ACUPUNCTURE IS SAFE

Acupuncture has a history that is over 2.000 years old. Through these years, its trials and testings (most likely in the billions) have been in real-world clinical use. From this, Acupuncture evolved into one of the safest and most effective forms of medical therapy.  One large study cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center found only 43 minor adverse effects out of 34,407 acupuncture treatments! (approximately 0.12%.) 
 
Acupuncture is incorporated into the health systems of many countries, but is mostly used in the U.S. as an Alternative Medicine. Yet, things are changing.
 
Numerous scientific studies prove its effectiveness. The World Health Organization recommends Acupuncture for a number of conditions.  Over 3.500 MDs are now certified in Medical Acupuncture* and have integrated it into their practices.

*Note: Over 3,000 hours of education and training (which includes western biosciences) are required to become a Licensed Acupuncturist in NY.  Medical Doctors need only 300 hours of course work in order to be certified in Medical Acupuncture.

Integration into major medical systems

Where else is Acupuncture integrated? Acupuncture is an integrated part of healthcare in the top hospitals and institutions in the country. Naming a few are:
  • Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
  • The Mayo Clinic            
  • The Cleveland Clinic
  • Stanford University Medical Center              
  • Harvard affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital       
  • Yale-New Haven Hospital
  • US Military
 
At The Acupuncture Office, patients can choose to integrate our work with their current medical care or to use it alone. (We always advise patients to first seek medical attention).  Often we can help reduce or eliminate the need for prescription medicines, so we want your doctor knowing that you're getting Acupuncture.

At The Acupuncture Office we use ONLY sterile, disposable needles to prevent infection, and we each have over 12 years of clinical practice, so are skillful at needling.

Most 'side effects' are positive

  • Improved sleep 
  • Better digestion   
  • More energy  
  • Less stress   
  • Mental clarity  
  • More stable emotions                

The most common reactions/complaints are
  • Temporary soreness or bruising at the needled site.
  • Dizziness or nausea (usually due to the patient not eating or drinking.)
  • Fatigue after the treatment (this is a sign that your parasympathetic nervous system has been stimulated and your innate ability to heal is being activated.)
  • Emotional release.

Acupuncture does not hurt

The sterile needles used are as thin as a hair, and typically are not felt when inserted. They are solid, yet flexible, and do not inject anything into the skin. Some needles are as short as 1/4 inch. Once the needles are inserted, you will not feel them, but you may experience mild sensations of your Qi being activated…such as warmth or tingling. Our style of practice does not require a lot of needles…. generally, only several are used per treatment.
 
If you’re still nervous about a treatment, here are some things to consider:
  • Needles are not inserted deeply and they are not inserted into nerves (differs from nerve conduction tests).
  • We have treated patients as young as 5 years old, and they enjoy it!
  • Most times patients don’t even feel needles being inserted.
  • It is common for patients to fall asleep during a treatment.
  • We also do non-needle treatments (see Natural Healing with Acupuncture or Non-Needle Therapies).