What Is Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a complete medical system originated from China more than 300 years ago. It applies traditional Chinese medicine theory to diagnose and treat illness, prevent disease and improve well-being by inserting acupuncture needles at critical points through human body. Due to its proven effectiveness, it has been becoming more and more popular throughout the world.How Acupuncture WorksThere are two kinds of explanations about how acupuncture works. I would like to give a traditional explanation. In traditional Chinese medicine, there exists meridian system through human body and more than 360 acupoints are located at these meridians. Qi, or a stream of energy, flows through these meridians and acupoints to support tissue, muscles and organs. When the Qi is obstructed in certain critical points, or acupoints, the function of tissue, muscles and organs will be impaired.By inserting acupuncture needles into acupoints helps the release of Qi flow and corrects Qi imbalances at the organ level to improve your energy and internal processing.BenefitsSince acupuncture promotes the body's natural healing ability, many conditions can be corrected or improved. Also, it is being recognized that acupuncture is a comprehensive system of preventive health care and health maintenance. The effectiveness of acupuncture extends far beyond the conception that it is only useful for chronic pain management or as an analgesic. It has been discovered by many athletes that acupuncture treatment helps them to reach optimum performance levels. Recently acupuncture detoxification treatments have been recognized as a valid form of therapy for chemical dependency problems such as drinking, drug and smoking. Throughout its long history, acupuncture has established a solid reputation as an excellent alternative for health care.What Conditions Are Commonly Treated by AcupunctureAccording to my clinic experience, the following conditions can be treated by acupuncture most effectively.Pain Relieve and ControlIt is well proven that acupuncture can treat many types of pain conditions such as Arthritis, Cervical Spondylopathy, Knee Pain, Hand and Foot Pain, Sciatica, Shoulder Pain, Tennis Elbow, Lower Back and Neck Pain, Tendonitis, etc. More than half of my patients who suffered from different pains visited my office. Most of them have received satisfied treatment results. I have some patients who suffered injury due to car or sports accidents. They are also very pleased with acupuncture treatment.Headache & MigrainesMany of my patients have suffered from headache or migraine for many years. Before accepting acupuncture treatment, they have tried almost everything. However, none of these approaches really work. After having acupuncture treatment, they felt remarkable improvement of their condition.Quit SmokingIt usually takes three to five sessions of acupuncture treatment to have smokers to quit.Other ConditionsI have successfully treated other diseases and conditions such as Anxiety and Depression, Facial Paralysis, Insomnia, Neuralgia, Stroke Rehabilitation, TMJ, Whiplash, etc.How Acupuncture FeelsPrior to their first treatment, many people do not believe that acupuncture can be painless. Different sensations such as soreness, numbness, distending, warmth and pressure may be felt, but the energetic sensation differs from pain. People often comment that the feeling is unfamiliar but pleasant and relaxing.Acupuncture needles are very fine, about the size of a thick hair. They are solid and nothing is injected through them. Over the centuries, refined needle insertion techniques have been developed which enable the skilled acupuncture practitioner to place a needle with little or no sensation.If you have a real fear of needles, discuss it with your acupuncturist. An appropriate treatment strategy can always be agreed upon.Is acupuncture needle safeYes! Because now acupuncture is carried out with sterile and disposable needles approved by FDA.How many sessions do I need for treatmentSince each person is unique, the number of treatments needed will vary. Among the determining factors are the type of condition, whether the condition is chronic or acute, and the vitality of the individual. Again, you should discuss your treatment program with your acupuncturist.How many needles should be used in each treatmentsix to eight needles are used during acupuncture treatment at most of times. If two or more symptoms or conditions are treated during one session, ten or more needles may be used. For instance, a patient has being suffered from both back pain and headache for a while. The patient can be treated for both in each session instead of treating only one symptom in one session. However, do not try to treat as many symptoms or conditions as possible.If an acupuncturist does not have enough experience, he or she should just treat one symptom or condition in each treatment.Some acupuncturists insert as many as thirty or more needles in one treatment. This may mean that by using many needles the chances of inserting some of needles precisely at acupoints may be increased. In fact, this approach may set the treatment effect out of control and cause fatigue that hinders treatment, rather than beneficial relaxation.How often should I have acupuncture treatmentI usually render it two to three sessions a week for the first two weeks. After reviewing the progress of treatment, I render it one to two sessions a week for the following weeks. However, it entirely depends on the physical condition of each individual.How long each session takesNormally, each session takes 20 to 30 minutes. It depends on the sensitivity of each individual and the kind of diseases and conditions.In general speaking, the quality of acupuncture treatment relies on the experience and skill of an acupuncturist. They are combination of diagnosis of symptom, accuracy of acupoints, timing, the depth and angle of insertion, techniques of manipulation, etc.Should I stop other medicationsNo. You should continue to follow your current physician's instructions. Please remember that acupuncture is used to complement and supplement your physician's treatments not to replace them. You should discuss this issue with your physician and acupuncturist.In which cases, acupuncture is inadvisableA patient should never be needled under the following conditions:When the patient is too hot; when his or her pulse is greatly disturbed; when he or she is drunk or angry; when he or she is hungry or has eaten too much; when he or she is overtired, out of breath; or when he or she is full of great fear.It is preferable not to have acupuncture treatment at all during pregnancy.

