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What is
acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine that
encourages the body to promote natural healing and to
improve overall functioning. Acupuncture uses tiny
thread-like needles to stimulate specific points along
pathways of energy called meridians. These meridians run
through the body and along its surface in regular patterns
to nourish and regulate all bodily functions. As long as
energy flows freely, health is maintained. If energy
becomes blocked or depleted, pain or illness will result.
Classical Chinese theory
states that stimulation of acupuncture points facilitates
the movement of energy or qi (pronounced chee) along the
meridians to either release blocked energy or regulate an
area of weakness. Basically, it helps to correct imbalances
in the body and in effect alleviate pain, cure illness and
smooth emotions. According to modern science, research
suggests that the meridians are actually our nervous system
pathways. Inserting needles at acupuncture points has been
clinically proven to stimulate specific nerve fibers to
carry electrical impulses back to the brain to correct these
internal imbalances and release hormones, such as
endorphins, to alleviate pain and promote healing.
How many treatments will
I need?
The number of
treatments depends largely on the nature of the condition.
In general, the more recently the condition has developed,
the shorter the treatment time will be. Also, the body
will respond more quickly to treatment. If the
condition is a chronic, long standing condition, it will
take longer for the body to regain balance. However, a
patients adherence to herbal medicine prescriptions, dietary
and lifestyle advice and exercise recommendations will also
play a large role in the success of their healing process.
Where do
the needles go?
The places most frequently
used are from your elbows down to your wrists, and from your
knees down to your feet. Extra needles may be placed
specifically in the location of your condition. During the
entire treatment, you will be modestly covered.
Is
acupuncture painful?
Unlike injection needles that
are hollow to allow space for fluid, acupuncture needles are
as fine as a human hair. Most patients do not even feel the
needles when they are inserted. Once the needles are in
place, the patient rests with them for 20-30 minutes.
During this time, many patients fall asleep or use the time
for calm, meditative breathing.
What if I
am afraid of needles?
If the
thought of needles still makes you squeamish, we can ease
you into treatment by using other effective methods of
stimulating the necessary acupuncture points. Moxabustion
is a therapy in which the herb Artemesia Vulgaris is warmed
over the body to improve blood flow to specific areas and
stimulate a healing process. Traditional meridian massage
and cupping techniques, which may also be used, are mild and
soothing. Light Therapy is also a very effective method of
stimulating acupuncture points. The visible red light
penetrates the tissue and causes changes in the electrical
potential and energy of the cell. It also causes the
release of serotonin, which improves microcirculation. If
you have concerns about any treatment, you can request
gentle, non-needle techniques or ask for a demonstration of
the modality before treatment.
Are the
needles sterile?
Every needle used in our
center is a pre-packaged, sterile, single-use needle. Each
needle is used one time and then placed in a Bio-Hazard
container. We do not re-use needles.
Can I
combine acupuncture/herbal medicine with Western Medicine?
Many clients undergo TCM
treatments alongside conventional medication and
procedures. Acupuncture and herbal medicine actually
compliment Western Medicine very nicely. With TCM, western
medicine can often be reduced slowly as the patient’s health
improves (after consultation with the patient’s conventional
doctor and TCM practitioner). Please be sure to keep both
your conventional doctor and TCM practitioner informed as to
what herbs and medications you are currently taking.
What are
herbal medicines and why are they used?
Herbal medicines combined with acupuncture tend to provide a
quicker, more effective healing response without any
side-effects. Herbal medicines correct internal imbalances
rather than simply treating symptoms. Once the internal
imbalance is corrected, a patient will experience relief of
symptoms above and beyond what their chief complaint was.
Using herbal medicine is also cost effective as the number
and frequency of acupuncture visits can usually be reduced.
What should I
do before and after a treatment?
When you go for an
acupuncture treatment:
-
Make sure you have eaten,
but not too recently.
-
Try to relax, both before
and after your treatment.
-
Be aware that when you
are ovulating or menstruating as you may feel more
sensitive to your treatments.
-
Rest after your treatment
if you can.
-
Try not to schedule
exercise or yoga after acupuncture; however, before
acupuncture is fine.*
-
Do not take a shower or
bathe after an acupuncture treatment.*
*
The goal of an acupuncture
treatment is to direct the energy to specific locations and
organs. Yoga, Vigorous exercise, and Bathing are all very
moving and may re-distribute energy throughout the body.
Before my
treatment, why am I asked questions about my health that
seem to have nothing to do with the condition being treated?
To treat you most effectively, we require information about
certain health patterns that reflect a specific disharmony
within your body. In addition, things like sleep,
digestion, energy and elimination reveal important
information about your over all health and well-being.
Who can
be treated by acupuncture?
Everyone can benefit from the effects of TCM. At Spa Mama,
On the Move, we treat babies, children, women of all ages
(this includes adolescents) and we do treat men, but only
for infertility issues.
Does my
insurance cover acupuncture?
