Acupuncture Services - INT THERAPY CENTER

DETAILS

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a safe and effective natural therapy that is used to heal illness, prevent disease and improve well-being. Tiny, hair-thin needles are inserted into specific points in the body, where they are gently stimulated to trigger the body's natural healing response. Acupuncture is effective for controlling pain and can regulate the body's physiological functions to treat various internal dysfunction and disorders.

According to traditional acupuncture theory, there are twelve energy channels called "meridians" running vertically along the length of the human body, each one linking to a specific organ.

Illness is caused by obstructed energy flow at certain points along the meridians. Acupuncture therapy stimulates meridian flow and harmonizes the body's energy to influence the health of both body and mind.

Researchers have begun to examine in Western medical terms the mechanisms by which acupuncture brings about physiological change. Studies have shown that acupuncture influences both the central and peripheral nervous systems. Further evidence indicates that acupuncture stimulates the release of brain chemicals such as endorphins, which function to relieve pain. Research also suggests that acupuncture increases immune system functioning, improves the circulatory system, decreases muscle tightness, and increases joint flexibility. Clinical trials lend credence to these results: acupuncture has been shown to bring about significant improvement for a variety of diseases.

In countries such as Japan and China, which make up about a fifth of the world's population, acupuncture has been established as a primary form of health care for thousands of years, where the acupuncturist's role was comparable to that of the physician. Today in such countries, acupuncture treatment remains an integral component of the health care system, offered in conjunction with Western medicine. In North America, acupuncture has drawn growing public attention in recent years. The flood of headlines in the mass media describe this expanding interest and acceptance: The Washington Post, for example, reported in 1994 that an estimated 15 million Americans, or about 6 percent of the population, have tried acupuncture for various ailments that include chronic pain, fatigue, nausea, arthritis, and digestive problems.

How Does it Work?

Traditional acupuncture involves the insertion of stainless steel needles into various body areas. A low-frequency current may be applied to the needles to produce greater stimulation.

Scientific research into acupuncture in the last 25 years has brought a general advance in the understanding of neurophysiologic & neuropharmacologic pain relief mechanisms as they relate to acupuncture (the endorphin theory, the gate theory, and DNIC (diffuse noxious inhibitory control) theory). Evidence indicates that acupuncture stimulates the release of brain chemicals such as endorphins that function to relieve pain. Research shows that acupuncture strengthens the immune system, improves circulation, decreases muscle tightness, and increases joint flexibility.

Most studies on acupuncture have focused on a strong, deep needling-technique to produce neurophysiologic and/or neuropharmacologic responses. In the traditional Chinese method, it is the inducement of de-qi sensation that is emphasized to achieve positive results. Melzack and Wall, co-authors of 'The Challenge of Pain', even suggest that, based on their studies, the importance of intense acupuncture stimulation to induce analgesia should not be underestimated. Many Japanese practitioners use very fine needles and utilize a gentle, shallow needling technique, which has been clinically demonstrated to produce positive results.

Until recently, few studies had investigated the physiological effects of this superficial stimulation technique. A series of experiments carried out by Prof. Kazushi Nishijo's group at the Tsukuba College of Technology in Japan clearly indicate the marked response in autonomic function following specific superficial needling. Their experiments indicated that superficial needling during exhalation in a sitting position induces a consistent parasympathetic response. The action of acupuncture synchronized with the patient's physiological state produces a greater response in parasympathetic activity. Dr. Tanaka's experiment of 1994-96 clearly indicates the significance of superficial needling in EMG activity (Dr. Tanaka is the Director of the Pacific Wellness Institute in Toronto).

The study also provides a partial explanation of pain relief and the mechanism of action behind superficial needling. It is also important to note that a reduction in EMG activity greatly varies according to whether or not the stimulation is applied during the exhalation phase in the patient's breathing cycle or during continuous breathing.

Dr. Tanaka has been successfully utilizing SSE in his own clinical practice and he has noticed that only a small amount of stimulation is actually needed to induce the maximum therapeutic benefits if the patient's biological rhythms are positively utilized. Huang Di Nei Jing (The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine), an ancient Chinese medical text, is so specific that it instructs practitioners to vary point selection and depth according to the season and time of day.

It also notes the importance of considering the respiratory phase during needling and the direction of the needle's insertion. Very few acupuncturists today, however, follow the text's specific directions. This may be due to the philosophical nature of the Huang Di Nei Jing's claim. Physicians of old recognized the importance of the above-mentioned factors in acupuncture treatment through their own experiential observations. Successive acupuncture methodologies have been accumulating for many generations and can be described in toto, as 'Empirical' medicine.