Question: Can Children Be Treated With Acupuncture?Answer: Children of all ages are treated and respond well to acupuncture and Chinese herbal treatment. In addition, young children of those apprehensive of the use of acupuncture needles may be treated without needles using Asian bodywork and/or electrical probes. In addition, herbal formulas are usually prescribed to enhance the acupuncture treatments and to provide further care between treatments as well.

Question: Should I Consult With My Physician Regarding Getting Acupuncture And Oriental Medicine Treatment?Answer: It is advisable to always inform your physician about any treatment that you are seeking and it is also very important to have a list of medications and supplements that you are taking available during your first consultation with your acupuncturist. Some physicians will also refer acupuncture and Oriental medicine practitioners to patients.

What is Acupuncture?Acupuncture is an essential part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is based on ideas and theories formulated over thousands of years. Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into specific sites on the body chosen according to the guiding principles of Traditional Oriental Medicine. Needles may also be used with an application of moxibustion, an herbal heat source. Or sometimes, an electrical pulse is combined with the needles for increased stimulation.

How and where the needles are inserted encourages the body to promote natural healing by enhancing recuperative power, immunity, physical and emotional health and improves overall function and well-being. Acupuncture balances and maintains our health in a natural way.

How long has Acupuncture been practiced?As a system of medicine, acupuncture is over 2500 years old, and may have been practiced in China in a rudimentary form 5,000, even 7,000 years ago. The oldest continuously used medical textbook is the "Huang Di Nei Jing" ("Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic"). Still relevant today, this textbook remains a valuable reference on the theory, and on acupuncture techniques that practitioners still use today. The practice of acupuncture has evolved and changed in the last 2500 years - many new techniques have been developed, and continue to be developed today.

Is Acupuncture treatment safe?Yes. Only sterile disposable needles are used. Because of the training an Acupuncturist receives, acupuncture is very safe. If a comprehensively trained acupuncturist performs the treatment, your safety is assured.

"Although tens of millions of acupuncture needles are used annually in the United States, only about 50 cases of complications resulting from acupuncture have been reported in the medical literature over the past 20 years." - Birch, et. al., "Clinical Research on Acupuncture", Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2004

Is Acupuncture painful?Acupuncture needles are very thin. Most people do not find the insertion of such hair fine needles to be painful. Acupuncture needles are hair fine, unlike injection needles, which are thicker, hollow and have cutting edges. This is why acupuncture feels nothing like getting a shot or having blood drawn.

