Patient Resources

What is Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acupuncture is one of the essential elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the oldest, most commonly used medical procedure in the world. Originating in China more than 3,000 years ago, the practice of Traditional Chinese medicine includes acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, cupping, manual therapies such as acupressure, moxibustion, exercises such as tai chi or qi gong, as well as Chinese herbal preparations and dietary therapy.
Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body, by insertion of very fine, sterile, stainless steel needles to elicit a predictable physiological response. This stimulus may also be administered to the points using mild electrical stimulation (with or without needles),  pressure techniques with the hands (acupressure) or the application of heat by various methods.

Acupuncturists assess a patient’s syndrome or pattern of disharmony by using a set of diagnostic skills that involve four areas; questioning, palpation, visual inspection, and olfactory-auditory data collection. An acupuncturist determines the necessary treatment principle and strategy to prompt the patient back to functional harmony by discriminating the exact pattern of the body’s physiological response to pathogenic factors.

The acupuncturist’s skill at determining the appropriate points to treat is based upon his/her ability to accurately distinguish the presenting pattern, knowledge of correct points to address that pattern and knowledge of the proper type of stimulus for each point. The possession of this knowledge and skills is the key distinction between a professional certified acupuncturist and other health care providers who employ acupuncture only as a modality (stimulating points for their general effect without adjusting their choice of points to the specific patient’s need). (Taken from NCCAOM's Diplomate of Acupuncture Description)

How Does Acupuncture Work

The classical explanation for acupuncture is based on the premise that channels of vital energy run in patterns throughout the body. These channels are called meridians that circulate vital energy, blood and body fluids throughout the body linking all the tissues and structures of the body into an integrated whole. Any obstruction in the movement in these channels can either be the cause of pain or disease in the body.

These 20 meridians (12 main, 8 secondary) are influenced by needling any number of the 2,000 acupuncture points to unblock the obstructed flow of energy, blood and body fluids to reestablish normal flow through the meridians, thereby restoring health and balance. Vital energy or Qi is present in every part of the human body and expert treatments can help the body to correct imbalances.

The modern scientific explanation for acupuncture is based on research that examines brain activity pre and post acupuncture treatment. The research shows that needling these points stimulates the nervous and endocrine systems to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones via the endocrine system which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

Acupuncture has a successful clinical tradition in Asian cultures dating back thousands of years. Not only does it work, but in many cases it works better than Western interventions such as surgery and pharmaceutical drugs.

What is Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Herbal Medicine is an internal system of medicine that uses over 250 classical herbal formulas based on hundreds of herbs found in the Chinese Materia Medica. It is based on over 2,000 years of medical experience and is considered safe and effective when prescribed by a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist and it can greatly enhance your healing when used alone or in addition to acupuncture treatments. As the person's health improves, the nature of the imbalance changes, so the herbal formula may be changed or be modified to address these changing conditions.

Herbal formulas are prescribed in many forms: raw form that are decocted into teas, powders that are stirred into teas, pills, or topical preparations such as liniments and oils.

Not all acupuncturists are herbalists, so be sure that your practitioner is a nationally board-certified herbalist. Chinese Herbs should only be taken under the supervision of a practitioner who is board certified and NJ State licensed in Herbal Medicine. This medicine is a specialized discipline that requires years of study to acquire this certification and licensure.

What are the requirements to practice Acupuncture and Herbology in the State of New Jersey

Must hold at least a baccalaureate degree (at least 120 credits) in addition to their 4 Years of acupuncture & herbology training.

Completes three to four academic years of education at the master’s degree level in an acupuncture & herbology program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). The education requires courses in Anatomy, Biology, Biochemistry, Physiology, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Ortho-Neurological Evaluation, Diagnosis & Treatment of Disease, Clinical Counseling, Clinical Research, Oriental Medicine Theory, Herbs & Classical Herbal Formulas, Chinese Herbal Medicine for Treatment of Internal Diseases, Acupuncture Channels and Theory, Nutrition, Needle Technique, Clinical Technique and Point Location.

Must demonstrate professional competency by passing NCCAOM National certification examinations in the following 4 subject areas:

Foundations of Oriental Medicine;
Acupuncture;
Biomedicine;
and Chinese Herbology

Must pass the New Jersey Acupuncture Safety and Jurisprudence Examination that tests knowledge of the practice of acupuncture, human anatomy, modern sterilization techniques, the storage and handling of sterile equipment, and such other subjects as the board may require.

What is the difference between a Diplomate of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and other healthcare practitioners who practice acupuncture?

