At the Teggatz Clinic, we believe that getting clients results is what matters most. We borrow from the best traditions around the world, taking what works, and applying those techniques in our clinic. With evidence continuing to mount, we have found acupuncture to be a highly valuable modality in helping our patients get and stay health.
Acupuncture is a complementary medical practice that involves stimulating certain points on the body to alleviate pain or to help treat various health conditions. Developed thousands of years ago in China, numerous recent studies conducted by scientists in Europe and the United States have found that acupuncture is effective for a whole host of conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medical Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a very safe and effective ancient system of healing that involves the use of thin, metal needles inserted at very specific points in the body to effect desired changes in the flow of qi or vital energy.  This induces the body to heal itself through biologic mechanisms such as increased blood flow, decreased inflammation and the release of neurotransmitters and other chemical substances.  Medical acupuncture specifically is acupuncture performed by a medical doctor, an M.D. or D.O.
What does acupuncture treat?
Many medical conditions can be improved by the use of acupuncture.  The amount of improvement varies.  The conditions which tend to show the most improvement with acupuncture are:
- Stress-related-conditions
- Hormone-related conditions
- Fertility, menstrual cramps, PMS, menopause
- Acute injuries
- Most types of pain
- Fibromyalgia, trigger points
- Headaches/Migraines
- Sinus problems
- Anxiety and depression
How many acupuncture sessions do I need?
Depending on the condition and its severity, a series of acupuncture treatments is usually needed.  For acute problems, a series of 4-6 treatments at semi-weekly to weekly intervals is common.  For more chronic problems, a series of 6-8 at gradually increasing intervals is typical, with maintenance treatments at one or two-month intervals to prevent recurrence.
Is acupuncture painful?
Most people find acupuncture treatments to be relaxing and often fall asleep during or after a treatment. There can be discomfort associated with insertion of the needles for some patients but it is usually brief and often diminishes with subsequent treatments. Most patients find any discomfort a small price to pay in exchange for the overall sense of well-being and improvement of symptoms they enjoy with acupuncture. If you feel anything that’s a severe or sharp pain, you should let your acupuncturist know. Most of the time pain or discomfort will be fleeting and last only a few seconds.
Is there anything I should or should not do before or after my session?
It is advised you refrain from any strenuous activity, alcohol and sexual activity for 24 hours after a treatment.  Also, until you know how acupuncture affects you, you should drive with caution or bring someone to your visit to drive you home as physical and emotional changes can occur after treatment which affect your ability to drive.
How do I learn more about medical acupuncture?
Here are 2 great sites to view if you want to learn more about medical acupuncture.  www.hmieducation.com and www.medicalacupuncture.org.