In the state of New Jersey,
many insurance companies are beginning to cover
acupuncture. Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Oxford Health, and
many more. Contact your insurance company for information
on your specific plan. With most of our patients, we
present an invoice of payment along with other relevant
information such as our federal tax identification number
and the procedure code. You will need to go to your
doctor’s office to obtain a script containing the Insurance
Diagnosis Code.
What if I
need to reschedule an appointment? What is your
cancellation policy?
If you need to reschedule
your appointment, please be sure to call our center within
24 hours of your scheduled appointment so we can make your
time available to another client who needs care. If you do
not reschedule 24 hours in advance, you will be charged the
full fee. We will always respect your time and simply ask
that you respect ours as well!
How much
education is needed to become an acupuncturist?
Acupuncturists undergo a
rigorous educational program. Our Director and Chief
Acupuncturist, Rachel Runge, obtained a Bachelor of Science
degree in Sports Medicine; she completed her Master degree
in Oriental Medicine in 3 years and studied in Beijing,
China for advanced study. Both the State and National
Boards require further continuing education so
acupuncturists remain up to date and continue increasing
their skills.
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Infertility
Did you know that
the most important time for determining your chance of
conceiving and having a healthy baby is in the three months
before conception? Women’s follicles are recruited over 3-5
months before being chosen for ovulation. This is why it we
recommend treatment for at least 3 months to properly
regulate the menstrual cycle, balance hormones, and optimize
egg quality. Our treatment protocol of herbal formulas,
acupuncture, diet and lifestyle counseling is designed to
restore healthful balance and promote normal hormonal
functioning during this crucial time.
How can TCM optimize my reproductive
health?
For women, acupuncture can:
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Regulate the
menstrual cycle
-
Provide stress
reduction & relaxation
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Regulate
hormones
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Improve
ovarian blood flow - increase ovarian response
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Improve
ovarian function - more follicles, better egg quality
-
Strengthen
the immune system for overall health & well-being
-
Increase
blood flow to the uterus, improving endometrial lining
-
Enhance the
chances of successful implantation
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Lessen side
effects from hormonal treatments
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Increase
endorphins
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Prevent
miscarriage, thus increasing your chance of a live birth
and healthy baby
For men, acupuncture can:
-
Significantly
increase sperm production
-
Increase the
percentage of healthy sperm
-
Improve sperm
motility
-
Improve sperm
morphology
-
Improve the
levels of hormones responsible for fertility
-
Reduce stress
-
Increase the
rate of pregnancy when used in conjunction with ART
When
should the treatments begin if planning an IVF schedule?
Believe it or not,
the most important time for determining your chance of
conceiving is in the three months prior to conception.
Women’s follicles are recruited over 3-5 months before being
chosen for ovulation. For this reason, we recommend
treatment for at least 3 months to properly regulate the
menstrual cycle, balance hormones, and optimize egg
quality. Our treatment protocol of herbal formulas,
acupuncture, diet and lifestyle counseling is designed to
restore healthful balance and promote normal hormonal
functioning during this crucial time.
Acupuncture
treatments are normally received once or twice a week
depending on your diagnosis, constitution and amount of time
prior to beginning ART cycles. Studies have shown that
receiving acupuncture before and after both the retrieval
and transfer procedures drastically increased the success
rate. This is a protocol that we at Brielle Acupuncture use
as well. We recommend another acupuncture treatment 7 – 10
days after the transfer to relax the body and mind and
support the implantation. Treatments may be continued once
a week until the fetal heartbeat is detected.
Some women find out about the
benefits of Oriental medicine just a month or two, or even
weeks before their ART (IUI/IVF) procedure. With this amount
of time, a couple can still reap the benefits of
acupuncture, herbal medicine and appropriate dietary
advice. We do everything possible during this time to
support the woman's body and mind, addressing stress levels
and side effects of the drugs.
Are
herbs helpful and when should they be used?
Herbs
are an integral part of Oriental medicine and
play an important role in the physiology of the uterus,
hormones, egg development and general health before and
during pregnancy. Herbs are particularly important in
helping to prevent miscarriage. Acupuncture and herbs work
together, one supports the other. It’s important that a
patient consult a properly educated, licensed acupuncturist
regarding herbal formulas which are beneficial and
appropriate.
A review
of the medical research from China and Korea shows that
there is a 70 – 90% success rate for infertility using
mainly Chinese herbal formulas. The time frame necessary for
this success is three to twelve months. Traditional Chinese
Herbal Medicine is a very efficacious and safe method of
addressing infertility when performed by a licensed
acupuncturist and herbalist.
What are
the treatments like?
Women usually find this part of the experience the most
pleasant of all, especially if undergoing the stress of IUI
or IVF procedures. It’s very calming for both the body and
mind. Often women say they sleep better, and that they feel
more confident about the success of the procedure, and
generally more “balanced.” They say they have a sense of
“well being” when they leave. Spa Mama uses the smallest
gauge needles available and gently inserts each one. Some
women enjoy the chi sensation and find the needling not
painful at all, others are more sensitive. We take
time with such patients, encouraging them to breathe and
relax before inserting the little needles. The actual
insertion is comparable to a mosquito bite…sometimes you
notice it and sometimes you don’t. Certainly these needles
are nothing like a syringe that injects fluid. After
experiencing the first treatment, women are generally much
more relaxed knowing what to expect, and begin to look
forward to the calm and relaxed feeling that comes with
these treatments. Of course, only disposable needles are
used.
