Website & All Contents Written & Published by Audrey Rock Moss, B.S., L.M.T., M.Ac.O.M., L.Ac                Copywright 2009

FAQ Topic Index

Is acupuncture scary or painful?   How many needles and for how long?

Do I need to see a western doctor first?   Is acupuncture safe and sterile?

What conditions respond well to acupuncture?

What is the history of acupuncture?

What is an acupuncture channel (meridian) and what is an acupoint?

What is acupressure?  What is Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM?

Acupuncture & Pain: Virtually Painless Techniques

Is Qi Energy?

What is Gua Sha or Friction Therapy? What is Cupping?

RCT’s – Random Controlled Trials

Is acupuncture scary or painful?

Not at all…thanks to virtually painless techniques. You really need to see a gentle acupuncturist like Audrey if you have strong reservations, or consider getting a massage before your session to calm your nerves.

 Acupuncture has a wonderful reputation for making patients feel sleepy, spaced-out and calm. Acupuncture needles are the tiny size of a human hair, and are not hollow. Acupuncture won’t feel anything like having your blood drawn! Many acupuncture needles could fit inside the diameter of one syringe. Some people actually like to feel a bit of pain during their acupuncture sessions, similar to how a good deep-tissue massage ‘hurts so good.’ Other patients have an actual fear of pain and need very gentle acupuncture treatments, where the therapist uses massage as a distraction and sneaks in only a few needles.

You will feel a lot of interesting sensations while receiving acupuncture; patients who are very sensitive may perceive these odd and different sensations as pain because they can be very intense. The more times you have acupuncture, the more familiar you will become with these odd little Qi-based sensations and the less ‘pain’ you will feel. That being said, it is normal to feel a pricking sensation as the needle pierces the first layer of skin. The smaller the pins, the less you will feel upon insertion. We keep larger-diameter pins around for patients who have a higher pain tolerance or even knumbness. A kind acupuncturist will always ask you about your pain tolerance, and about any previous experiences you may have had with acupuncture. The typical acupuncture appointments lasts anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

In general, women who have had children typically do very well with acupuncture, as do men with a high pain tolerance (as long as they aren’t standing up). I don’t generally recommend the use of acupuncture for children, but it is used extensively on both babies and children in China and other Eastern countries. Patients who don’t watch the needle insertion often feel little or nothing at all when the needle is inserted, proving that mental state is a large part of the experience. I prefer to call the needles WIRES, because it more accurately describes how the long flexible pieces of sterile metal are being used to access the acupoints.

How many needles and for how long?

The number if needles used will primarily be based on the personality and pain tolerance of the patient, and the acupuncture style being used. Larger treatments are good if the case is complicated and the patient has a strong body type. If the patient is apprehensive or of weaker constitution, the treatment could be as few as one to five needles. Herbs and massage can be very helpful in the case management of sensitive patients, as can acupressure. Pain-sensitive clients tend to be highly responsive to both acupuncture and massage techniques, meaning smaller treatments can produce a great result. Pins can be placed and removed immediately in a technique dubbed in-and-out. Usually, pins (needles) are left in position for 5 to 45 minutes, while the patient listens to music and relaxes on the table. 

Should I get diagnosed by a western doctor before receiving acupuncture for a serious or persistent condition?

It is extremely helpful to have a reasonably current western medical diagnosis from your PCP or primary care physician before you schedule a series of acupuncture or massage treatments. The more information the acupuncturist collects about your case, the more your treatment plan can be individualized for faster and stronger results. You don’t have to bring your medical records, but the acupuncturist may ask you for them if your case is complicated or serious in nature.

If you are on a lot of medications, please prepare a detailed list before coming to your initial appointment. There is space for a long medications list on Audrey’s required medical history form, printable from the homepage of this website. It is likely that I will recommend mild food and diet therapy (rather than Chinese herbal formulas) to patients taking many different pharmaceuticals.

Receiving massage, acupuncture and other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine for severe, acute pain and other very serious and/or debilitating conditions may require the direct consent of your doctor (PCP). A Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) is not a PCP doctor and cannot legally diagnose medical conditions. An L.Ac. also cannot prescribe pharmaceuticals, or give advice on the consumption of pharmaceutical medications in the state of Oregon. If you have a question about your medication you must speak with your doctor.

 If you are bleeding or you are in so much pain you think you need a doctor—then you need to go and see a doctor. If you think something may be sprained, cracked or otherwise mangled or broken please call 9-1-1, go to the local Emergency Room, or call your family doctor for advice and a specific diagnosis.

Acupuncturists can work under and with your doctors to develop a plan appropriate for your particular condition and situation. In cases of severe trauma rehabilitation, such as joint reconstructions, it is useful for the acupuncturist to summon current medical records and study post-surgical X-rays to become familiar with the location of any extra screws or hardware.

