate acupuncture needles.