Acupuncture is one the most commonly used altanative healing practices in the world. The term ‘acupuncture’ describes a family of procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques. The acupuncture technique that has been most often studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation. 

The report from a Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1997 stated that acupuncture is being widely practiced – by thousands of physicians, dentists, acupuncturists, and other practitioners – for relief or prevention of pain and for various other health conditions. Acupuncture has been found useful for conditions such as addiction, stroke rehabilitation, headache, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofacial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, dental pain, and asthma. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes over 60 conditions for which acupuncture is effective including anxiety, infertility, sinusitis, irritable bowel syndrome, bladder dysfunction, fatigue, allergies, and skin conditions.

Each year millions of people are treated with acupuncture safely and without complications. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles for use by licensed practitioners, requiring that needles be manufactured and labeled according to certain standards. For example, the FDA requires that needles be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only. 

Acupuncture needles are not much thicker than a human hair, and their insertion is practically painless. It is nothing like receiving an injection. In some cases, you will not know the needles are in place. A normal experience would include some tingling, warmth, or heaviness and perhaps a sensation of movement along the meridian. Most people find acupuncture very relaxing and may even fall asleep during the treatment. 

The number of treatments depends on how chronic, severe, and complicated your condition is. Some conditions need only a single treatment. Others may require treatments over a longer period of time. Your practitioner may suggest exercises, diet modifications, or herbal medicines to help speed your recovery time. Most conditions do not appear suddenly, and most will not disappear suddenly. Patients are encouraged to stick with it – acupuncture works! 

Patients often experience dramatic results from the first treatment. Some patients notice immediate relief, while others feel a gradual improvement over several hours. In some cases, there may be no immediate relief during the next couple of days. Occasionally, a chronic long term problem will take several treatments before you notice a change or improvement in your condition.

Relax! Acupuncture is extremely safe with virtually no side effects. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably not one piece garments. Feel free to ask your practitioner any questions you may have so that you can get the most benefit possible from your treatment.

 In Texas, acupuncturists are licensed after a passing a rigorous national board exam. Acupuncture schools are federally accredited by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). A Master of Science in Oriental Medicine (MSOM) is earned after four years of study.

Increasingly, acupuncture is covered by insurance. However, patients are advised to check with their insurer before starting treatment to see whether their plan covers acupuncture, and if so, to what extent. The Acupuncture & Allergy Center does not process insurance claims. An itemized receipt with the appropriate coding will be provided at time of service enabling the patient with insurance to file for reimbursement.