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Yes. An acupuncture needle is sterile, very fine, about the diameter of a thick hair, and made from stainless steel. Unlike a hypodermic needle, it is not hollow and nothing is injected into the body.
Your safety is assured in the hands of your comprehensively trained, licensed and board certified acupuncturist, Wendy Swanson. |
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Is Acupuncture safe? |
What is a Licensed Acupuncturist (L.Ac.)? |
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Licensed acupuncturists are independent practitioners. Patients, in North and South Carolina, are not required to obtain a referral from another medical practitioner. It is recommended, though, that you see your primary care physician on an annual basis.
To be a licensed acupuncturist in North and South Carolina a practitioner must meet the following requirements:
Attendance to a three year postgraduate program accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM). (Wendy Swanson obtained a Masters degree in Acupuncture from Tri-State College of Acupuncture after having completed a 3 year graduate program which was comprised of didactic and clinical skills training totaling over 3,000 hours of study).
Passage of an examination administered by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and thus entitled to the designation 'Diplomate in Acupuncture' [Dipl.Ac.(NCCAOM)]. This examination includes written and practical components.
Completion of the Clean Needle Technique course administered by the Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (CCAOM). |
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Starpoint Acupuncture
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Wendy Swanson L.Ac, MS, MBA |
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"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly." -Siddartha Guatama Buddha |
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Acupuncture FAQ’s |
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Very basically, Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine, pre-sterilized needles on the body's surface, in order to influence physiological functioning of the body. Acupuncture, and the classical theories on which it is based, is part of a centuries-old system of medicine. This system, originating in China more than two thousand years ago, has its own style of diagnosis, its own language for describing the human body and a host of unique and powerful tools for bringing about and maintaining wellness. Best known in the U.S. as a safe and effective treatment for pain, acupuncture can also address many other medical complaints, from the common cold to chronic illness, often while reducing or eliminating the need for prescription drugs. |
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What is Acupuncture? |
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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. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others causing pain and dysfunction.
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. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture helps in the body's own natural healing abilities. Acupuncture promotes physical and emotional well-being; All without the use of drugs.
“The needles can reduce what is excessive, increase what is deficient, move what is congealed, stabilize what is reckless, raise what is falling and lower what is rising”. –Ted Kaptchuck, O.M.D. |
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What does Acupuncture do? |
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Most patients are delighted to find that acupuncture treatments are comfortable and enjoyable. The thin, stainless, sterile needles rarely cause discomfort, and generally result in a feeling of peacefulness and relaxation. Some people may feel energized after the treatment, while others may wish to rest. Many notice both symptoms and energy improving in the days following treatment.
Some patients may experience a heavy, achy or tingling sensation near the needled site or along the associated meridian pathway. In Oriental medicine, such sensations are known as “De Qi” and are an indication that the body’s healing powers have been stimulated. |
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Does Acupuncture hurt? |
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Does Acupuncture really work? |
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Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely throughout Asia and Europe. It is now being used more and more in the United States. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments. |
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To contact us: |
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704-305-6389 |
