Acupuncture FAQ
Frequently asked questions about acupuncture treatment:
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How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture has a documented history dating back to ancient China over 4000 years ago. it is based on treating the internal energy (qi). The Ancient Chinese mapped out the flow of qi through the body into 14 meridians (energy pathways). Recently, electromagnetic research has confirmed the existence of the qi pathways.
An ancient Chinese proverb says; “When there is pain there is no free flow of qi. When there is free flow of qi there is no pain.” Pain is essentially a blockage in the flow energy within the body. By stimulating acupuncture points, blockages can be opened to restore the proper flow of qi.
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Acupuncture is a safe and effective holistic medicine backed by centuries of practice and research. It is practiced worldwide both as a primary and adjunctive treatment for a wide range of conditions. The clinical success of acupuncture is related, for the most part, to the wide range of diagnostic signs and symptoms which are taken into effect when looking at an imbalance.
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An acupuncturist will insert very fine needles into the appropriate points to stimulate energy flow into or out of an affected area/organ to balance excess and deficiency patterns. The desired result is to balance the energy and blood flow of the body in order to restore harmony.
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Does acupuncture hurt?
Acupuncture is painless but once the acupoints are stimulated the patient should feel some sensation such as heaviness, tingling, distention,or electric sensation as energy pathways are opened and balanced. These sensations are natural and any discomfort a patient may experience is usually brief and mild.
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Are the needles clean?
Yes. The needles are high grade surgical steel that are pre sterilized and disposable for one use only.
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How many treatments will I need?
That depends on the duration, severity and nature of your complaint. Some patients find relief after a single treatment for an acute condition while others may require five to fifteen treatments. Some chronic or degenerative conditions may require up to three to six months of treatment.
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What can I expect after the treatment?
You may find dramatic results after the first treatment, although it is more common to notice results after two or three treatments. Some patients may experience immediate full or partial relief of their symptoms. This relief may last only a few hours to a few days. This means the treatment is working but will require more visits to be fully effective.
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When treating cases of pain (especially chronic pain), it is important to break the pain cycle. At first it may be only for a few hours, but eventually the pain will be relieved for days and then weeks until eventually there will be no pain at all.
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Why should I get acupuncture treatments if I am not suffering from any disease?
Preventative medicine! Why wait for something to break down, “tune-ups” will keep your body, mind and spirit running smoothly and harmoniously.
Far too often, people will ignore a nagging pain or suffer with minor symptoms for long periods of time before seeking treatment. Over time, the condition/pain will worsen and consequently require more treatment to eliminate. Symptoms of pain and illness, no matter how minor, are signals from your body telling you something is out of balance. Don’t needlessly suffer, seek treatment sooner than later and the course of treatment will likely be short and simple rather than a lengthy and sometimes difficult process to achieve effective results.
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Will treatments be covered by insurance?
Acupuncture treatments are often covered under extended health insurance plans. Check with your provider to see if Acupuncture by a registered Acupuncturist is covered by your plan. Acupuncture is not covered by OHIP.
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Is Christopher M. Di Tecco a registered practitioner?
Christopher M. Di Tecco is registered with the College of Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners and Acupuncturists of Ontario (CTCMPAO). The CTCMPAO is the governing body in Ontario to regulate the Chinese medicine and acupuncture profession. Christopher is registered to practice acupuncture and its associated modalities and prescribe Chinese herbal medicines. For more information regarding the CTCMPAO please visit their website: http://www.ctcmpao.on.ca/.