 If you feel you need joint adjustments and so-called fast manipulations you MUST seek treatment from a licensed chiropractor or osteopathic physician.

Is acupuncture safe and sterile?

Sanitation: a must

Moss Acupuncture & Massage is over-zealously compliant with all laws pertaining to the disposal of medical waste, linen laundering and storage, and equipment disinfection and sterilization. Before application of an acupuncture needle or before plum-blossom or other techniques that break the skin, the skin surface is cleansed with a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol solution.

I use only disposable, one-time-use STERILE needles of the finest quality in my clinic, so you will never have to worry about coming into contact with blood-borne pathogens. The needles used for each patient are always counted, and thus properly accounted for after use and placed into a hard-sided SHARPS container. I use mail-back containers because I like to send away all the used needles frequently. Acupuncture needles are bought pre-packaged in recyclable boxes of 100 or more. One to 10 needles are sealed together in packets, opened only when the acupuncturist is ready to place the needles. The acupuncturist won’t touch the shaft of the needle, but rather will grab it by the handle to maintain sterility. I mainly use short, SEREIN brand needles pre-sterilized with ethylene oxide gas. SEREIN needles are extremely fine --smaller than a human hair and are excellent for painless acupuncture styles.

All tables, surfaces and non-disposable clinical utensils are cleaned between each patient visit and maintained with hospital-grade antiviral solution. Universal precautions are always observed. Chinese cups, gua-sha tools and clinic linens are cleaned promptly after each use with hot water and bleach solution as defined by law.  I keep a clean and well-lit clinic area. Linens are stored in cabinets specific to that purpose, a suitable distance above the floor and in a dust-free cabinet.

 I avoid table paper because it is cheap and very annoying and reminds me of the nurse’s office of grade school. I value each of my patients enough to use a real sheets and formal draping methods to preserve modesty and warmth. I don’t leave my patients alone in a room when needles have been inserted.

Position: depends on the client

Acupuncture needles in general are flexible and very strong, but you want to avoid moving your arms and legs during the treatment. Most treatments are done with the patient laying down on their front or back. Chair treatments are also common when we are doing ear acupuncture treatments. Scalp acupuncture patients will often be asked to do exercises during the session, as scalp needles seldom fall out during exercise. All needles are removed before the patient leaves the clinic.  A good healer will always incite your feedback and adjust the healing technique according to your symptoms, personality/preferences and energy level.

What conditions respond well to acupuncture treatment?

According to Chinese medical theory, acupuncture can be used to regain balance within the body and reduce pain and discomfort by restoring the proper energetic flow if qi.

Basically, we can treat any set of symptoms using the diagnostic framework of Chinese Medicine. However, acupuncture is especially helpful in clinic for conditions involving pain, restlessness and deficient or imbalanced organ function.

Acupuncture has been endorsed by major health organizations:

The World Health Organization  has published a list of 106 health disorders for which they feel acupuncture is an appropriate treatment method. I have posted some of this information below. In addition, the National Institute of Health issued a consensus statement
 in 1997 endorsing the use of acupuncture certain health conditions. The long and beautifully written consensus of acupuncture can be ‘googled’ on the internet or located on the NIH website at http://consensus.nih.gov/1997/1997Acupuncture107html.htm

According to the World Health Organization (WHO),
 ACUPUNCTURE CAN TREAT DISORDERS OF THE FOLLOWING SYSTEMS:

Neurological

Respiratory

Urogenital

Cardiovascular

Integumentary (Skin)

Digestion

Blood

Gynecological

IN ADDITION, ACUPUNCTURE CAN TREAT THE FOLLOWING:
**Of the conditions below, many require a western medical diagnosis as well, and the categories below in no way imply that a western diagnosis has been made by the acupuncture practitioner.**

Obstetric disorders

Sense Organ disorders

Psychiatric disorders
 
PAIN….and other conditions not listed here at this time.

 For more details on the conditions treatable with acupuncture and specific treatment methods for each condition, please visit the large website of the Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Health Information Organization at http://tcm.health-info.org

Categorization of illness treatable according to the long-term observations of Chinese medical practitioners and their clients:

Wheezing
 
Asthma

Headaches

Dizziness

Breathlessness (shortness of breath)

Allergic Rhinitis (hay-fever type allergies)

Sinusitis

Insomnia

Tinnitus (ear ringing)

Chest Painful Obstruction Syndrome

Tiredness (fatigue)

Mental-Emotional Problems

Cough

Diarrhoea or Diarrhea

Epigastric Pain

Constipation

Abdominal Pain (tummy aches)

Hypochondrial Pain (under ribs in the costal region)

Abdominal Masses

Painful-Urination Syndrome

Bleeding

Dysmenorrhoea (uterine cramps)

Menorrhagia & Metrorrhagia (flooding/trickling disorder generally associated with menopause)

Pre-Menstrual Tension (pms)

Wind-Stroke

Painful Obstruction Syndrome

Oedema or Edema (fluid retention)

