Frequently Asked
Questions
No. Any therapy, whether a visit to a psychologist, your doctor, a surgical procedure, taking a pill, or an acupuncture treatment may stimulate reward centers in the brain and produce a level of improved well being. Extensive research carried out in 1970s and 80s ruled out placebo as acupuncture’s main therapeutic benefit. When naloxone, an endorphin antagonist, was administered intravenously, all previously observed physiological events were inhibited. This reproducible study and many cross studies using variables and control groups proved unequivocally that endorphin activity at opioid sites is just one of acupuncture therapeutic mechanisms.
The history of Acupuncture and its fundamental teachings were established no less than 2,600 years ago. One of the first texts, The Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic, elucidates the concepts and precepts that where to become the foundation of a system of medicine that has helped more people than any other healing modality in the world. Acupuncture is now practiced in hospitals and private clinics in nearly every country in the world.
Early intervention for any condition is the most ideal way to use acupuncture, yet most people come to acupuncture as a last resort, after trying the more invasive or dangerous therapies that in many cases have simply made the condition worse. The longer you have had a condition the longer it may take to achieve the results you want. Plan on doing one to two sessions weekly for up to two months, or one course up to 10 treatments. Some times immediate results are noticed. Yet, Frank will discuss with you your particular condition and what to expect during your first meeting.
No longer is the placebo response cited as the reason for acupuncture’s effectiveness. Biomedical and radiological sciences have identified the brain as playing the central role in the therapeutic effect of acupuncture. Known as the Broad Sense-Hypothalamus Pituitary Adrenal Axis (HPA). The model incorporates the stress-induced HPA together with neuro-immune interaction and the cholinergic anti-inflammatory models. This means that systems in your body regulating everything from digestion, respiration, blood circulation, pain regulation and thousands of other precise events are influenced, in a beneficial way, with the insertion of fine needles into specific areas on your body. The central nervous system responds to the painless multiple needling procedure by sending neuro and chemical signals back into every area of your body, triggering a dynamic healing response.
Millions of acupuncture treatments are performed daily around the world with the number of needles used easily reaching the hundreds of millions. Side effects are mild and uncommon, ranging from small bruises to short term drowsiness. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, the hair thin needle is almost imperceptible. Sometimes a momentary pinch is felt, like a mosquito bite. Patients often describe a twitch, a warm feeling, a pressure or moving sensation at the site of the needle. It is very common to fall asleep during a session. A calm, centered, or even a mild euphoric affect is usually felt immediately following an acupuncture session.
Loose comfortable clothing is best; slacks, exercise clothing, shorts and tank tops are all appropriate.
Frank Caruso, L.Ac. has a Masters Degree in Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. His training and professional service covers over 10 years. He is registered by the Ohio Medical Board and has had to pass numerous National and Collegiate Exams.
Some insurance companies cover acupuncture. HSA or flex accounts will pay for acupuncture treatments. Worker’s Comp will cover acupuncture as well. Frank’s office will provide you with the proper paper work so that you get any entitled reimbursements.