It is, however at this time, necessary to re-evaluate techniques and methods scientifically to form a solid practical foundation. As demonstrated by recent studies, the effectiveness of acupuncture depends not only on point selection and needle depth, but also on the patient's respiratory phase, posture and other more complex variables.

Is it Painful?

Most people are surprised to learn that acupuncture needles are extremely thin. They are not like hypodermic (injection) needles, which are big and hollow. What sets acupuncturists apart are the needles they use. At the Pacific Wellness Institute in Toronto, they use only special ultra-thin needles called moshin-hair needles (0.12mm in diameter) which are thinner than regular acupuncture needles (0.22-0.30mm in diameter) and even thinner than human hair!

Dr. Tanaka and the acupuncturists at the Toronto clinic have mastered the technique of inserting these tiny, delicate needles into the body with minimal discomfort to the patient. In fact, many of their patients do not even feel the needles being inserted and some even fall asleep during the treatment.

How many acupuncture needles can fit inside the opening at the tip of an 18-gauge hypodermic needle (the type commonly used for blood tests)? Forty acupuncture needles can easily fit inside the opening of one hypodermic needle!

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996. The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that they be labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.

TREATMENTS and FEES

Acupuncture: Comprehensive Exam	Acupuncture: Initial Treatment
Fee: $85 Duration: 1.5 hours (Includes Consultation & Treatment) During this visit, a comprehensive examination is done, during which past and present medical history, general health and current complaint are discussed. Pulse and tongue diagnosis, along with appropriate physical examination are also done prior to treatment. Once the imbalances of Qi are identified, your first treatment will begin. Other modalities that may be part of your treatment are Tui Na (Chinese Massage), Cupping, Moxibustion and Auriculotherapy.	Fee: $65 (20% OFF) $52 Offer Expires: Feb. 31, 2010 Duration: 1 hour (Includes Brief Overview of Medical History & Treatment) During your first office visit, our practitioner may ask you at length about your health condition, lifestyle, and behavior. Our practitioner will want to obtain a complete picture of your treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition. Inform the acupuncturist about all treatments or medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have.
Acupuncture: Follow-Up Treatment	Electro Acupuncture
Fee: $55 Duration: 30 - 45 min This session includes treatment and product recommendations. Your progress is monitored and recorded for your subsequent visits	Fee: $40-65 Duration: 30 - 45 min The Benefits of Electro Acupuncture: It substitutes for prolonged hand maneuvering. This helps insure that the patient gets the amount of stimulation needed, because the practitioner may otherwise pause due to fatigue. Electro-acupuncture may also help reduce total treatment time by providing the continued stimulus. It can produce a stronger stimulation, if desired, without causing tissue damage associated with twirling and lifting and thrusting the needle. Strong stimulation may be needed for difficult cases of neuralgia or paralysis. It is easier to control the frequency of the stimulus and the amount of stimulus than with hand manipulation of the needles. Good results are expected from electro-acupuncture treatment of neurological diseases, including chronic pain, spasm, and paralysis In patients with serious cardiac diseases.
MERIDIAN GRAPHING: Initial Consultation
Fee: $25 Duration: 1 hour Meridian graphing is a modern technique used by acupuncturists to determine the general circulation of Chi. This helps to select the fewest yet most effective points. The 2 most frequent techniques of point selection in traditional meridian therapy is the "listening" to the 12 meridian pulses, and the "tongue observation". These 2 techniques are problematic in that they are subjective in their findings, whereas the graph is standardized. The meridian graph allows a patient to see his/her graph, formulate a treatment protocol, and see the improvements for themselves on the graph as they occur.

FAQ'S

What Is it? How Does it Work?

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

How Many Treatments Will I Need? The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENT?

Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to takeplace. Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.

WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE? DO THEY HURT?

People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cuttingedges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.

Because your doctor carefully sterilizes the needles using the same techniques as for surgical instruments, or uses disposable needles, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK?

Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.

IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY HEALTH INSURANCE?

Some insurance companies currently cover acupuncture costs, other companies do not yet recognize the value of acupuncture. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine acupuncture benefits. More and more insurance companies are recognizing the value of providing coverage for medical acupuncture services. You can help by insisting that your insurance company offer you reimbursement for medically indicated acupuncture treatments before you accept their policy.