Once
pregnant, is there any need for acupuncture?
Absolutely! We recommend that all newly
pregnant mothers consider what is called the “pregnancy
tune-up,” a traditional acupuncture protocol used to help
‘settle the fetus’ and prevent miscarriage. Depending on the
history of miscarriage, this would be a treatment plan
consisting of acupuncture once or twice a week for the first
trimester.
Once pregnant, acupuncture is
an excellent option for women who experience back pain,
migraines, itchy skin rash, nausea, fatigue and other
discomforts. We usually recommend at least two treatments a
month just to keep a healthy balance for mom and baby.
Additionally, acupuncture can help prepare mother and baby
for the birth process. Obstetricians in Norway say
acupuncture is the analgesic method of choice for reducing
labor pain whether supplemented by pain meds or not. Choice
was based on mother’s request for meds during labor.
Breech birth - an
ancient technique from Chinese medicine can frequently turn
a breech (reported in journals and touted on Good Morning
America).
Post Natal Care - in
all Asian countries the care of the mother after childbirth
is a priority. Along with plenty of rest, acupuncture and
massage therapy give
the new mother more strength to nurse and tend to her baby's
needs. We encourage the continuation of this tradition with
our new mothers, and appropriate these therapies after delivery.
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Pregnancy
Is
acupuncture safe to have during pregnancy? Can it harm the
baby?
It is safe to have
acupuncture during pregnancy. It is vital, however, that
you choose an acupuncturist who has a lot of experience
treating pregnant women and is aware of the acupuncture
points to avoid during pregnancy.
How can
acupuncture help in pregnancy?
Acupuncture can alleviate
many of the conditions experienced during pregnancy which
are often considered “normal”, and for which effective
remedies are rarely offered.
What
conditions can acupuncture help alleviate during the first
12 weeks of pregnancy?
Morning
sickness; Hyperemesis (severe vomiting in pregnancy);
Threatened miscarriage, Migraines, Fatigue and tiredness can
all be effectively treated.
What
conditions can acupuncture help alleviate during the first
12-28 weeks of pregnancy?
Heartburn; Hemorrhoids;
Fatigue and tiredness; Anxiety and stress; Morning sickness;
Migraines and headaches can all be effectively treated.
What
conditions can acupuncture help alleviate during the first
28-40 weeks of pregnancy?
Backache; Sciatica; All aches
and pains; Premature labor; Induce labor; Breech
presentation can all be effectively treated.
Does it
hurt and how often would I need treatment?
Depending on the severity, 1
to 3 treatments are recommended until symptoms are resolved
or at least manageable. Most patients do not feel anything
when the needles are inserted or in place.
I have
heard that moxibustion (or acupuncture) can be used to turn
a breech baby. Is this true and how is it carried out?
Yes, this is true. This
technique has been used in China for centuries and current
research using a small sample of mothers has shown it to be
effective. YOU SHOULD ALWAYS BE GUIDED BY YOUR MIDWIFE OR
PHYSICIAN AND INFORM HIM/HER IF YOU ARE USING ACUPUNCTURE TO
TURN YOUR BABY. The success rate of 70 to 80% makes it well
worth a try. Given that most breech babies are born by
cesarean, it seems that trying everything to get the baby to
turn around is worth doing to avoid surgery. It is most
successful when used from 34 to 36 weeks.
Can
acupuncture be used for induction of labor?
At Spa Mama, we offer
Pre-birth Support starting at 36 weeks. Acupuncture
treatments are recommended once a week and specific points
are used to help women have a more efficient labor and
respond better to any medicine used during labor and
delivery.
If you
have reached your due date, acupuncture can be safely
used to induce your baby. Needles
are usually placed in the hands, feet and lower back, and
then manipulated for stimulation. Research has shown that
treatment can be effective from as soon as 3 hours and up to
60 hours after treatment. The success rate is good, but it
does depend on numerous factors and should only be
considered if you have had a healthy pregnancy with no
complications.
Can
acupuncture be used during labor?
Yes, acupuncture or
acupressure is fantastic when used
during labor for pain relief, an easier and quicker delivery
and also to help boost energy levels.
What
conditions can acupuncture and Chinese medicine help with
after delivery?
Acupuncture can help to
restore the mother’s energy levels after the stress of the
birth and can help with many other conditions including:
-
Postpartum depression and
anxiety
-
Postpartum fatigue
-
Pain (back or perennial
pain)
-
Insufficient lactation or
excessive milk production
-
Mastitis
-
Hemorrhoids
Should
I inform my doctor or midwife that I am having acupuncture?
Yes, it is always important
to keep your primary care physician or midwife up to date on
what modalities you are using during your pregnancy.
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