Acupuncture Facts
How does Acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works by improving the circulation of blood to the cells, tissues, and organs. When the body is injured or under stress, blood circulation can become blocked. In turn, these blockages prevent the cells, tissues, and organs from getting the necessary nutrients and oxygen that are carried by the blood.
Acupuncturists are trained to locate and release such blockages. They treat specific points to improve blood circulation, stimulate tissue repair, regulate breathing and blood pressure, balance hormones, and release natural painkillers.
More than 2,000 acupuncture points have been identified along fourteen meridians. These points often occur where nerves and blood vessels meet.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture needles are flexible and thin. They resemble human hair or thread. Most patients experience only a slight pinprick sensation.
Acupuncture needles do not hurt like injection needles. The tip of an injection needle is sharp and pointed, enabling it to cut through dense tissue. In contrast, the tip of an acupuncture needle is rounded, enabling it to move around dense tissue.
In fact, acupuncture treatments are deeply relaxing. Most patients fall asleep on the treatment table or at least fall into a deep state of relaxation. This calming effect is part of what makes acupuncture so effective at treating stress-related illnesses.
Is Acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is safe. At Turning Point Center, only single-use, disposable needles are used. Each needle comes in an individually sealed blister pack and is disposed of properly.
Are there negative side effects from Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is virtually without negative side effects. According to the National Institutes of Health, "the incidence of adverse effects is substantially lower than that of many drugs or other accepted medical procedures."
Is Acupuncture effective?
Acupuncture has been practiced in China for more than 2,500 years and in Japan for more than 1,500. It has improved the health and vitality of billions of people.
Recent scientific studies demonstrate the effectiveness of acupuncture for specific conditions, including fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and osteoarthritis of the knee. More studies are underway.
The World Health Organization recognizes more than 40 conditions for which acupuncture may be effective, including headache, seasonal allergies, and pain in the low back, neck, elbow, and knee. For a more complete list, please visit our "Conditions" section.
Does insurance cover Acupuncture?
Yes! Practitioners at Turning Point Center are preferred providers on the following panels: Pacific Source, Regence Blue Cross/Blue Shield, ODS/OEA and Providence Preferred. Many of our patients are employees of local school districts (Bethel, Eugene, Springfield), University of Oregon, Lane Community College, state of Oregon, cities of Eugene and Springfield, and Lane Council of Governments.
If you have been in an automobile accident in the past year, you do not need a physician's referral to receive acupuncture for your injuries. Acupuncturists are able to establish their own treatment plans and submit claims to automobile insurance carriers. Oregon law requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $15,000 in medical coverage for personal injury claims.
If you have been injured on the job and your worker's compensation claim has been approved, your physician can refer you for acupuncture treatment. Staff at the Turning Point Center have worked with SAIF, Liberty Northwest, and other worker's compensation companies to ensure that claims are processed smoothly.
The staff of Turning Point Center is happy to verify acupuncture benefits for you and will bill your primary insurance. Just call and have your insurance information or claim number handy.
How is Japanese Acupuncture different from Chinese Acupuncture?
Fewer and smaller needles are used and precise points are located by touch. The emphasis on touch has meant that acupuncture has long been a vocation for the blind in Japan.
Japanese techniques are effective for illnesses of a fast-paced, urban culture. Whereas China remains largely rural, Japanese culture more closely resembles our own. As a result, Japanese acupuncture is uniquely effective for treating stress-related illnesses, postoperative pain, hormonal imbalances, and immune deficiencies.
What is moxibustion?
Moxibustion is an herbal heat treatment. It regulates the flow of blood and strengthens the vital energy of the body by warming meridians and expelling cold.
Most often, the leaves of the mugwort are pressed into incense-like sticks. These sticks are lit and allowed to smolder. During a moxibustion treatment, these sticks are held above acupuncture points to treat a variety of ailments.
Moxibustion is a clinical specialty on par with acupuncture. In Japan, practitioners are separately licensed and practice as specialists. Tom Williams has studied moxibustion extensively with acupuncture master, Kiiko Matsumoto.
Where can I learn more about Acupuncture?
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/acupuncture/index.htm
Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com