FAQ:
1. Why should I get acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a holistic and highly personalized approach to healthcare. It is a cost-effective way to promote and maintain wellness. Acupuncture is a non-invasive and gentle alternative to Western medical treatments, which achieves its goals without side-affects.
While it is the single oldest continuously used primary care medicine in the world, it can also function as a effective complement to mainstream Western medicine.
2. How long will it take for acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to resolve my problem?
The prognosis of your case will depend on the duration of the problem. For example, a recent issue will be resolved much more quickly than something that has lasted years; or decades. Age, lifestyle and diet are also factors of how quickly complaints are resolved.
3.What is the difference between acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)?
According to the Acupuncture Practice Act (225 ILCS 2/) of the Illinois General Assembly: Acupuncture means the evaluation or treatment of persons affected through a method of stimulation of a certain point or points on or immediately below the surface of the body by the insertion of pre-sterilized, single-use, disposable needles, unless medically contraindicated, with or without the application of heat, electronic stimulation, or manual pressure to prevent or modify the perception of pain, to normalize physiological functions, or for the treatment of certain diseases or dysfunctions of the body.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is the use of plant, animal, and mineral substances administered in medicinal formulae, to likewise restore imbalances that occur in the body.
Both are considered indispensable tools at the traditional Chinese doctor’s disposal. Both are based on the concepts found originally in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine (circa 475-220 BCE), and the culmination of over 2000 uninterrupted years’ worth of written clinical experience by hundreds of generations of doctors.
4.How does a licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac, Dipl.OM) differ from a chiropractor, M.D., or Physical Therapist who also offers acupuncture?
An L.Ac, Dipl.OM attends a 4-year Master’s Degree program dedicated solely to the study and practice of Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine and its related disciplines. They must learn not just the techniques, but also the theoretical basis and history of the medicine. They must pass board exams in Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese medical theory,Western medical theory and CNT (clean needle technique) in order to be recognized by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).
In the state of Illinois, Medical doctors, Ostepaths, Dentists and Chiropractors may legally practice acupuncture and “dry needling” without any specific training.
5. Do I have to pick between using only Acupuncture or only Western Medicine?
No. Although Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine can exist as stand-alone modes of healthcare, it is used in adjunct with mainstream Western medicine regularly with great success. For example, scientific research points toward greater success in using Oriental and Western medicines together, in the treatment of cancer patients who are administered chemotherapy drugs.