Norah McIntire, L.Ac.
8950 Villa La Jolla Drive
Suite B-129
La Jolla, CA 92037
Do acupuncture needles hurt and are they safe?
The needles are sterilized, single use, disposable needles, ensuring your absolute safety. Unlike hypodermic needles, which are relatively large and hollow, acupuncture needles are extremely thin. Many people feel nothing upon gentle insertion of the needle, and others may feel a slight pinch. After insertion, sensations can include a feeling of heaviness, ache, warmth, or distention. These sensations are not always present, and are not necessary for treatment to be effective. A feeling of relaxation often follows, and many patients fall asleep during the session. Most individuals are pleased to find acupuncture treatments enjoyable and look forward to them.
What kind of training is required to be a licensed acupuncturist?
The state of California has licensed acupuncturists as primary care providers since 1976. This responsibility requires extensive training consisting of a minimum of 3,000 hours of study pertaining to the practice of acupuncture. Acupuncturists are trained in Oriental medical theory, Western biomedicine, treatment technique and theory, personal development, clinical training, and herbal medicine. An abbreviated list of courses completed includes anatomy, biology, biochemistry, orthopedic and neurological evaluation, clinical counseling, physical exam, clinical science, pharmacology, Western nutrition, Eastern nutrition, tai qi, qi gong, and clinical research and design.
What can I expect at my first visit?
The first session begins with a thorough health history. The practitioner then does an intake and physical exam, inquiring about general health and the complaint for which you are seeking treatment. The physical exam will include traditional Chinese methods of diagnosis such as examination of the tongue and analysis of the pulse. The physical exam may also include more familiar techniques such as the measurement of blood pressure and temperature. After a diagnosis is made and has been explained, needles are inserted and left in place anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes, while you relax. While the needles are in place, the acupuncturist may also warm the acupuncture points with a technique called moxibustion, the burning of dried mugwort near the acupuncture points to warm and move energy. At the end of the session, additional therapies such as herbal remedies, dietary modifications, and exercise may also be prescribed.
Should I eat before I come to an acupuncture treatment?
Yes. One’s stomach should not be empty. A light meal or snack before a treatment enhances the healing process.
How long will my course of treatment take?
Duration and frequency of treatment varies by the nature of the complaint, its severity, and how long it has been present. Additionally, a patient’s lifestyle, diet, and attitude can either help or hinder the recovery of health and can influence how long treatment is required. Therefore, patients are encouraged to actively participate in their process of healing. A treatment plan is tailored for each patient, and individual response and progress are the measurements by which adjustments are made to this plan. The great majority of complaints take more than one treatment to change the established patterns in the body, especially if the condition is a chronic one. Sessions can be scheduled anywhere from three times a week to a few times a month. As symptoms improve, fewer treatments are required. The course of treatment will be discussed at your first session after a complete history is taken and a working diagnosis made.
Can Chinese Medicine help manage emotional disorders or imbalances?
Yes. The World Health Organization has listed anxiety, insomnia, stress and depression as conditions appropriate for treatment by acupuncture. Acupuncture has also been used as an adjunctive therapy for those going through withdrawal from addictive substances such as cigarettes, alcohol, and cocaine. Because Chinese medicine sees the inherent relationship between the body and emotions, it influences the mental and emotional states, as well as physical symptoms. Chinese medicine delineates a methodical correspondence between emotional balance and physical health. Therefore, while acupuncture and herbal medicine are not replacements for appropriate psychological counseling in certain situations, Chinese medicine influences both body and spirit and can be a vehicle for subtle yet profound change.
Is it true acupuncture and Chinese medicine can treat a cold or flu?
Yes. Chinese medicine has a long history of treatment of infectious disease, and places a clear emphasis on this aspect of medicine. Both acupuncture and herbal medicine are used to address these diseases. According to Chinese medicine, these diseases are caused by a pathogen (virus or bacteria) invading body. If the pathogen is not properly expelled from the body, it has the potential to create chronic health problems, examples of which would be fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome.
Can acupuncture and Chinese medicine benefit me if I am not currently experiencing a health complaint?
Absolutely. The Nei Jing, a classic text of Chinese medicine, states, “To cure disease after it has appeared is like digging a well when one already feels thirsty, or forging weapons after the war has already begun.” Preventative treatment is one of the most valuable aspects of Chinese medicine. Acupuncture has been found to stimulate the immune system, provide relaxation, and enhance athletic and physical function. Ideally, patients take responsibility for their health by scheduling “tune-up” appointments several times a year to re-establish physical and emotional balance, even in the absence of overt disease.
What if I am taking Western pharmaceuticals?
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine can be used in conjunction with Western medical care. Acupuncture is not only generally safe with most pharmaceuticals but can be used to lessen side effects of certain medications. Any potential interaction between medication and herbal prescriptions will be carefully evaluated. You should continue to take medication according to the instructions of your prescribing physician, and any changes in Western pharmaceuticals must be done under the supervision of your MD. Chinese medicine can definitely play a complementary role with Western medicine to provide the most thorough healthcare possible.
What types of conditions does acupuncture treat?
A committee of the United Nation’s World Health Organization has compiled a list of diseases that lend themselves to treatment by acupuncture. Herbal medicine expands the range of treatable disorders. Common effectively treated disorders are listed below. If you have questions about a disorder not listed, please feel free to contact me.
