Questions and Answers About Acupuncture
“Acupuncture is
not widely known or used in North Dakota, but patients have had excellent
outcomes,” explains Karla Sayler, director of the Center for
Integrated Medicine at St. Alexius. “This treatment is gaining
acceptance nationwide. The National Institutes of Health recently released
a consensus statement that further validates the utilization, as well as
the effectiveness, of acupuncture.”
One in four Americans
uses some type of complementary and alternative medicine such as massage
therapy, music therapy, aromatherapy, chiropractic care or acupuncture. In
1999, St. Alexius conducted research to determine the utilization of these
treatments in our community. The results showed that people living in
Bismarck-Mandan used most of these therapies more than the national
average. For instance, chiropractic care and massage therapy were used by
11 percent of Americans nationwide, while 37 percent of residents in
Bismarck-Mandan used chiropractic care and 22 percent used massage
therapy. Of those who responded to this local survey, 75 percent felt
alternative therapies were “somewhat effective” or “very
effective.” “More health systems are integrating alternative and
complementary medicine into their service offerings,” Sayler says.
“St. Alexius has been researching this field for two years. We feel
consumers are asking health systems to offer alternative and complementary
medicine and expect the same quality of care as any other services
hospitals provide.”
The following is an
interview with Robert Gietzen, certified acupuncturist affiliated with St.
Alexius Medical Center.
What is Acupuncture?
The National Institutes of Health define acupuncture as an ancient
Chinese health practice that involves puncturing the skin with hair-thin
needles at particular locations, called acupuncture points, on the
patient’s body. This stimulates production of certain chemicals in the
brain. These chemical changes help to reduce pain or release other
chemicals, such as hormones, that influence the body’s self-regulating
systems.
Acupuncture had a
dramatic increase in popularity during President Nixon’s trip to China
when a staff member became ill and had a miraculous recovery after being
treated with acupuncture. Now more than one million Americans each year
receive acupuncture.
How does it Work?
The ancient Chinese discovered electrical impulses passed through the
body in pathways called meridians. Each pathway is associated with a
specific body system and organ. If the energy within the pathways is
disrupted, disease occurs. The purpose of acupuncture is to restore this
disrupted energy flow and promote balance and healing in the body.
What does
Acupuncture Treat?
One of the main reasons Americans seek acupuncture treatment is to
assist in the treatment of chronic problems, such as severe
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, post-surgical pain,
tennis elbow, and many other chronic conditions.
Acupuncture increases
flexibility and restores blood flow, which in turn decreases pain.
Patients treated for arthritic knees and tennis elbow respond very
quickly. Those with sever osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis don’t
necessarily respond as quickly; however, acupuncture can be very effective
over time. Typically, arthritic conditions can not be alleviated. However,
with acupuncture, patients generally become more flexible, allowing them a
better quality of life.
Acupuncture also complements
conventional treatment. Treating post-surgical pain with a combination of
drugs and acupuncture is just one example. Acupuncture may also reduce the
need for conventional pain-killing medications. Since patients may need a
lesser dosage, the risk of side effects from those drugs is reduced.
What are the Side
Effects of Acupuncture?
Side effects are minimal to none.
What Happens at the
First Visit?
A detailed health history is obtained using Chinese methodology. An
extremity problem, like tennis elbow or a knee injury, would require a
minimal examination, while someone suffering from a chronic condition such
as fibromyalgia would receive a more in-depth examination.
Is Acupuncture
Painful?
Acupuncturists are trained in exact needle placement. Unlike the
thicker, hollow hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are solid and hair
thin. As a result of a special technique and practice, patients report
that a majority of the time they experience no pain. At worst, it is often
no more painful than a mosquito bite. A defective needle or one placed
improperly can cause soreness or pain. That’s why you should choose a
qualified acupuncturist.
Acupuncture needles are
regulated by the Food and Drug Administration in the same way as scalpels
and hypodermic syringes. Acupuncture needles must be sterile and
used only once.
What if I Am Afraid
of Needles?
There are numerous ways to make people comfortable prior to
acupuncture. If a patient doesn’t want to have needles used,
acupressure beads can be positioned on the body. The patient
stimulates the bead throughout the day. Patients feel the effects and most
times will make the decision to be needled. In addition, there are other
ways to achieve the positive effects of Chinese medicine without the use
of needles.
Do I Have to Keep
Coming Back?
If you have a chronic condition, like osteoarthritis, the initial
treatment will be more aggressive. Once you are feeling better, you should
let the body promote its own healing, returning to an acupuncturist only
as necessary for pain control.
One positive aspect
about acupuncture is that it has a cumulative effect. The more you do it,
the more powerful its effects become. Typically, women feel its effects
more quickly than men.
For conditions such as
post-surgical knee or hip pain, once you’ve stimulated that area and have
energy flowing, that pain generally doesn’t return unless the are is
injured again.
What Type of Results
Have You Seen?
I’ve worked with arthritis patients who have contemplated quitting
their jobs and have been almost wheelchair bound. After acupuncture
treatments, they have noted improved quality of life, resuming more of
their normal life activities. The arthritis isn’t cured, but the treatment
has given them more flexibility. These patients need ongoing care. How
much depends on their activity level.
Do I Need a Referral
From a Physician to Make an Appointment?
No. We would be glad to accept referral from your physician, but it’s
not necessary. You can refer yourself to our center.
One of our goals is to
have ongoing communication with your physician regarding the scope of
treatment and outcomes.
Is Acupuncture
Covered by Insurance?
Currently, North Dakota does not provide coverage for this service.
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