Acupuncture FAQs

Why do you have different designations after a practitioners name?

In order to be a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.) in the state of Nebraska, a person must have a Master Level Degree from an accredited school. The Masters designation can vary from school to school, some being Masters of Acupuncture (M.Ac.), some Masters of Oriental Medicine (M.Om.), some Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM). All, however, are Master of Science degrees, (M.Sc.). We have used M.Sc. on our website to have uniformity. The L.Ac. is the license to practice acupuncture, the M.Sc. is the degree required to become licensed. Some practitioners will have other letters behind their name because they have other degrees.

What is Acupuncture?

Its origins can be traced back to over 3000 years. It’s roots come from our understanding of nature. Nature is constantly striving to find balance to promote life and existence. Our bodies follow the same natural law of harmony through homeostasis. It is constantly at work to maintain balance. Acupuncture taps into the body’s natural resources and empowers the body to heal itself.

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE THEORY

Includes the concept of Qi, which is considered the body’s vital life force. It is because of this energy that we even exist. There are many different pathways that Qi flows throughout the body, like the information highway on the Internet. Disharmony occurs with the disruption of this flow. Qi can become stagnant in the body, similar to your computer locking up. You can have too much Qi and become overstimulated resulting in information overload. The body can also become energy deficient, comparable to the inability to find what you are looking for on the internet. Qi can definitely be effective by how we relate to the environment. Stress and diet are major influences on our life force.

Prevention is a key component to this ancient theory. Folklore states, Chinese doctors were paid when their patients were healthy, they received nothing when they became sick. It was in their best interest to focus on the prevention of illness. Being aware of what makes your Qi flow harmoniously is the best way to prevent any disruption. Traditional Chinese medicine can influence the body, mind and spirit to a balanced lifestyle.

MODERN SCIENCE

Is catching up with our ancient ancestors that discovered the theory of Qi. Quantum physics theorizes that when any material is broken down to its smallest feature, it becomes pure energy. Our bodies like anything that we perceive to be solid is actually pure energy interacting with everything it is surrounded by. It is a beautiful concept to know that we are all actually one in the same.

IS IT SAFE?

Since 1996, the Federal Drug Administration has approved Acupuncture. Sterile, single use needles are required and can only be performed by a qualified licensed practitioner. Billions of people have been treated by acupuncture and statically it is rare to have complications.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS:

Drugless relief of presenting symptoms and improved balance of body energies that may lead to the prevention, improvement or elimination of the presenting problem.

POTENTIAL RISKS:

Some pain following treatment in insertion area, minor bruising, possible bleeding, temporary discoloration of the skin.

IS ACUPUNCTURE RIGHT FOR ME?

If you are truly interested in using your natural resources to prevent, promote or relieve disharmony in your life acupuncture is a good alternative. The best investment you can make is in your health. Acupuncture can empower your body to thrive. You have a choice every moment of your life to choose the highest degree of health and acupuncture can be a part of that plan.

WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE?

The needles used are sterilized for one insertion only. They are very thin and flexible. Usually, the sensation from the needle may be anything from a slight pinching to not feeling it at all. When the needle is activated you may feel a dull aching sensation that could radiate through the channel.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE AND HOW MANY TIMES DO I HAVE TO GO?

There are no exacts in health but there are estimations. The more acute a problem, the faster the results usually are. If the problem took a while to acquire, it may take a while to resolve. Typically, treatments will begin with 2-3 times a week for 3-4 weeks and then taper to once a week for approximately 6-8 weeks. A maintenance program maybe once a month to once every 3 to 6 months. The initial visit is 90 minutes, it includes a complete assessment of the imbalance, including a tongue and pulse diagnoses to determine the root cause of the problem and its manifestations. Return visit are scheduled for an hour with approximately 10-15 minutes determining your current needs and the remainder for the treatment.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?

Wear something that is comfortable! Normally points used are on the arm to the elbow and on the leg below the knee. Make sure you eat before having a treatment; low blood sugar could promote dizziness. Be ready to relax.