What conditions have you treated with Acupuncture?Acupuncture is used for a broad range of health issues including chronic and degenerative diseases as well as acute conditions and pain. Acupuncture can benefit the immune system by strengthening it if it is weak, or by moderating it if it is overactive. The following list is just a sample of health issues I have treated with acupuncture: Facial Pain Neck Pain Temporomandibular Joint Disorders(TMD) Contracture of Joint/Spasm of Muscle Shoulder Pain/Frozen Shoulder Back Pain/Low Back Pain Sciatica Fibromyalgia/Myofacial Pain/Neuralgia/Neuritis/Radiculitis Headache/Migraine Neuropathies Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Automobile and Sports Injuries Arthritis/Osteoarthritis Tendonitis/Tennis Elbow Stress, Depression and Insomnia Menopause Syndrome/PMS Gynecological Disorders Infertility in Males and Females Bell's Palsy/Pareses following a stroke Allergies, Respiratory Diseases Skin Diseases Smoking Cessation Sexual Dysfunction Digestive System Problems/Constipation/IBS/ Nausea/Vomiting Cancer Treatment Support Immunity EnhancementNote: The above includes the more common ailments treated. It is not a complete list. If your ailment does not appear on this list, it does not mean it can not be treated by acupuncture. Please contact me to discuss it. How does Acupuncture work?The Traditional Chinese Medicine explanation of how acupuncture works is that channels, or meridians, of energy run in regular patterns throughout the body and over its surface. These energy channels flow through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues and organs. An obstruction in the movement of the energy is like a dam that can cause obstruction in the flow of blood, bodily fluids and metabolic waste, thereby creating imbalances in the body.Needling the acupuncture points can influence the meridian by unblocking the obstructions and re-establishing a healthy flow through the meridians. Since the meridians link with the organs, a treatment can therefore, also help to improve the function of the internal organs. The improved energy flow and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities and in promoting physical and emotional well being.Western science has also suggested several theories for how Acupuncture works, including (1) conduction of electromagnetic signals, (2) activation of opioid systems, and (3) changes in brain chemistry, sensation, and involuntary bodily functions. (NCCAM Research Study, 2002.)

What are the theories of how Acupuncture works?Scientists have no comprehensive answer as to how acupuncture works. Here is a list of a few currently proposed theories:

1. By a yet to be determined process, acupuncture raises levels of triglycerides, specific hormones, prostaglandins, white blood counts, gamma globulins, opsonins, and overall anti-body levels. This is called the "Augmentation of Immunity" Theory.2. The "Endorphin" Theory states that acupuncture stimulates the secretions of endorphins in the body (specifically Enkaphalins).3. The "Neurotransmitter" Theory states that certain neurotransmitter levels (such as Seratonin and Noradrenaline) are positively affected by acupuncture.4. The "Circulatory" Theory holds that acupuncture has the effect of constriction or dilation of blood vessels. This may be caused by the body's release of Vasodilaters (such as Histamine), in response to acupuncture.5. "Gate" Theory states that the perception of pain is controlled by a part of the nervous system that regulates the impulse, which will later be interpreted as pain. This part of the nervous system is called the "Gate". If the gate is hit with too many impulses, it is overwhelmed and closes, preventing the pain impulse from getting through. Acupuncture treats the smallest gates and nerve fibers which are the ones first affected.

What is an Acupuncture treatment like?You may feel a slight sensation resembling a pinch or a mosquito bite when the needle is inserted. Once the needles are placed there may be a slight tingling, numbness or heaviness in the area while the practitioner is stimulating the point. These are positive signs that the needles are affecting the acupuncture point. Usually you will be lying on a comfortable padded table or in an easy chair. Often, people become very relaxed and fall into a light sleep during the session. What can I expect when I go to an Acupuncturist?The Acupuncturist will ask you a series of questions and do a full health history in order to find out the underlying cause of your health issue or disorder. The Acupuncturist will ask about your symptoms, health and life-style. Afterward the Acupuncturist will examine your tongue, feel your pulses and palpate various parts of your body. This helps the Acupuncturist find patterns that tell which organs and meridians are out of balance. With this information the Acupuncturist will identify a pattern of disharmony according to Oriental Medical theory and will make a treatment plan to address it. After your initial interview, you may receive an Acupuncture treatment. How should I prepare?1. Come with any questions you have, we're here to help you.2. Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy access to acupuncture points.3. Don't eat large meals just before or after your visit.4. Refrain from overexertion, drugs, or alcohol for up to 6 hours after the visit.5. Avoid stressful situation. Make time to relax and be sure to get plenty of rest.6. Between visits, take notes of any changes that you may have experienced. How long do treatments take?An office visit will last from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The needles, once inserted, will usually be left in place from 15 to 45 minutes. Ultimately, the session length depends on the technique and desired results.

