Acupuncture: Are You Missing the Point?
Q: Which of the following is typically NOT part of the initial diagnostic visit?
A. discussion and question-and-answer session
B. examining your tongue
C. taking your temperature
D. taking your pulse
The correct answer is: C. taking your temperature
The initial consultation with an acupuncturist lasts much longer than a typical doctor visit. An acupuncturist may spend 15 to 20 minutes talking with you about your lifestyle, diet, sleep, emotions, family history, and many other things. During this time, he or she may observe the color of your face, your tongue, and the sound of your voice and take your pulse to determine an appropriate treatment.
Once treatment points are chosen based on this information, the acupuncturist will lightly place needles in the skin at the designated points for 15 to 30 minutes, possibly leaving you alone to relax. He or she will return to stimulate the needles, either by gently twisting them, by applying very low-level electrical stimulation, or by burning herbs at the exposed end of the needle (moxibustion).
Although less typical, acupuncturists also may use a variety of nonneedling methods during treatment, such as acupressure, shiatsu, cupping suction, magnets, low-frequency lasers, or even bee stings. However, research supporting these nontraditional methods is extremely scarce.
Fine needles remain the typical acupuncture tool of choice. These mysterious needles are one of the main reasons people hesitate to try acupuncture. This is understandable -- being stuck with a pin or a hypodermic needle can be painful. But are acupuncture needles the same?
Q: What are most modern acupuncture needles made of?
A. wood
B. glass
C. shell
D. stainless steel
E. stone
The correct answer is: D. stainless steel
The first needles were made from stone, but through the years various materials were used, including gold, silver, and bronze. Today, needles are usually made of stainless steel, and they are sterile, flexible, and disposable. They come in various lengths and widths, but most are a half inch to one-and-a-half inches long and only about the width of two strands of hair. They are not hollow like hypodermic needles, so they do not tear the skin in the same way.
Until the late 1980s, acupuncturists commonly sterilized needles in an autoclave for repeated use. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration now regulates acupuncture needles much like hypodermic needles. They are packaged individually or in units of fewer than 10 and are opened immediately before use. Once used, they are discarded in a biohazard container. All licensed practitioners are required to pass an exam demonstrating proper needle use.
So what do the needles feel like?
Q: After acupuncture treatments, people tend to feel which of the following?
A. tingly
B. sore
C. warm
D. numb
E. all of the above
The correct answer is: E. all of the above
Acupuncture patients report sensations ranging from nothing at all, to mild tingling, to slight numbness or soreness, to warmth at the site of insertion. Rarely is a person unable to tolerate acupuncture.
You may notice a dot of blood or even bruising at one or more needle sites. These are usually harmless, but talk to your acupuncturist if you are concerned. Acupuncture treatment sessions typically last about 50 minutes, but if you feel uncomfortable, you can end the session and have the needles removed.
A typical course of treatment is about 10 sessions, but this varies widely and is determined during the initial consultation and after each subsequent visit. After 4 to 6 sessions, your acupuncturist should be able to tell you whether the treatment is working.
But remember, acupuncture does not provide a cure; it may simply help control symptoms along with your doctor-prescribed treatment plan.
Also, not all insurance plans reimburse for acupuncture -- Medicare and Medicaid generally do not. Check with your insurance company before undergoing treatment.
Make an informed decision
Acupuncture is not for everyone. Before choosing to undergo treatment, it's important to understand that acupuncture might not work. Also, although associated risks are low, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects in rare instances.
If you are considering it, make an informed decision by learning how medical acupuncture works for your condition, researching how cost-effective the treatment may be for you, and finding a licensed acupuncturist with whom you feel comfortable and safe.
