Acupuncture needles are sterile surgical grade steel needles. The needles used in almost all clinics in the U.S. are single use needles. This means that they come from the manufacturer in sterile packaging and are only opened immediately before insertion.

The acupuncture needle itself is only slightly thicker than a human hair. Dr. Mark VanOtterloo specializes in Acupuncture and focuses on gentle needling styles that allow for minimum discomfort.

How acupuncture works, the big picture

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that involves using tiny needles to alleviate pain and promote healing. You may wonder how these thin needles actually work to reduce pain. Simply put, the needles help to push tissue open, which allows fresh healing blood to enter tissue planes. Also, acupuncture needles can be manipulated using techniques that enhance more blood flow. The needles can also be heated or retained after insertion which stimulates the immune system and endorphins. 

How acupuncture benefits the nervous system

Acupuncture also has an impact on the nervous system. It helps to balance the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. These systems play a role in regulating pain and how we respond to it. By balancing these systems, acupuncture can help reduce pain and promote a sense of relaxation. Electrical stimulation is applied to the needles to enhance this aspect of needle therapy. 

How acupuncture benefits circulation and blood pressure

Moreover, acupuncture can improve blood circulation and influence the body’s blood pressure. This can be beneficial for managing pain, as proper blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas, promoting healing. Selecting the correct needle gauge and technique is vital to increasing circulation and managing blood pressure. 

How acupuncture helps to enhance the immune system

Another way acupuncture works is by enhancing the immune system. The immune system helps protect our bodies from infections and diseases. When acupuncture needles stimulate specific points, it can activate immune responses, leading to improved immune function and overall health. Retaining (leaving needles in) after insertion enhances this activity along with warming the acupuncture needles while they are inserted.

How acupuncture helps the endocrine system

Additionally, acupuncture has an effect on the endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating hormones in our bodies. By stimulating acupuncture points, it can help balance hormone levels, which may contribute to pain reduction and improved well-being. This is often the byproduct of acupuncture stimulation. Patients regularly feel very relaxed after treatments which is a sign that endorphins have been released. These substances both help to reduce pain but they also help regulate the endocrine system. 

Acupuncture needles are solid unlike the hypodermic needles used by physicians which are hollow and cut away more tissue. Needle size and insertion depth depend upon the nature of the problem. Depths can be from 0.2 to 3 inches. Also taken into consideration are: the patient’s size, age, and constitution.

There is not any medication on the acupuncture needles.

Acupuncture: A Natural Path to Healing:

Acupuncture is a traditional medical technique that has been used for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of fine needles into the body to promote healing and restore circulation. Despite its popularity, there is a persistent belief that acupuncture needles contain medicine. Let’s uncover the truth behind this misconception.

No Medicine, Just Natural Stimulation:

Contrary to popular belief, acupuncture needles do not contain any medicine. Instead, these needles act as stimulators, initiating various physiological responses in the body. Acupuncture works by calming the nervous system, stimulating the release of endorphins (natural painkillers), and promoting blood circulation to enhance the body’s self-healing ability.

The Art of Needle Placement:

Acupuncture is a precise and intricate practice that requires skilled practitioners. The acupuncturist carefully selects specific regions and techniques based on their knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and a traditional perspective of circulation. By inserting needles with various appropriate techniques they aim to restore the flow of blood, your body’s own healing fluid.

How Acupuncture Works:

When an acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin, it stimulates sensory receptors and nerve fibers. This triggers a cascade of physiological responses that contribute to the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. Here’s how it works:

• Nervous System Calming: The insertion of acupuncture needles prompts the nervous system to release natural chemicals, such as endorphins. These chemicals help to reduce pain, induce relaxation, and create a sense of well-being.

• Endorphin Release: Endorphins are the body’s natural painkillers. By activating their release, acupuncture can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve overall mood.

• Blood Circulation: Acupuncture promotes better blood circulation, ensuring that vital nutrients and oxygen reach the tissues and organs. Improved circulation can enhance healing, reduce swelling, and support the body’s natural detoxification process.

The Power of the Mind-Body Connection:

Acupuncture not only provides physical benefits but also acknowledges the mind-body connection. During an acupuncture session, many individuals experience a deep sense of relaxation and stress relief. This holistic approach recognizes that emotional well-being plays a crucial role in overall health.

