by Julie Sandschafer
It is quite common these days to hear about people turning to acupuncture for relief from chronic health problems. The World Health Organization endorses acupuncture as a valid treatment for a host of ailments. But how does it work, and what is a treatment like?
For more than 2,000 years, acupuncturists have successfully used this traditional form of Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of health issues. In the past 40 years, supported by a growing body of research, acupuncture has entered the mainstream of Western medicine. Today there are 50 accredited acupuncture schools in the US and more than 11,000 licensed acupuncturists in practice, including about 3,500 physicians.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, part of the National Institutes of Health, more than three million Americans receive acupuncture each year for relief of conditions ranging from chronic and acute pain, to insomnia, to digestive problems to bladder issues. It’s also used successfully to treat complex conditions such as infertility and mental and emotional problems.
How does it work?
The traditional Eastern acupuncture perspective is based on the theory that the human body has 14 channels or meridians that serve as pathways for the circulation of blood, body fluids, and the flow of vital energy called qi (pronounced “chee”). When a pathway becomes blocked or imbalanced, insertion of hair-thin needles into certain anatomical points can clear blockages and restore free flow, facilitating healing. There are more than 350 acupuncture points on the body used to access these meridians.
The modern Western perspective centers on acupuncture’s impact on the peripheral nervous system, which in turn stimulates the central nervous system. Research shows acupuncture impacts multiple areas of the brain, including the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. It can improve circulation, strengthen the immune system, regulate hormone levels, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.
What are treatments like?
The initial two hour session consists of a thorough discussion and assessment of your medical history, symptoms and your lifestyle. The session typically includes examining the tongue and checking pulses. From there, the acupuncturist will determine which acupuncture points to utilize in your treatment.
Acupuncture is typically performed in a quiet, comfortable setting, and you will usually be treated while resting on a massage table. The treatment points will be cleaned and prepped. All needles are pre-sterilized and pre-packaged, and are opened and used once before disposal. After insertion, the needles are usually retained for 20-30 minutes. Needle sensations vary with each person. Some feel nothing; others may experience a slight pricking sensation on insertion. During treatment, it is not uncommon to feel tingling, heaviness, or warmth in the areas being treated.
The number of treatment sessions varies widely depending on the patient and condition but the average is 5-10 sessions. Follow-up appointments are usually 30-60 minutes in length.
How much does it cost?
Currently, acupuncture is not covered by many health insurance plans in Arizona, or if it is, it may require some extra paperwork on your part. However, more insurance companies are realizing the benefits of acupuncture and are covering it as a treatment. In the meantime, private pay costs can vary widely. At the Sun Health Center for Health and Well-Being, initial acupuncture sessions are $90 and follow-up sessions are $50.
For years, I’ve worked as a certified laboratory clinical specialist in cytogenetics, helping physicians diagnose and stage cancers. This experience combined with my acupuncture practice gives me a unique understanding of how Western and Eastern medicines can complement each other, giving patients the best of both worlds.
So, what’s the point? The point is that acupuncture helps the body to heal itself. For thousands of years, it has helped millions of people feel better and it may help you too. I feel very fortunate to be able to share its healing powers with others.
To learn more, call 623-832-WELL (9355), or visit the Sun Health Center for Health & Wellbeing website.
Julie Sandschafer is a board-certified, licensed acupuncturist who practices at the Sun Health Center for Health & Wellbeing. She also is a certified laboratory clinical specialist in cytogenetics, focusing on oncology diagnosis and prognosis.
