Category: Acupuncture

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tenderness in localized areas of the body. It can be challenging to manage, and people living with fibromyalgia often experience a reduced quality of life. People with fibromyalgia may be more sensitive to pain than people without it. It is called abnormal pain perception processing. Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million American adults, about 2% of the adult population. The common treatments of fibromyalgia include pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen, antidepressants such as Duloxetine (Cymbalta), and anti-seizure drugs such as Gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica).

Many people diagnosed with fibromyalgia seek acupuncture therapy as complementary and alternative medicine to manage pain and fatigue from fibromyalgia especially because many of them are concerned with long-term effect of the drugs. In recent years, research has shown that acupuncture can help alleviate pain, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. A study published in the Journal of Pain in 2010 found that acupuncture significantly improved pain and quality of life in fibromyalgia patients compared to a control group. Another study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2013 found that acupuncture was effective as fibromyalgia pain relief and in reducing fatigue in fibromyalgia patients. There are many more randomized controlled trials that proves acupuncture is an effective treatment of chronic pain and other pain conditions.

The exact mechanisms behind the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating fibromyalgia are not entirely clear. Still, researchers believe that it works by activating the body’s natural painkillers, reducing inflammation, and improving circulation. Acupuncture may also help to balance the nervous system promoting a sense of calm and relaxation that can alleviate stress and anxiety, which often exacerbate fibromyalgia symptoms.

One of the benefits of acupuncture as a treatment for fibromyalgia or any other disorders is that it is relatively safe and has few side effects. The acupuncture needles are incredibly thin, so patients typically experience little to no pain during treatment. Additionally, acupuncture is non-invasive and does not require medication, making it an attractive option for people who prefer natural remedies or have had adverse reactions to other forms of treatment.

Acupuncture is a promising complementary therapy for fibromyalgia that may help alleviate pain, fatigue, and other symptoms associated with the condition. While further research is needed to fully understand how acupuncture works and its long-term effects on fibromyalgia, many people living with the disorder have reported significant improvements in their quality of life after receiving acupuncture treatment. If you are considering acupuncture as a treatment for fibromyalgia, please give us a call for initial consultation and exam to see if acupuncture is right for you. When you look for acupuncturists in your area, we recommend to check the site of NCCAOM, National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, to find nationally certified acupuncturists. If you prefer MDs certified in acupuncture, please check the site of American Academy of Medical Acupuncture for the provider listing.

Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat a wide variety of health conditions. While some people may experience immediate relief after their first acupuncture session, others may require ongoing treatment to see the full benefits. Many acupuncturists including myself recommend that our patients receive treatment more than once a week in the beginning to achieve optimal results.

Many people assume that acupuncture is a one-time treatment that can provide immediate relief from pain or other symptoms. While it’s not uncommon for our patients to get immediate relief in one treatment, the effect is usually short-living unless they come back for more treatments. In China, patients are required to come in for treatment 3-4 times a week if not daily.

One of the main reasons why multiple acupuncture sessions are necessary is because the effects of the treatment are cumulative. Each time a needle is inserted, it stimulates the body’s natural healing response, which can help to reduce pain, inflammation, and stress. However, the benefits of acupuncture tend to be temporary, especially at the beginning, so frequent sessions are needed to maintain the positive effects.

In addition, the frequency of acupuncture treatment may also depend on a few other factors. One main factor is the severity of the condition being treated. For example, chronic pain or other long-term health issues may require more frequent treatment to achieve long-lasting relief. Another factor is age. As much we would love to help our older patients get better quickly, it usually takes longer and more treatments for them to improve. (However, some elderly patients surprised us by getting better so quickly!)

Another reason why more frequent acupuncture sessions may be beneficial is that they can help to build a stronger patient-practitioner relationship. Acupuncturists who see their patients on a regular basis have a better understanding of their health history, symptoms, and treatment preferences. This can lead to more personalized and effective treatment plans, which can ultimately result in better outcomes.

Of course, receiving acupuncture treatment more than once a week may not be feasible or affordable for everyone. However, it’s important to understand that the frequency of treatment can have a significant impact on its effectiveness. If you’re considering acupuncture as a form of treatment, be sure to discuss your options with us. Together, you can develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs and goals.

Peripheral neuropathy, also known as neuropathy, is a condition that affects the nerves in the peripheral nervous system, which includes the nerves in the arms, legs, hands, and feet. Symptoms of neuropathy include pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.

Treatment for neuropathy depends on the underlying cause of the condition. If neuropathy is caused by a medical condition such as diabetes, it is important to first manage the underlying condition to help prevent further nerve damage. For example, if neuropathy is caused by diabetes, controlling blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medication can help to reduce symptoms and prevent further damage. 

Medications are a common treatment option for neuropathy. Antidepressants and anticonvulsants can help to reduce pain, while medications such as capsaicin cream, lidocaine patch, and gabapentin can be used to target specific symptoms. 

However, many come to our clinic because they do not want to take or keep taking these medications listed above or get surgeries.  Those who prefer to manage neuropathy in more natural way, acupuncture can be one of the best choices.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi (often translated as energy and oxygen) and promote healing. It has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of conditions, including neuropathy.

Research has shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for neuropathy. In one study, patients with diabetic neuropathy who received acupuncture experienced significant improvements in pain, numbness, and tingling compared to those who received a sham treatment. Another study found that acupuncture was more effective than medication in reducing pain and improving quality of life in patients with neuropathy.

The mechanism by which acupuncture works for neuropathy is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to its ability to stimulate the release of pain-relieving chemicals in the body, such as endorphins and serotonin. Acupuncture may also help to improve blood flow and reduce inflammation, both of which can contribute to neuropathic pain.