In conclusion, acupuncture needles do not contain any medicine. Instead, they stimulate the body’s innate healing mechanisms through various physiological responses. Acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy that has provided relief to countless individuals worldwide. So, if you’re considering acupuncture, rest assured that you won’t be receiving any medication through the needles but rather from your own body.

Yes, absolutely! Acupuncture needles are made to be clean, safe, and disposable. They are specifically designed to be germ-free and used only once to avoid any risk of infection.

Are acupuncture needles regulated by the FDA?

In the United States, the use of acupuncture needles is closely regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA approved these needles for use by licensed practitioners back in 1996. This means that professionals who perform acupuncture are well-trained and follow strict guidelines to ensure your safety.

To keep patients protected, manufacturers are required by the FDA to label acupuncture needles as single-use only. This ensures that each needle is brand new and has never been used on anyone else before.

The good news is that there have been very few reports of complications from acupuncture treatments. Considering the millions of people who undergo acupuncture each year and the number of needles used, the chances of experiencing any issues are quite low.

So, rest assured that when you go for an acupuncture session, the needles they use will be clean, sterile, and disposed of properly after your treatment. Your health and safety are top priorities for acupuncture practitioners!

During an acupuncture session, a qualified practitioner carefully inserts thin needles into specific points on your body. Some people might feel a slight soreness or tiny pinprick when the needle goes in, while others might not feel anything at all.

Here’s the interesting part: around the needle, you might experience different sensations like tingling, mild electrical feelings, or even a sensation of slight swelling. It’s all part of the therapy process and is usually quite normal and therapeutic.

Now, how is the needle stimulated?

The practitioner may gently move them or use tiny electrodes to transmit a gentle current. The idea is to balance your body’s energy and promote wellness. But don’t worry – any discomfort you might feel is typically mild and short-lived.

One crucial thing to remember is to always seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner. Their expertise ensures the needles are placed correctly and that the treatment is effective and safe.

The best part is that many people feel a sense of relaxation and well-being during and after the treatment. Some even get so relaxed that they fall asleep! And the best news is, acupuncture doesn’t have any long-term negative side effects.

So, if you’re considering acupuncture, give it a try with a qualified practitioner. You might discover a whole new way to find balance and relaxation for your body!

Acupuncture is a very safe way to get treated. It rarely causes problems or bad reactions. Most people don’t have any issues with it at all and benefit greatly from treatment. However, there are a few side effects that could happen, but most of them are not serious at all.

The most common side effect that some people might experience is feeling a bit light-headed. It’s like feeling a little dizzy, but it goes away after resting for a few minutes, drinking some water, and moving more slowly.

Another side effect that can happen is painless bruising. Sometimes, after getting acupuncture, you might see a small bruise where the needle was inserted. But don’t worry, it’s usually not painful and will go away on its own, just like any other bruise. It’s not a sign of anything bad happening, and it’s harmless.

There are more serious complications that can occur from acupuncture, but they are very rare. The most common serious issues include lung puncture (pneumothorax) and nerve puncture. But acupuncture providers are trained and licensed to make sure these complications do not happen. Included in that training is what to do in those instances. Life is full of risk and serious complications can occur in any medical treatment. The training and licensing help keep them rare and enable providers to manage complications to protect their patients. Acupuncture is no different than any other medical speciality in this regard.

Overall, acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for many people. Just remember that the chances of having any side effects are very low, and the benefits of acupuncture can be amazing. It’s one of the methods we use in our office, but we always consider other options first to manage a condition. We might provide acupuncture, but it’s not the only treatment option. We are also licensed providers in our State which enables us to provide the safest care possible including acupuncture.

Its importance and relevance in philosophy and medicine

When visiting an acupuncture practice, you might hear unfamiliar words like yin and yang. It’s understandable to feel confused and overwhelmed by the use of these words, as they stem from Chinese philosophy and medicine. Yin and yang are expressions used to describe how opposing forces can work together harmoniously and how they are interconnected and dependent on each other within the natural world. Chinese medicine is a practice that heavily relies on observations of the natural world, similar to our modern natural sciences.

The Oxford English dictionary defines yin and yang as:

• Yin: In Chinese philosophy, the feminine or negative principle of the two opposing cosmic forces into which creative energy divides and whose fusion in physical matter brings the phenomenal world into being.

• Yang: In Chinese philosophy, the masculine or positive principle of the two opposing cosmic forces into which creative energy divides and whose fusion in physical matter brings the phenomenal world into being.

Common sense behind yin and yang: examples and applications

The concept of yin and yang clearly illustrates this common sense. Yin represents the cooling principles of the body and the environment, such as fluids, rest, and shade. In contrast, yang symbolizes the warming principle, including energy, sunshine, and movement.

From a practical point of view, if you are feeling excessively hot (too much yang), increasing or taking in more yin is necessary. Eating watermelon on a hot day (a yin tonic) would help cool your body. As a result, the concept of yin and yang is founded on common sense natural observations. Various aspects of this philosophy are similar to simple folk remedies that have been prevalent in Western culture for centuries, with their origins tracing back thousands of years.

Acupuncture is an extension of observational natural science. It is based on the teachings of the Neijing, an ancient Chinese medical book. The Neijing provides a comprehensive view of medicine, covering its philosophical, technical, and ideological aspects.

The significance of yin and yang in Chinese medicine and philosophy

In Chinese Medicine, natural phenomena are categorized into yin and yang categories, essential in acupuncture treatment. These natural observations form the basis of all therapeutic strategies, using natural metaphors like flowing rivers and counterflowing obstructions. These observations were lifesaving in ancient China as they allowed their civilization to avoid flooding, which could ruin crops and lead to starvation. The same approach is relevant to human disease and acupuncture treatment.

Traditional Chinese Medicine has been practiced for more than 2,500 years and includes acupuncture, herbal medicine, moxibustion, Oriental massage and Oriental nutrition. 

It is a system of medicine that categorizes body patterns into specific types of diagnoses with corresponding treatment plans. Asian/Oriental medicine is practiced in most parts of the world and is now being taught in most American Medical schools including Harvard Medical School. 

One may be surprised to find that Asian/Oriental medical theory and practice has spread to France, England, Spain, Germany, Russia, much of Middle and South America, and Africa. 

Acupuncture is the insertion of tiny needles about the size of a human hair into the skin to stimulate specific acupuncture points found on the body. Acupuncture and Asian/Oriental Medicine has gained worldwide acceptance and recognition as effective medical treatment. Over 15 million Americans have been treated by acupuncture. The research and knowledge about Asian/Oriental Medicine is only increasing.

Other Aspects of Traditional Chinese Medicine are:

• Electro-acupuncture – the use of microcurrent technology, and electrical stimulation of the acupuncture points.

• Diet, Lifestyle and Nutritional Counseling

• Cupping – this employs a glass as a suction device to stimulate blood circulation

• Tai Chi – a form of physical exercise

• Qi Gong – breath exercise Meditation – a form of relaxation

• Various forms of therapeutic massage

Beyond understanding acupuncture, the public is quite curious about the Chinese herbal aspect of Oriental medicine. Chinese herbal medicine consists mainly of vegetable sources, leaves, flowers, twigs, stems, roots, tubers, rhizomes, and bark. In addition, there are animal and mineral products used on occasion when necessary.

Most acupuncturists use herbal medicine in raw, powder, and pill form. Raw herbs take some cooking and may taste strong or undesirable. There is a saying in Chinese, “bitter mouth, good medicine.” Herbal pills may be prescribed instead of raw herbs for less severe conditions. Likewise, herbal medicines are rapidly increasing in economic importance, with the U.S. claiming over $60 million in world market herbal sales, including raw materials.

In China, herbal medicine has traditionally been the most fundamental method of treatment. Medicinal herbal formulas are dispensed to each patient based upon the patient’s individual constitution and current medical condition. Unlike western herbs, Chinese herbs are used in very specific combinations, as opposed to singular herbs. An herbal formula may be comprised of as many as 15 herbs, all having specific purposes within the formula.

To qualify for licensure in California, a practitioner must qualify for and pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) licensure examination.

To qualify to sit for the NCCAOM exam, a student must complete a 3000-hour master degree level program at a NCCAOM-approved school or demonstrate equivalent training.

In Colorado, the acupuncturist must pass the National Certification Exam through the NCCAOM, once the candidate has passed the exam they are then eligible for Colorado licensure. The licensed practitioner is required to participate in state and nationally required continuing education classes, approximately 15 hours a year.

Increasingly, acupuncture is complementing conventional therapies. For example, doctors may combine acupuncture and drugs to control surgery related pain in their patients. By providing both acupuncture and certain conventional anesthetic drugs, some doctors have found it possible to achieve a state of complete pain relief for some patients. They also have found that using acupuncture lowers the need for conventional pain-killing drugs and thus reduces the risk of side effects for patients who take the drugs.