I. What is acupuncture?

II. What can be treated by acupuncture?

III. Frequently asked questions about acupuncture

Acupuncture is the insertion of hair-thin needles into the body at specific points, thereby stimulating and activating the body's self-healing mechanisms. For over 5,000 years acupuncture has been widely practiced in the East. Many millions of people in China, Korea, and Japan, as well as in Europe, Russia, Israel, and many other countries use it. More than one million Americans are currently receiving acupuncture each year. In November 1997 a committee of experts at the National Health Institute gave their medical endorsement to the use of acupuncture as the treatment for a variety of conditions.

American medicine now recognizes the benefits of acupuncture. David Ramsey, President of the National Health Institute, has remarked that "ancient practice of acupuncture is an effective therapy for certain medical conditions, especially those involving painful disorders, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, etc." (Time, November 1997).

From the viewpoint of modern medicine, the principle action of acupuncture is to regulate the function of the human body and to increase its resistance by enhancing the immune system and the analgesic, antispastic, antishock and antiparalytic abilities of the body.

The following is a list of some of the more common conditions treatable by Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, as outlined by the World health Organization:

Upper Respiratory Tract
Acute sinusitis
Acute rhinitis
Common Cold
Acute tonsillitis

Respiratory System
Acute bronchitis
Bronchial asthma (most effective in children and in patients without complicating diseases)

Disorders of the Eye
Acute conjunctivitis
Central retinitis
Myopia (in children)
Cataract (without complications)

Disorders of the Mouth
Toothache, post-extraction pain
Gingivitis
Acute and chronic pharyngitis

Gastro-intestinal Disorders
Spasms of esophagus and cardia
Hiccough
Gastroptosis
Acute and chronic gastritis
Gastric hyperacidity
Chronic duodenal ulcer (pain relief)
Acute duodenal ulcer (without complications)
Acute and chronic colitis
Acute bacillary dysentery
Constipation
Diarrhea
Paralytic ileus

Neurological/Musculo-skeletal Disorders
Headache and migraine
Trigeminal neuralgia
Facial palsy (early stage, i.e., within three to six months)
Pareses following a stroke
Peripheral neuropathies
Sequelae of poliomyelitis (early stage, i.e., within six months)
Meniere's disease
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
Nocturnal enuresis
Intercostal neuralgia
Cervicobrachial syndrome
"Frozen shoulder," "tennis elbow"
Sciatica
Low back pain
Osteoarthritis

There are many other symptoms and conditions that can be relieved by acupuncture. In our 25 years of experience, we have successfully used acupuncture to help relieve symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome and pancreatitis, skin disorders such as acne, psoriasis and rosacea, liver disorders such as hepatitis and early stages of cirrhosis as well as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and chronic prostatitis.   Acupuncture can be used to great extend to help with the  symptoms of depression, stress and panic attacks, to control cravings during alcohol, drug and smoking cessation and to promote the weight loss.

Frequently Asked Questions about Acupuncture

Q. Does acupuncture hurt?
A. The goal of acupuncture is to get life energy, or Qi, circulating in the body. Some people experience this as heaviness, mild cramping, or electric sensation. Most patients, however, find an acupuncture treatment profoundly peaceful and relaxing. Those who fear needles can be treated instead with point massage, magnets, electropuncture, vibration, and cupping.

Q. How does acupuncture work?
A. Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient theories in which the Qi, or life energy, is seen as flowing through distinct meridians, or pathways, which cover the human body. Acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body. Researchers have found that acupuncture measurably increases the body's own production of natural painkillers, It also increases blood flow to the areas of the brain that process pain and immune markers. For more information about acupuncture benefits, please click here

Q. How many treatments will I need?
A. That depends upon duration, severity and nature of your problem. Some conditions clear up with one or two treatments, but chronic conditions may require multiple sessions.

Q. Is acupuncture safe?
A. There is no dispute that acupuncture is totally safe and virtually free of negative side effects.

Q. How about insurance coverage?
A. An increasing number of healthcare providers cover acupuncture services. The following insurance providers are known to cover acupuncture services: Aetna, Blue Shield, Blue Cross, United Healthcare, Cigna. There are other insurance carriers that provide the coverage. At BIOTHERAPY CLINIC we can verify your insurance coverage prior to treatment.

Q. Can conventional medical treatment be combined with acupuncture?
A. Absolutely! Acupuncture will enhance the therapeutic results of the traditional medical approach.

Acupuncture treatments are provided by Peter Melamed, LAc, RN, PhD. Peter is a licensed acupuncturist in the State of California and New York. As a former medical doctor in the Soviet Union, Peter frequently combined conventional Western medical treatment with herbs, acupuncture, and other non-drug healing therapies. Read more about Peter Melamed, LAc, RN, PhD, here.

To read more about acupuncture and arthritis, click here.

The statements made in this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and procedures presented at this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or illness, to prescribe any medication or to be a substitute for medical treatment.