Overall, acupuncture can be an effective treatment for neuropathy, providing relief from pain and other symptoms without the side effects associated with medications. If you are suffering from neuropathy, call us to book initial consultations to find out whether acupuncture may be a good option for you.

It is important to note that treatment for neuropathy can be a long-term process and may involve a combination of different therapies.  It is best to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific case.

Some patients have told me that their neighbors or friends had said that their physical therapists would soon be offering dry needling that they would rather wait for that instead of coming for acupuncture. Or their physical therapist already offered dry needling treatments and they would rather go to him/her. 

I find the situation with dry needling performed by people with very little training extremely alarming.

Dry needling is the term used by physical therapists to describe trigger point needling.  Dry needling or trigger point needling means inserting (acupuncture) needles into muscle knots called trigger points to release muscle tightness and alleviate pain. (The term “dry” is used to describe the procedure because no liquid is injected into the site while using the needles). Dry needling focuses on muscle knots rather than using acupuncture points along meridians.  To add to the confusion, many acupuncture points and known trigger point locations often overlap with one another. 

Laws regarding dry needling vary from state to state.  In New York, it is illegal for physical therapists to perform dry needling since puncturing skin (with needles) is not in the scope of their practice.  In New Jersey, physical therapists were recently granted the right to perform dry needling.  Currently, at least 37 states in the US allow physical therapists to perform dry needling.  What is alarming about this trend is that in many states very little training is required for physical therapists to perform dry needling.  Sometimes one or two weekend courses are enough to satisfy the requirements if any.  Unfortunately, these courses may also be taught by those who have very little training themselves.  Too often, I find news about patients developing pneumothorax (puncture of the lungs) after dry needling.  Some of you may remember the national female soccer player from UK had to retire soon after a self-proclaimed “expert” performed acupuncture on her and caused pneumothorax.  If you keep reading the article, it turns out that the “expert” was not a trained acupuncturist.  (Problem is, in UK almost anybody can perform acupuncture.)  I also see pictures of dry needling in Facebook or other social media.  In trained eyes of an acupuncturist, those pictures look like accidents waiting to happen. 

Proper training for any professional who is going to insert acupuncture needles into a patient should be similar or equal to traditional acupuncture training.  Licensed acupuncturists in most states undergo over 250 hours of training and take exams and get certified by NCCAOM after graduating from acupuncture schools.  Some of us received additional training in trigger point needling (dry needling) like myself.  For the 3 years while I was in the school, in addition to education and training based on TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), I was trained in trigger point needling by renowned Dr. Mark Seem from the Tri-State College of Acupuncture as well as Japanese style acupuncture developed by Kiiko Matsumoto. Safety of patients should be the primary concern for both acupuncturists and physical therapists.  However, as a patient, if you decide to receive dry needling in NY state, please contact your therapist or acupuncturist beforehand to see if they have all the necessary training in trigger point needling to suite your needs.  In New Jersey and other states in which physical therapists are allowed to dry needle, as a patient, please ask many questions about their training in dry needling, safe skills and length of their practice in dry needling.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medical practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. It is used to treat various conditions and sometimes as an alternative to Western medicine.

Acupuncture is thought to stimulate the nervous system, where chemicals are released to fight the pain. These chemicals can help to relieve pain, relax the body, and improve mood.

It is generally considered to be safe when performed by a trained professional. There is a small risk of bleeding, bruising, or infection at the needle site. Serious side effects are rare.

Acupuncture can treat various conditions, including headaches, chronic pain, menstrual cramps, and nausea. It may also help to improve overall well-being and to reduce stress and anxiety.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture has been used for centuries as a form of traditional Chinese medicine. The basic principle behind acupuncture is that our bodies have energy pathways or meridians that flow through them. This energy, known as Qi (pronounced “chi” or “chee”), is responsible for our overall health and wellbeing. When our Qi is blocked or unbalanced, it can lead to various health problems.

Acupuncture is said to restore the balance of Qi by stimulating specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points. The needles used in acupuncture are thought to help unblock the flow of Qi and restore balance. In addition, acupuncture is often used to treat pain, as it is thought to target the source of the pain and relieve it.

A growing body of scientific evidence supports the use of acupuncture. Studies have shown that acupuncture can effectively treat various conditions, including pain, headaches, nausea, and fatigue. In addition, acupuncture is generally considered safe, with a low risk of side effects.

The Benefits Of Acupuncture: Why Is Acupuncture An Effective Treatment For Many Conditions?

Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain but can also treat other conditions, such as migraines, nausea, anxiety, and depression.

There are several reasons why acupuncture is an effective treatment for many conditions:

• It is a natural form of medicine with few side effects. 
• It can be customized to each individual’s needs.
• It is a drug-free treatment option. 
• It is a safe treatment option for all ages. 
• Acupuncture is a relatively affordable form of healthcare.

If you are considering acupuncture for yourself or a loved one, it is important to consult with a qualified practitioner to ensure that it is the proper treatment for you.

Acupuncture For Pain Relief: What Pain Conditions Can Acupuncture Help With?

The most common reason to use acupuncture is to get relief from pain. It is thought to work by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of a variety of pain conditions. Some of them are below:

• Headaches
• Migraines
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Dental pain
• menstrual cramps

If you are suffering from pain, acupuncture may be worth considering as a treatment option. However, it is important to consult with a qualified practitioner to ensure that the needles are inserted correctly and that you are not allergic to any materials used.  Needles are sterile and one-time use disposable to ensure cleanliness.

Conclusion

Acupuncture is an ancient healing art used for centuries to help people with various ailments. Today, acupuncture is still used by many people to help relieve pain, improve their overall health, and reduce stress. If you are looking for an alternative treatment option, acupuncture may be worth considering.
If you’re interested in trying acupuncture, please don’t hesitate to contact us We would be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions