Your questions, answered

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of therapy known to humankind, originating in China nearly five thousand years ago. It treats or relieves ailments by inserting very fine needles at designated locations — called acupuncture points — at various depths and angles.

Traditional Chinese teaching holds that a Life-Force (Qi) is continuously generated and flows throughout the body, alternating rhythmically between two polarities, Yin and Yang, every twenty-four hours. When the flow is balanced there is health; when it is disturbed and weakened, the “seeds” of illness appear.

Qi flows along pathways called meridians — twelve primary meridians, each linked to a particular organ or function. At points along each meridian, inserting and manipulating special needles influences the balance and rhythm of the Life-Force.

Practitioners also read six pulses on each wrist. Through pulse diagnosis, Dr. Lin can tell which energy channels are weak or over-strong — and monitor the effects of treatment.

Almost any health problem may be treated with acupuncture. Even where a disease has progressed too far to be cured, it can often be arrested and pain alleviated so the patient can lead a reasonably normal life. Some problems are dealt with more quickly by Western medicine, and in those cases Dr. Lin will recommend you see a physician. See conditions we treat.

Clinical evidence suggests acupuncture prompts the brain to release endorphins and enkephalins — the body’s own natural painkillers — and may block the transmission of pain impulses.

But acupuncture is more than a painkiller. Pain is often a signal that energy isn’t flowing smoothly because of stress, diet or emotional strain. When that energy is balanced, nerves, muscles, bones, blood vessels and organs are revitalized and the underlying cause of the pain is relieved — naturally and without drugs.

Acupuncture needles are very fine and flexible — about the diameter of a thick hair. Inserted by a skilled practitioner, they are usually completely painless, and most are placed just below the surface of the skin. It feels nothing like an injection: injection pain comes from the hollow needle and medication being forced into the tissue. Acupuncture needles attract or disperse energy along the meridians; they don’t inject anything.

Yes. Certain points have long been used for these problems, though the same point won’t work for everyone — an accurate diagnosis by an experienced practitioner is key. When the body’s energy is balanced, people often lose the urge to smoke or overeat, since those cravings are frequently symptoms of imbalance. Learn about our Nicotine Withdrawal Program.

It depends on how long you’ve had the condition, how far it has progressed and your overall constitution. Most chronic conditions need ten to twenty treatments to relieve symptoms and rebalance the body so they don’t return. Recent problems in otherwise healthy patients may need only a few. Continuing treatment after the pain is gone — and returning for check-ups every month or two — helps relief last.

When the needle reaches the acupuncture point you may notice a brief “electrical” sensation, described as soreness, swelling, heaviness or numbness. Treatment may also include:

• Moxa — a smoldering herb held near the skin to deeply warm the acupoint.
• Electrical stimulation — a small device that gently vibrates the needles between two points instead of manual twirling.
• Diet — in some cases, a diet to follow during your treatment period to speed your response.

For the first two or three treatments you may feel mild discomfort without noticeable improvement — this is expected. Some patients feel tired or sleepy after early treatments, or notice sweating or looser bowels. Occasionally old symptoms briefly return as healing progresses: Oriental medicine compares conditions to stacked sheets of paper, removed one at a time until healing is complete.

Yes. Dr. Lin participates with many networks including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Guardian and MultiPlan. Discounts are available for Medicare patients. See all plans or request a free benefits check.