IS ACUPUNCTURE A RIGHT THERAPY FOR ME ?

Acupuncture is one of alternative medicines originated from China more than 5000 years ago, together with moxsibution, cupping, and herbal medicine. People of any ages, from babies to elderly, can be treated with Acupuncture and it can be combined safely with western medicine. There are many scientific researches and studies conducted to prove its eficacy.


WHO has acknowledged that Acupuncture can cure and help reduce symptoms of some illnesses :

1. Respiratory problems ( bronchitis, asthma bronciale ).
2. ENT problems ( sinusitis, pharyngitis, nearsightedness, neural sudden hearing loss ).
3. Digestive problems ( gastritis, diarrhea, constipation )
4. Neurological problems ( vertigo, migrain, tics, Bell's palsy, paresis, paralysis, stroke ).
5. Musculosceletal problems ( stiff shoulder, tennis elbow, low back pain, cervical syndrome, arthritis ).
6. Reproductive problems (dysmenorrhea/pain during menstruation, menopausal syndrome, fertility issues).
7. Urology problems ( kidney failure, glomerulonefritis ) 
8. Psychosomatic problems ( insomnia, anorexia, emotional stress, smoking/drugs addiction ).
9. Cosmetic Acupuncture ( anti aging therapy, reduce wrinkles, eye bags, acnes, treat hair loss).
10. Obesity ( helps reduce appetite and increases metabolism ).

HOW DOES IT WORK ?

Acupuncture sees human body in holistic approach, as an energy system where each organ is influencing and balancing each other. The vital energy or Qi ( read : chi ) flows in meridian channels in human body. Imbalance and/or blocking of the flow will lead to illnesses.


Acupuncture means 'needle piercing', where fine needles are inserted into the skin to stimulate some specific points called Acupoints. Stimulation of Acupoints will improve the energy flow and is believed to improve blood circulation, maintain normal blood cells production, increase Endorphin production in the brain, and increase T-cell production. Endorphin is a hormone that relaxes muscles, and T-cell is white blood cell responsible in immune system. This will lead to normal blood pressure,  decrease inflammation, reduce and relief from pain and muscle spasm, and improve the body's immune system, better sleep, and normal wellbeing.



IS THERE CONTRAINDICATIONS and RISKS ?

Acupuncture must not be done to someone with certain conditions :

1. Pregnancy in first and second trimester ( before 7 months of pregnancy ).
2. Right after exercise / exhausted ( must wait at least 1 hour after exercise ).
3. Starvation and overeat.

When done properly, Acupuncture won't cause side effects. Patients might feel tingling sensation during needles insertion and will disappear right away. The risks mentioned here are rare :

1. Bruises.
2. Bleeding.
3. Fainting , can happens to someone who is afraid of acupuncture.

HOW MANY ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS WILL I NEED ?

Lenght and frequency of treatment vary for each patient, depend on patient's condition, age, how long the ilness has been suffered, and  respond to acupuncture. Acute conditions will need less time and frequency of treatment compare to chronic conditions and hormonal problems. For example stiff shoulder that has been suffered for 2 days can be cured after only 1 or 2 treatments. But for menstrual problems, it might need 2 or 3 series of treatment. One series of treatment is 12 times. 


For healthy people, Acupuncture can be done once a month to maintain health and vitality, and to prevent disease.

DOES IT HURT ?


Acupuncture needles are thin, as thin as hair diameter, and usually inserted 1/4 to 4 inches into the skin depends on the point's location. Depends on sensitivity, some people might feel nothing, some might feel tingling sensation, numbness and warmth during needle insertion. Acupuncturist will always try to make patients more relax and comfortable. Many patients even fall asleep during therapy.




I'M A NEEDLE-PHOBIC, IS THERE ANY OTHER WAY TO TREAT MY ILLNESS ?

For people who are afraid of needle, these options can be done to stimulate acupoints :

1. Laserpuncture, using certain frequency of infrared wave.
2. Aquapuncture, using liquid injected into the points.
3. Acupressure, to massage body surface using hands or tools.
4. Cupping, is used to release heat from the body in order to reduce pain and swelling.
5. Moxibustion, using herbal medicine to apply heat to the points, good for influenza, common cold, reduce pain and insomnia.

These therapies can be combined with acupuncture itself for better therapeutic outcomes.