Detlef F. Wolf

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture and traditional Chinese Medicine have developed over a period of 3000 years. Archeological findings in Egypt, India and China include acupuncture needles made of bones, stones and precious metals. While little is known from other cultures about their acupuncture practices, a number of classical texts are available from China, which describe acupuncture in detail. It is the first medical system which bases its treatment on clinical observation and practical experience. These texts describe the needles, which are now made of stainless steel, and their exact placement into the skin. These needles stimulate the body’s defenses and enable the body’s ability to heal itself from physical, mental and emotional disease.

Since acupuncture works equally as well on people as on animals, it does not use the “placebo” effect as some people may want you to believe. Patients do not have to believe in acupuncture for it to work.

Acupuncture is now often recommended by many medical doctors for treatment of addiction and pain, and the United Nation’s World Health Organization (WHO) has compiled a list of illnesses which can be successfully treated by acupuncture. The following is only a partial list of the ailments which are treatable by acupuncture.

Other Problems which Acupuncture can help

Does it hurt?
Many acupuncture points are not felt at all, but sometimes a pinprick sensation can be felt. However, patients may sometimes get an electrical tingling sensation, numbness or a heat sensation, which is not painful, but associated with getting the energy (Qi) flowing in the body.

What can I expect from acupuncture?
Depending on the length and the severity of Fibromyalgia, the patient can expect to feel relief within a few weeks of treatment. However, the chronicity of the problems as well as the age of the patient, very often plays an important part in the time it takes to arrest Fibromyalgia and restore the body to its natural state of health.

Acupuncture Training:
There are several different ways to become a Diplomat of Acupuncture, but the most common method is to graduate from a 3 1/2 year acupuncture school. This involves more than 1800 hours of clinical and theoretical study in subjects ranging from anatomy and physiology to herbal studies, Chinese medical theory and case studies. After graduation, the acupuncturist must pass a stringent series of national examinations given by the NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). The NCCAOM certification assures the patients that the acupuncturist has received proper training in Chinese medicine. Thus, look for the NCCAOM certification as a sign of a well trained acupuncturist.

Will my insurance cover Acupuncture?
Acupuncture may be covered under Workmen’s Compensation plans if recommended by your supervising physician. No-fault automobile insurance may cover the services of an acupuncturist. Empire, WellCare as well as other HMO’s may also pay for acupuncture, so check with your insurance company or HMO to see if you are covered.

How safe is Acupuncture?
In this clinic, Acupuncture is only performed with new, sterilized, needles, which are disposed of after each use. Each NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine). certified Acupuncturist must have taken a special course and passed a rigorous examine, called the “Clean Needle Technique”, to assure the sterility and the safety of the equipment.

Does always acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is for most ailments known to mankind. However Acupuncture does not cure everything, and a thorough physical check-up by a qualified physician is always recommended. Acupuncture, while extremely effective, is completely safe. Problems such as over-medication, using the wrong medication, or iatrogenically introduced diseases, are virtually unknown in acupuncture.