What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the oldest types of medical treatment known to mankind. The Chinese began using acupuncture over 2,000 years ago and it has been the subject of continuous study and clinical experience since that time. It's finally gaining widespread acceptance in the U.S. as a method and system of healthcare. Many insurance companies now cover Acupuncture. Informed by modern research but also grounded in the wisdom of traditional oriental medicine, acupuncture provides a safe, effective, comprehensive and personalized treatment for many common ailments.

Chinese Medicine is holistic . It treats the whole person rather than symptoms. Acupunture is a comprehensive system of examination, diagnosis and treatment. It seeks to alleviate symptoms and pain by assisting individuals to find balance in their lives. Preventative maintenance is central to the philosophy of Chinese Medicine, and this extends to what we generally consider our mental health as well.

What is Oriental Medicine?

The term "Oriental Medicine" refers to the entire body of therapies, including acupuncture, that is based on traditional Chinese concepts of health and energetics. Applying these principles, Chinese herbal medicine uses time-tested herbal formulations to safely remedy illness. A recent study found that Americans made an estimated 425 million visits to providers of complimentary alternative medicine. In contrast, only 388 million visits to U.S. primary care providers (M.D.s) were made during the same period.

Widely recognized coverage is being provided by leading companies and more and more are being added regularly. For example, Oxford Health Plans, Inc., became the first major U.S. health provider to offer comprehensive coverage for a wide range of alternative healthcare providers, including acupuncture and chiropractors. Unlike other health companies which cover some forms of alternative healing, Oxford's plan does not require a referral by the primary care physician.

You are invited to call our office for a complete list of providers who cover acupuncture or to find out if your plan provides coverage.

What is the relationship between Acupuncture and conventional medical care?

Despite the differences in the world views of Oriental and conventional medicine, many physicians frequently refer their patients to acupuncture. Controlled clinical studies that validate acupuncture have been published in various mainstream medical journals, including Lancet, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and the Journal of Internal Medicine.

While acupuncture is concerned with the whole person and addresses itself to many levels of functioning, it is a particular form of treatment with its own limitations. It needs to be used in conjunction with other health-promoting attitudes and behaviors. Our office cooperates with other healthcare professionals and does not recommend altering medications or other therapies without consulting your personal physician or provider.

Is the Acupuncturist certified?

A certificate of course completion from an accredited institution should be posted in the practitioner's office. In addition, in the Commonwealth of Virginia, acupuncturists are licensed by the state to practice acupuncture.

How much time is needed for treatment assessment?

There should be extended conversation before the acupuncturist begins treating you, and you should always feel comfortable asking questions. Your health is too important to rush.

Here in the West, acupuncture has been misleadingly publicized as only being helpful in specific conditions, such as the relief of pain. It is, in fact, extremely effective in a wide variety of conditions through its power to stimulate the mind and body's own healing response. Even the World Health Organization of the United Nations recognizes the value and efficacy of acupuncture.