How many treatments are needed and how often?Although some people will respond well to only one treatment, more are often necessary. The frequency of treatment and number of treatments needed is related to the patient's condition. Generally, the longer the patient has had the condition the longer the course of treatment will be before showing substantial and lasting results. Acupuncture can be scheduled as often as five times a week or as little as once a month. Typically, in China, patients are treated two to five times a week. Although some patients respond favorably after only one or two treatments, others may not respond even until the ninth visit. As symptoms improve fewer visits are required. A client should discuss his or her treatment program with the Acupuncturist, as each individual case is unique.

How does an Acupuncturist know which points to use?Acupuncture points reside on meridians, or channels, which are energetic pathways that run throughout the entire body. These meridians are linked to each other as well as to different organs. Using his knowledge of the interrelationship between the meridians and organs, an Acupuncturist will choose points to effect changes in them that will influence the symptoms you report. According to the Acupuncturist's assessment and treatment plan, he chooses individual points or combinations of points to stimulate this change. An Acupuncturist uses Traditional Oriental Medical theory of how the body functions, the Acupuncturist's clinical experience, and modern research to develop the best treatment for you.

Is an Acupuncture treatment's result due to the placebo effect?Physiological changes occurring after acupuncture are not the result of the placebo effect. Many of the effects occur without the conscious knowledge of the patient, but these changes can, and have, been measured by scientific investigation such as functional MRIs.

What is acupuncture?Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation, at very precise acupuncture points. Acupuncture is just one mode of treatment within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude (For example, a patient thinking, "I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results. Acupuncture causes physiological changes in the body regardless of knowledge or belief in the treatment, just as taking medications cause physiological changes regardless of knowledge or belief in the drug.

How does acupuncture work?There are many modern theories, but the general explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the release of chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals can either change the experience of pain, or trigger the release of chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

Chinese medicine is based on a completely different paradigm than contemporary medicine.A simplified version of the classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues and organs. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that gets backed up. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians.

Can acupuncture treat more than pain?Yes, definitely! While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as support to other medical treatments. Acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health:promotion of health and well-beingprevention of illnesstreatment of various medical conditions

What can acupuncture treat?The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:Digestive disorders:vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, digestive trouble, indigestion, gastritis and hyperacidity, irritable bowel syndrome, spastic colon, colitis, dysentery, gingivitis, hiccup

Respiratory disorders:common cold, sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections, pneumonia, rhinitis, tonsillitis

Tension,stressandemotional conditions:stress, addiction, anxiety, fatigue, depression, emotional problems, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), sleep disturbances, smoking cessation

Neurological and musculoskeletal disorders: headaches, migraine, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, dental pain, dizziness, facial palsy, trigeminal neuralgia, fibromyalgia

Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems:fertility, incontinence, menstrual irregularities, pain, menopausal symptoms, morning sickness, PMS, reproductive problems, urinary tract infections

How long does it take to see results from acupuncture?This depends on the type of condition being treated, as well as the individuals response to treatments. Sometimes immediate relief may be felt, sometimes theres a one-two day delay in response, and sometimes it can take a few treatments to start feeling results. For example, if a relatively healthy person receives treatment for a cold, it is likely that they would feel immediate results. On the other hand, if a person gets treated for back pain theyve been suffering with for 10 years, it may take 3-5 treatments before they start to feel the improvement.