Parkinson's Disease

Common Cold

Multiple Sclerosis

Atrophy Syndrome

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (Post-Viral Syndrome, Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus Disease)

Lower Backache & Sciatica
 
Enuresis (bedwetting)

 Incontinence  (lack or decrease of bladder control, bowel control)         (Maciocia, 1994)



Syncope (tunneled vision)

Sunstroke

Malaria

Vomiting

Hiccup

Dysentery

Abdominal Distention

Jaundice

Prolapse of Rectum (and other organs)

Impotence

Palpitations

Manic-Depressive Disorders

Melancholia

Facial Pain

Deviation of the Eyes and Mouth (generally related to wind-stroke)

Dysmenorrhea (cramps)

 Amenorrhea (lack of period)

Uterine Bleeding

Insufficient Lactation

(Uterine) Prolapse

Uticaria (hives)

Sprains & Contusions (bruises)

Deafness

 Tinnitus (ear ringing)

Toothache

Optic Atrophy

Sore Throat

(Liangyue, et al, 1999) **It is important for anyone reading this to know that the Chinese Medical categories above do NOT reflect Western Medical Diagnoses.

What is the history behind acupuncture?

*Know that like all historical knowledge, the history of the use and development of acupuncture is somewhat debated. Due to the disintegration of early paper technology and recording techniques, war, fires and the wear caused by time in general, much information has been lost or is difficult to piece together.*
       -Audrey R. Moss, L.Ac.

Acupuncture itself is at least 2,500 - 3,000 years old, as evidenced by archaeological finds including needles made of bone, stone and bronze. The first recorded text was called the
Yellow Emperor’s Cannon of Internal Medicine.

Over centuries of continuous practice and refinement many schools of Chinese medicine have blossomed, with only a few withstanding the test of time. Only the best clinical information and broadly applicable ideas have survived. The clinically useful aspects of each branch became integrated into what we know as TCM in the 1950’s by Mao.
 
TCM stands for Traditional Chinese Medicine. The move was a successful attempt on the part of the Chinese government to nationalize and unify their healthcare system. In 1971 an American journalist for the NY Times was injured while traveling in China and received a painless surgery for appendicitis in Beijing with only the use of acupuncture for anesthesia. Upon returning to the United States he wrote about his experiences in China. His articles sparked a wave of curiosity about the use of acupuncture in place of medication in the massive hospitals of China.

TCM is a growing body of knowledge, ever inspired by the increasing ability of science to validate long-standing treatment methods and ancient ideas. (Deadman, 2001) (Kaptchuk, 2000) (Maciocia, 1994)

What is an acupuncture channel (meridian) and what is an acupoint?

When you see drawings of the acupuncture channels it looks like thin lines connecting to hundreds of little dots. The lines are the channels, or meridians and each dot is one acupuncture point. Acupuncture points are sites where the Qi or vital energy of the 12 Zang and Fu organs and their respective channel (meridian) travels closer to the surface and is thus more readily accessible. Six Zang meridians and 6 Fu meridians make up the 12 primary channels. There are also extraordinary channels made of combinations of the standard channels. Extra points have been added to the system over time; located off standard channel locations but clinically effective in treatments.   It is the energetic Yang aspect of Qi that flows within these meridians; it is manipulated with acupuncture, massage, electricity, herbal medicine and other methods.

What is acupressure?

The most basic explanation of acupressure is when a variety of massage techniques are utilized to stimulate the acupoints. Mint and cinnamon-based topical herbal formulas and liniments that strongly warm or cool to soothe muscle pain are often applied to the acupoints. All massages are a form of acupressure.

Tuina  is an ancient, well-defined Chinese massage system. Basic orthopedic testing is combined with acupressure and deep tissue massage strategies.  Treatment protocols are specific for the injured joint or region, and often involve focused massage to the trigger and motor points of injured muscles. Tuina is often combined with electro-acupuncture therapy during a treatment for low back or neck pain. A variety of myofascial release and tissue warming techniques are also employed; these have descriptive names like pushing, pressing and rolling. Tuina is considered more vigorous and energetic than Shiatsu.

Shiatsu massage is a slow, calming and formal Japanese acupressure style featuring thumb pressure and other methods to stimulate and cleanse the meridians. Traditionally, Shiatsu is performed on a thick floor mat but it works just fine on a standard massage table. In ancient Japan, the best Shiatsu practitioners were blind and had a profound sense of the energetic flow within the meridians. Shiatsu routines can stimulate the entire body, or simply focus on an injured or sore region. Practitioners do very little talking and a meditative-like monotony is expected (we are trained to be quiet and focused while cleansing the meridians).

Much debate exists concerning the best method with which to measure the effectiveness of acupuncture during research trials,
and if sham-needling with toothpicks and non-traditional point locations should be included in research protocols.

Research Links: will be here at some point....