Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical tradition that entails the insertion and control of needles for the purposes of curing illness and relieving pain. It was introduced in the United States in the 1970’s and is one of the most popular forms of alternative medicine in the world today. Acupuncture is effective in treating a host of disorders and ailments. It is an effective treatment for chronic back pain, dental pain, migraines, labor pain, headaches, dizziness and nausea just to mention a few.
Acupuncturists use unorthodox diagnostic tools such as palpation, patient inquiry, olfaction, auscultation and inspection. Palpation includes locating for sore points in the body and the examination of pulses of both hands. Patient inquiry involves querying the patient on how he/she feels. Olfaction and auscultation involves using smell and auditory function to analyze the urine, breath and respiration of the patient. Inspection is observing the tongue and face of the patient for symptom analysis.
Needles used for acupuncture are smaller than the usual injection needles. Acupuncture needles are made from stainless steel and are very thin needles with varying sizes and diameter. Acupuncture has different techniques and notable among them are electro acupuncture and moxibustion. Typical treatment plans may be from four to twelve sessions for a few months for just one complaint. Many patients may need treatments lasting a few years for health maintenance.
A typical treatment may involve the use of a few (five) to several (up to twenty) needles inserted at certain depths, gently manipulated as they are punctured into the skin. Moxibustion involves the burning of moxa plant over the needle and left to burn completely as the heat gives out a medicinal effect on the body. Spokane acupuncture, on the other hand sends a gentle electric pulse generated by a machine to the needles, which generates a relaxing and comfortable sensation to the patient. The needles are allowed to stay in place for 15 to 40 minutes. Typically, as the needles are inserted the patient may feel a slight discomfort; however this sensation is fleeting and as the needles’ effect kick in, the discomfort is allayed and replaced with a relaxing and comfortable feeling.
Treatment is not an instantaneous occurrence in acupuncture and depending on the severity of the condition, results may be seen for a few days or several weeks after initial treatment. Usually, to enhance and facilitate the treatment process, other modalities are included. The common supplementary therapies included are herbal medication, steroid injection and anti-inflammatory medication. Acupuncture can neutralize the side effects caused by the drugs by helping the body flush out the inherent toxins of these drugs. However, it is best to consult with one’s physician and acupuncturist before undergoing acupuncture if one is using medication for health maintenance for any concerns regarding contraindication.
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