How often are treatments required?Once per week is the minimum treatment frequency during the active healing phase. With treatment once per week, cumulative results add up and strides toward reduced symptoms and improved condition are usually measurable. For very severe or chronic conditions, it is advisable to jump start a treatment regimen with 2-3 treatments per week if possible for the first couple weeks until relief is felt, then transition to the once per week frequency.

After the body is stronger and the condition is stable, when a week can pass without any symptoms, then the treatment frequency is reduced. Time between treatments will be stretched out to 10 days, 14 days, 21 days or just reduced to a monthly maintenance visit.

How long are treatments required?Again, this completely depends on the type of condition being treated, as well as the individuals response to treatments. Most patients are feeling a definite improvement within one month of weekly treatments. Most patients have weekly treatments for 2 or 3 months, some people continue with weekly visits for 3-4 months. The goal is to get you feeling well and living life--so as soon as you're ready the treatment frequency will be reduced, we'll figure out what is the minimum amount of treatment time that will keep you comfortable and doing what you love in life! After symptoms are under control, monthly maintenance visits are recommended.

Does acupuncture hurt?Most people say that acupuncture doesnt hurt. People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most patients feel only a very tiny pinch as the needles are inserted; some patients dont feel the insertion at all. The sensation is like a mosquito bite or less. Once the needles are in place, there may be a pressure or tingling sensation which indicates that the treatment is working well, but this sensation is not painful. Most people agree that acupuncture treatments are comfortable and relaxing. Many people fall asleep during acupuncture treatment!

What are the needles like?Acupuncture needles are NOTHING like the hypodermic needles used for injections or blood sampling. They are tiny, smooth and solidalmost like a strand of hair. Dozens of acupuncture needles can fit into the shaft of a single hypodermic needle. Only sterile, single-use needles are used for acupuncture.

What if Im too scared of the needles to get a treatment?Youre not alone. Many people are uncomfortable with needles. Some people even have an authentic phobia. The first thing to know is that you can benefit from Chinese Medicine by receiving other forms of treatment including acupressure, cupping, moxabustion or herbal formulas.

That being said, acupunctureisthe most effective and economical form of treatment. Most people fear acupuncture because they associate needles with painful injections. Acupuncture needles are usually painless. Whenever I attend a health fair or similar event I do free demos for people. The overwhelming response is surprise at how little is felt with acupuncture needle insertion. If acupuncture needling was painful, free demos would not be a successful way to promote it!

If you do have an authentic phobia, professional psychological assistance may be needed to overcome it. If you want to try acupuncture but feel afraid, I will do my best to help you conquer your fear. Desensitization is a proven technique for conquering fears. We can start slowly by just showing you the needles. You dont have to receive any acupuncture until youre ready. We can rely on other treatment methods until you are comfortable with acupuncture. We can do treatments with fewer needles and tinier needles to ease you into it.

Does acupuncture have any side effects?Acupuncture is totally natural and does not involve any drugs or chemicals, so there are few side effects. Some patients report feeling deeply relaxed, or even spacey after treatments, but this passes after a short time. Acupuncture doesnt usually cause any bleeding, but occasionally a couple tiny drops of blood may be released when the needle is removed (about 3% of the time), or a small bruise might form after the needle is removed (about 2% of the time). Dizziness during treatment, usually due to either conscious or subconscious fear of needles, occurs in about 1% of patients. These days we have come to think of side effects as negative things. Many patients experience positive side effects with acupuncture including: better sleep, greater sense of well being, reduced asthmatic conditions, reduced allergy symptoms, and regulated cycles--even when those are not the issues we are targeting :)

Is acupuncture safe for children?Yes, acupuncture is safe for children. Special methods and precautions are used when treating very young children who are not yet able to sit still for 20 minutes. At least one parent must always be present with a child during treatment.

Is acupuncture safe during pregnancy?In general, acupuncture is safe during pregnancy but special precautions must be taken. Always tell your acupuncturist if you are pregnant or trying to conceive.