The Diplomate of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (NCCAOM) training and competency verification is in sharp contrast to the acupuncture training of other healthcare professionals such as chiropractors or registered nurses or even medical doctors who typically receive 100-300 hours of abbreviated training. These other healthcare professionals only treat a limited number of points. NCCAOM certified acupuncturists receive over 2,000 hours of comprehensive medical training and are also trained in standard medical history gathering, safety, and ethics, and recognition of when to refer patients to other health care professional.

FAQs

What is acupuncture? Does it hurt?
Acupuncture consists of the gentle insertion and stimulation of thin, disposable sterile needles at strategic points near the surface of the body. While many acupuncture patients are initially wary of the claim that acupuncture doesn't hurt, they soon discover that the experience is quite pleasurable.

Is Chinese medicine safe?
When practiced by a trained professional, acupuncture is extremely safe. Because the treatment does not involve the use of drugs, adverse side effects are typically more unusual. However, there are certain conditions you should notify your practitioner about before undergoing treatment, such as hemophilia or if you have a pacemaker. A thorough patient intake is performed during the first visit in order to determine any concerns.

What should I expect during my first visit?
All new patients are asked to complete a patient information form and health history. This questionnaire will include questions about your medical history, your family's medical history, and your lifestyle. It is a good idea to bring with you any copies of previous tests, lab results and any medications or supplements you are currently taking. The physical exam includes taking vital signs as well as detailed examination of the pulse and tongue, abdominal palpation and facial diagnosis. After arriving at a working diagnosis, you will be placed in a comfortable position to insert the needles. After the needles are inserted, you will relax in the treatment room for 20 to 30 minutes. After the treatment is over, you may receive herbal remedies, adjunct therapy or advice concerning diet, exercise or lifestyle recommendations.

How long are the appointments?
While this can sometimes vary, generally a new patient's first visit will last 90 minutes. We ask that all new patients arrive 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment to fill out the necessary paperwork. Subsequent appointments generally last about 60 minutes.

How long will it take to get better?
Most health problems take more than one treatment to resolve. Expect to have four treatments before reassessment. Many problems may require ten or more treatments before significant benefits accrue. Along the way, though, you should see an overall improvement in your health as your main complaint improves as well.

How should I prepare for my first visit?
In addition to bringing copies of any previous medical records and medications or supplements you are currently taking, we generally recommend that new patients wear loose fitting clothing and have something to eat approximately one hour before your appointment.

Links to Acupuncture in the News

National Institutes on Health (NIH) Acupuncture Facts
https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-in-depth

Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Headaches - Harvard Medical School
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/acupuncture-for-headache-2018012513146

Acupuncture's Role in Solving the Opioid Epidemic - White paper on Acupuncture being a cost-effective treatment for numerous types of acute and chronic pain. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S209549641760378

Acupuncture Provides True Pain Relief in Scientific Study
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/09/11/acupuncture-provides-true-pain-relief-in-study/?ref=topics

Acupuncture for Easing the Side Effects of Cancer Treatment - Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEOHW8ZmXdE

Infertility Treatment
http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/features/ancient-art-of-infertility-treatment

Alternative Therapies for Back Pain
http://www.webmd.com/back-pain/features/alternative-approaches-to-low-back-pain

Acupuncture Lowers Blood Pressure
http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20160723/entlife/160729725/

Acupuncture Treats Sleep Apnea
https://daoisttraditions.edu/acupuncture-primary-treatment-sleep-apnea/

Study Shows Acupuncture has Anti-Depressant Effects Similar to Prozac
https://yinyanghouse.com/acupuncture/study-finds-acupuncture-has-anti-depressant-effects-similar-to-fluoxetine-prozac

Science Proves Acupuncture Meridians Exist
http://upliftconnect.com/science-proves-meridians-exist/

Acupuncture in the News
Michael Phelps - Gold Medal Swimmer receives Cupping, an ancient Traditional Chinese medical modality prior to Olympic event.
https://time.com/4443581/michael-phelps-cupping-olympics/

Aaron Rogers - Greenbay Packers Quarterback receives Acupuncture for his injured calf.
https://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2015/01/14/despite-skeptics-acupuncture-finds-favor-with-athletes/21782441/

Kobe Bryant - LA Lakers receies Acupuncture for his injured knee.
http://www.businessinsider.com/kobe-bryant-is-getting-acupuncture-2013-1

Fred Couples - PGA Professional Golfer receives Acupuncture for his back.
https://www.tampabay.com/archive/2004/06/12/acupuncture-aids-couples-game/?utm_expid=.OkR8_rI9TJCniE4SYU689w.0&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

Randy Johnson - Hall of Fame Major League Pitcher received Acupuncture to keep him in the game.
http://www.acupuncturetoday.com/mpacms/at/article.php?id=32011

NFL Football Players receive pre game Acupuncture Treatments
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1289216-what-the-pros-do-in-the-hours-just-before-a-game