The term “acupuncture” describes a family of procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques. The acupuncture technique that has been most often studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.
There are at least three possible explanations for why acupuncture works:
- Opioid Release: During acupuncture, endorphins that are part of your body’s natural pain-control system may be released into the brain and spinal cord. This reduces pain, much like taking pain medication.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation: Acupuncture may stimulate the nerves in the spinal cord to release pain-suppressing neurotransmitters, known as the “gate theory.”
- Blood Flow Changes: Acupuncture needles may increase the amount of blood flow in the area around the needle, supplying additional nutrients or removing toxic substances or both, to promote healing.
During your first office visit, the practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition. The practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments and medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.
- Allow 1.5 hours for initial visit and 50 min for follow up visits.
- At initial visit, fill out intake forms and sign office paperwork.
- Review of physician referral and reports with patient.
- Range of Motion measurements will be taken at initial visit and every 30 days.
- Acupuncturist will explain treatment that is safe, gentle and effective which includes the use of thin disposable acupuncture needles, electro-acupuncture, infrared heat for warmth and circulation and myofascial release massage.
- Patient may feel tingling, light pressure and/or warmth during treatment.
- After treatment, Acupuncturist will review what to expect as well as treatment plan and follow up visits.
- Regarding after care, patient may or may not experience some soreness after initial treatment however it will fade. If the patient experiences relief, we advise the patient to rest and not overexert. If patient does not experience relief with the first visit, they are made aware that this is a cumulative process. Some patients respond very quickly to acupuncture, and others take several visits before they begin to see results.
- Patient is instructed to not make any changes to their medications or other therapies.
- Do not overexert before or after treatment.
- Eat something small before treatment.
- Wear loose clothing:
- Upper body conditions: spaghetti string tank top
- Lower body conditions: loose shorts
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners, requiring that needles be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only. Most people are surprised to see how thin the needles actually are. The most commonly used needles is 15mm x .20mm. Generally, 3 – 10 needles are used per treatment. These are inserted about 1 – 3 mm into the body- deeper on fleshly areas.
The sensation you will feel is tingling, pressure and/ or warmth. With the electro-acupuncture you will feel a light tapping. There should be no pain from the treatment. Some people feel energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.
After the needles are inserted you are usually left to rest for a period of 10 – 30 minutes. Most people feel fairly relaxed during this period and many simply fall asleep.
First consultation and treatment: allow approximately 30-45 minutes. Follow-up treatments: approximately allow 20-30 minutes.
Depending on the condition, acupuncture treatments are generally done once or twice a week for 2-4 weeks. Acupuncture may be done in conjunction with physical therapy or chiropractic on alternating days. For maximum effectiveness, it is important to attend the treatments once or twice a week since acupuncture is cumulative.
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when preformed by an experienced practitioner using sterile needles. Relatively few complications from acupuncture have been reported. Serious adverse events related to acupuncture are rare, but include infections and punctured organs. Additionally, there are fewer adverse effects associated with acupuncture than with many standard treatments.
Acupuncture is generally considered safe when preformed by an experienced practitioner using sterile needles. Relatively few complications from acupuncture
Acupuncture or Electro-Acupuncture: The acupuncture needles are stimulated by a micro-current. This is used often and effectively for patients dealing with pain.
Infrared Heat: Heat from the infrared heat lamp penetrates 1-3 cm into the skin and tissue. The deep heating relaxes muscles, spasms and improves microcirculation.
Myofacial Release: A safe and effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure onto the myofacial connective tissue restrictions to reduce pain and restore function. Other modalites may be included depending on the condition treated.
- Eat within a few hours of the visit
- Try to avoid stimulants such as coffee or cigarettes
- Dress in comfortable, loose fitting clothing
- For upper body conditions for women, it is best to wear a spaghetti strap tank top
- For lower body conditions it is best to wear loose shorts
- Do not overexert your body before or after treatment
No referral necessary is with PPO plans. For HMO plans and worker’s compensation cases, you usually need a referral from your physician. Contact us to discuss your specific insurance policy’s needs.
Shirely McWilliams Acupuncture, Inc. accepts the insurance plans below and many more! If you are unsure whether acupuncture is covered by your insurance, contact us with the name of your insurance provider and policy number and we can help you confirm coverage.
- Blue Shield
- FUSD
- Sante
- Brand New Day
- Veterans Choice/PC3
- Aetna
- Cigna
- NBD
- Advantek
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Our practitioners are eager to help you with pain management, fertility, all musculoskeletal issues, auto immune disorders, women’s health and menstrual issues, respiratory conditions (including sinusitis, asthma, and allergies), digestive disorders, occupational and industrial medicine. Book online or call us at (559) 975-5565 to schedule your visit.