Frequently Asked Questions About Acupuncture, Oriental, and Alternative Medicines

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Who can practice acupuncture?
Arizona passed its in 1998 law requiring the licensing of acupuncturists having 2500 to 3500+ hours of training. Licensed Acupuncturists are the only practitioners entitled to use the designation "L.Ac." after their names. Other medical professionals may use the tool of acupuncture, but typically have only 50-200 hours of training. Licensed Acupuncturists are trained in the wide variety of modalities within Oriental medicine (see below).


What is acupuncture and Oriental medicine?
Oriental (or Asian) Medicine is the oldest form of medicine, dating back thousands of years. It is an energy-based medicine which acknowledges the existence of unseen electrical energy in the body which flows in documented patterns and pathways. Disease occurs when there is an imbalance or blockage of energy. Practitioners of Oriental medicine will use a variety of tools to rebalance the body: acupuncture (insertion of fine needles, cupping, moxa, gwa sha), herbs, bodywork (acupressure, shiatsu, tuina), nutrition, exercise (tai chi, qi gong), and meditation.

Energy imbalances may be attributed to:

• Deficiency
• Excess
• Too Much Cold
• Too Much Heat
• Blockage Occurring in the Body

These issues arise due to numerous reasons including:

• Climate In Which You are Living
• Eating the Wrong Types of Food
• Retaining Emotions or Constant Stress
• Lack of or Too Much Exercise

By working with the body and providing it with what it needs to heal and eliminating harm, the body will naturally strive towards health.

What Conditions Does it Treat?
Acupuncture is used to treat many conditions ranging from pain relief to chronic disease, to addictions (e.g. smoking cessation). The World Health Organization (WHO) cites over 43 medical conditions which acupuncture can treat, such as:

• Pain – from injury, chronic pain, TMJ and migraines
  
• Addictions – alcohol, smoking, and drugs
• Infections and allergies– flu, sinusitis, asthma, chronic fatigue, etc., including the immune system of HIV and AIDS patients
  
• Insomnia & Depression
  
• Hormonal imbalances – PMS, menopause, thyroid dysfunction, etc.
  
• Gynecological issues and pregnancy
  
• Aging and stress
  
• Anesthesia substitutes in surgery and dental work
  

When consider Acupuncture as a treatment option?
Acupuncture may be a treatment option at any stage of an illness or condition. As with many treatment modalities, the sooner one seeks treatment the more beneficial the treatment will be in a shorter period of time. Acupuncture is a great adjunct to any conventional western medical program.

Why should I choose to see an Acupuncturist?
Acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative to many other treatment options. It is especially helpful for those patients experiencing side effects from drugs or for those using therapies (drug or otherwise) that are indicated for long-term use. Also, patients who did not respond to traditional therapy will often respond well to acupuncture. Acupuncture is a very individualized therapy. Possible side effects are few and occur rarely. It is a powerful therapeutic tool. The FDA cites needles as safer than most conventional western medical therapies used for the same condition.

Where can I find an Acupuncturist or more information about acupuncture?
One can easily locate an acupuncturist through the national certification board www.nccaom.org, state acupuncture board www.azacuboard.org, state association www.azsoma.org, or at PIHMA.

To find a qualified acupuncturist, or for more information, Contact Phoenix Institute of Herbal Medicine & Acupuncture at (602) 274-1885.