 Acupuncture treatment
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), one of the
oldest continuous systems of medicine dating back 4,000 years. It is the
most commonly used system of healing in the world.
TCM is based on the belief that what
happens to one part of the body affects every other part of the body.
Similarly, organs and organ systems are viewed as interconnected structures
that work together to keep the body functioning.
One of the TCM concepts is qi (pronounced “chi”), which is considered a
vital force or energy. Qi flows through the body via channels, or pathways,
called meridians. Imbalances in the flow of qi cause illness; correction of
this flow restores the body to balance.
Acupuncture restores the balance, thus allowing for the normal flow of qi
throughout the body and restoring health to the mind and body.
What
should I expect on my first visit?
The first visit to an acupuncturist usually begins with the practitioner
taking a detailed history. After review, the practitioner will begin
diagnosing your ailment. Palpation (to explore by touch) of various
acupuncture points on the body, an examination of the tongue, as well as
pulse, are common diagnostic techniques in acupuncture.
Using all of the information, the practitioner will then determine the
cause of your symptoms. Needles will be inserted into specific acupuncture
points on the body. The acupuncturist may use moxa or electrical stimulation
to enhance acupuncture's therapeutic effects.
The number of treatment sessions depends on the seriousness of your
condition. A typical course of acupuncture treatment is 10 sessions,
although significant improvements can occur after just a couple visits. Your
first visit may take 90 minutes, with subsequent visits lasting about 60
minutes.
Does it hurt?
Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are solid and hair-thin –
not designed to cut the skin. They are also inserted to much more shallow
levels than hypodermic needles, generally no more than 1/2 -inch to an inch.
While each person experiences acupuncture differently, most people feel only
a minimal amount of sensation as the needles are inserted. Some people
report feeling a sensation of excitement, while others feel relaxed.
Conditions commonly treated with acupuncture
Diseases of the muscles, bones and joints
- Sprains
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
Diseases of the nervous system
- Strokes
- Neuralgia
- Anxiety, depression and other nervous disorders
- Nerve paralysis
- Headaches/migraines
Digestive disorders
- Indigestion
- Stomach ulcers
- Gall stones
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Diseases of the respiratory system
- Asthma/allergies
- Bronchitis
- Sinusitis
Diseases of the heart and blood vessels
- Angina
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
- Drug addiction
- Smoking
Obstetrics and gynecology
- Fetal malposition
- PMS
- Menopause symptoms (hot flashes)
- Dysmenorrhia
- Amenorrhia
- Uterine Bleeding
- Infertility
Who provides acupuncture in Wisconsin?
Most acupuncture treatment in Wisconsin is
provided by certified acupuncturists who have
graduated from an accredited school and have passed
the national board examinations. Medical doctors
with additional training can also provide
acupuncture treatments.
Locations and
contact information
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