DO THE NEEDLES HURT?
Acupuncture needles are nothing like injection needles or “shots.” Acupuncture is comfortable and relaxing. It leaves you with a sense of well-being and contentment. Many people are surprised to have such a pleasant experience with acupuncture, and look forward to the next treatment.
CAN ACUPUNCTURE REALLY HELP?
Yes, absolutely! Acupuncture has been scientifically proven effective for many conditions including headaches, migraines, neck and lumbar problems, arthritis, and sports injuries. At Fort Collins Acupuncture we have helped thousands of patients achieve their health goals.
HOW QUICKLY WILL ACUPUNCTURE BEGIN TO WORK?
Most patients report relief during or immediately after the first treatment. Disease patterns
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
The Chinese were able to explain how our bodies worked using the theory of acupuncture points and channels over 2000 years ago. They were incredibly accurate and nuanced in their understanding of physiology. Western science initially had difficulty understanding the concept of Qi because it was thought to be a mysterious form of energy. This was due to translation issues. Qi is actually a term meaning "intelligent and organized metabolism." Acupuncture channels are now understood to encompasses multiple signalling pathways in the body, including chemical, neural, hormonal and bio-electrical modalities. These explain why a point in the leg can improve digestion, immunity and fatigue all at the same time. Truly, Western science is just beginning to catch up to the depth of understanding Chinese Medicine has had for thousands of years.
CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP OLD INJURIES OR CHRONIC PAIN?
Yes. The World Health Organization has stated "acupuncture is comparable with morphine in its effectiveness against chronic pain, but without the adverse effects of morphine, such as dependency." Acupuncture causes lasting changes in the body as opposed to opiates which are only effective for a few hours at a time.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HAVE SIDE-EFFECTS? CAN IT MAKE PROBLEMS WORSE?
In its 2003 Review of Acupuncture, the World Health Organization stated, "Although different acupuncture points and manipulations may have an effect through different actions, the most important factor that influences the direction of action is the condition of the patient. Numerous examples reveal that the regulatory action of acupuncture is bi-directional. Acupuncture lowers the blood pressure in patients with hypertension and elevates it in patients with hypotension; increases gastric secretion in patients with hypoacidity, and decreases it in patients with hyperacidity; and normalizes intestinal motility under X-ray observation in patients with either spastic colitis or intestinal hypotonia. Therefore, acupuncture itself seldom makes the condition worse. “
WHY ARE CHINESE HERBS USED?
By selecting from more than 300 individual herbs, Chinese herbalists have traditionally treated a wide range of illnesses. Common cold, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, painful menstruation, asthma, headache, infertility and many other conditions may respond successfully to herbal treatment.
HOW DO HERBS WORK?
Chinese Herbalism is the science of combining individual herbs into effective formulas. Each formula, consisting of 4 to 20 herbs, is tailored to address the specific diagnosis of each patient. For example a patient with a viral upper respiratory infection might receive a formula consisting of three herbs with anti-viral properties, two herbs to reduce nasal drainage, two to decrease sinus headache pain, and several to assist the immune system in dealing with the infection.
WHAT DO CHINESE HERBS LOOK LIKE?
The professional-quality formulas we prescribe are of much higher potency than over-the-counter herbs. Our practice offers a combination of pre-made formulas and individual herbs. Individual herbs are in a powder format which the patient dissolves in water and then drinks. Pre-made adult formulas are in capsules or pills, while formulas for kids are liquid extracts. All of our herbal formulas are subject to rigorous scientific testing to ensure no heavy metal or pesticide contamination is present.
CAN ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBAL CARE BE USED TO TREAT CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS?
At Fort Collins Acupuncture we commonly treat children for a variety of issues. For colds, flu, digestive issues and ear infections, our young patients receive excellent results using pediatric herbal formulas. These are given in liquid format and are very easy to administer. Children over 5 years old can receive acupuncture. We also treat many teenage athletes using acupuncture for sports injuries such as shin splints, knee pain, sprained ankles, and post-concussion syndrome.
Do you have more questions about acupuncture treatment?
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View a list of conditions treated at Fort Collins Acupuncture here.
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