Who can benefit from acupuncture?Anyone can benefit from acupuncture. In our daily lives, our bodies are always suffering wear and tear. Acupuncture enhances the bodys natural restorative abilities and thereby works to enhance health. Of course, most people seek out acupuncture when they are suffering from illness or injury and this is when acupuncture can be most beneficialAcupuncture can assist in the treatment of just about any illness, disease or injury. That isnotto say that acupuncture can cure cancer far from it. But acupuncture has two important properties that can help just about anyoneFirst, acupuncture helps the body to heal itself. The human body has an incredible capacity to conduct its own repairs and maintenance. Every day, your healthy cells are busy keeping your body clean, removing toxins and destroying harmful substances. Bad habits, fatigue and the stress of modern life can slow these natural healing processes down, to the point that illness and disease take hold. Acupuncture stimulates and energises the bodys natural healing processes to help restore balanceSecond, acupuncture is proven to be highly effective in the management of pain and discomfort. Anyone suffering from chronic pain will tell you that it is not pleasant to be taking painkillers for any length of time. Most painkillers have nasty side effects. Acupuncture can help relieve all kinds of pain and discomfort. Acupuncture is chemical free, it will not place the body under any extra stress and it is virtually free of side effects. By relieving pain, acupuncture can significantly enhance quality of life.

What specific illnesses or injuries can be treated with acupuncture?Because acupuncture works by stimulating the bodys own healing response, acupuncture has potential to enhance the treatment of any illness or injury. Are there any risks?Acupuncture is a very safe treatment.The needles used are single-use, sterile needles and the risk of contamination is virtually nil. You will be able to observe your acupuncturist remove the new needles from their sterile packaging every time you are treated.Because the skin is pierced, acupuncture causes a very tiny, invisible break to the skin. Infection could enter, theoretically, but the risk is very small. Just about any daily scrape or abrasion would have a higher risk of infection.In some cases, the needle will cause a small and mild bruise. You are unlikely to notice unless you inspect the precise points.You should be aware that there is no risk whatsoever that acupuncture will interfere with any medication that you are taking for your illness or injury.

How many needles do you usually use in a treatment?In an average treatment between eight and twenty needles would be used. Of course, your acupuncturist will act on your instructions if you wish to have fewer needles. This might slow down the progress of the treatment, but that is your prerogative.

Does acupuncture hurt?Because the needles have to pierce the skin, you may experience a brief prick when the needles are inserted. The needles used at AcuvivA are the finest needles available and cause very little discomfort.Once the needles are in, there should be no pain. At particular points on the body, you are likely to feel a dull aching sensation while the needles are in. This sensation is evidence of strong movement of qi.It is very important that an acupuncture treatment should not be stressful or unpleasant, so if any sensation is too strong, or if you are uncomfortable, you must let your acupuncturist know! You should be able to achieve a state of deep relaxation during a treatment.How many treatments will I need?This depends on your condition. For most conditions, you will need at least five treatments before you really appreciate the benefits of acupuncture.If you are new to acupuncture and you are unsure about committing to a course of treatment, we fully understand. You are absolutely welcome to come for a single treatment to see how you feel about it. We will certainly never pressure you into more treatments than you want. But we do not promise that you will feel any magical results from a single treatment.Some western practitioners of acupuncture will promise you instant gratification to justify their high prices. This is not in the spirit of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture has a subtle but powerful effect which gathers pace over the course of the treatment. A traditional Chinese acupuncturist would advise you to commit to ongoing treatment over several weeks possibly months. At AcuvivA, we recommend the same. We respect and have faith in the process and hence we cannot offer instant cures.For this reason, we try very hard to keep our prices as low as possible. We believe that acupuncture should be accessible and that a proper course of several treatments should be affordable for most people.Can I expect any immediate benefits? How long does it take to work?In general, we do not promise instant gratification. Ideally, acupuncture should be delivered as a course of treatment. You may only appreciate the powerful effect of acupuncture after several treatments.The exception to this is in the direct treatment of pain. If you are suffering from headache, nausea or any other acute form of discomfort, acupuncture can frequently offer some immediate relief in some cases total relief.