What is Acupuncture?
Several thousand years ago, East Asian practitioners discovered that the body forms disharmonies as a result of the various physical and mental stresses of life. Traditional Chinese Medicine explains these disharmonies as an imbalance of opposing forces called yin and yang. This imbalance disrupts the movement of the body's vital energy (qi) along the meridian pathways, which are channels through which the body's energy is thought to flow. Acupuncture restores the smooth flow of qi. By inserting and manipulating needles at specific points on the body, the body is assisted in returning to its natural balance, which promotes the body's ability to heal itself.
What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?
Many first-time patients are concerned that acupuncture needles will feel like hypodermic injections at the doctor’s office. They won't. Acupuncture uses hair-thin, flexible needles that you will hardly feel. When gently stimulated the needles may produce a unique sensation that Traditional Chinese Medicine calls de qi. Patients often describe de qi as a heavy, achy pressure, or spreading, traveling feeling. You may also feel an "electrical" sensation moving down the meridian pathways, though this is less common. Most patients find these acupuncture sensations deeply satisfying and leave the treatment feeling relaxed both mentally and physically. Dr. Amenti is absolutely dedicated to gentle treatment and has perfected her technique of delivering this over years of practice.
How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The benefits of acupuncture are cumulative, so more then one treatment is necessary. Every person is different, but in general for acute conditions you can expect a course of 10 to 15 treatments. However, you will usually begin to feel relief after just the first few. Chronic conditions may take longer to respond, depending on the type, severity, and duration of the condition. Preventative treatments and treatments for general well-being may also be scheduled on an as-needed basis. Dr. Amenti's goal is to get you back to living the life you want, and maintaining that ability, as efficiently as possible.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is used by millions of Americans every year. Acupuncturists are required to undergo extensive education, including detailed study of human anatomy and training in Clean Needle Technique. Dr. Amenti holds both a Masters of Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine and a Doctorate of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, the equivalent of eight years of didactic and practical training. She is licensed by the state of California, which is widely acknowledged to have the most comprehensive and demanding board examinations and licensure requirements in the country. As required by law, only sealed, pre-sterilized, disposable needles are used to ensure your complete safety.
Your First Visit
On your first visit, you may be asked you a lot of questions. Some of these questions may seem to not relate directly to your issue or pain, but together they give a picture of your unique constitution. The holistic approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine takes everything into account so that the cause of the imbalance can be identified, not just the symptoms. Your current symptoms may not seem related to past health issues, but our bodies are complex landscapes and everything that happens to them leaves its mark.
Dr. Amenti will spend dedicated time with you, discussing your condition. She will usually examine your pulse and tongue, which are two of the basic diagnostic methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The acupuncture points chosen will depend on your condition, but you can expect between 6 and 20 gentle needles. Dr. Amenti will never surprise you, and will guide you through the experience every step of the way. Once the needles are inserted, she will leave you to lie comfortably for 20-30 minutes with the needles in place. As strange as the concept of relaxing with needles in you may sound, most people find acupuncture treatment deeply calming. For Dr. Amenti it the greatest compliment when patients fall asleep on the table... and yes, it happens all the time!
How Does It Work "Scientifically"?
Research and imaging has shown that acupuncture has what are called both "top down" (from the brain) and "bottom up" (from the body) effects. This includes the release of endorphins, "feel good" neuropeptides which have been shown to alleviate pain, and cytokines, which are the body's anti-inflammatory chemicals. The World Health Organization (WHO) has documented many symptoms, diseases, and conditions that have been shown in controlled clinical trials to be effectively treated with acupuncture.
Common Pain Conditions Treated With Acupuncture
- Sports injuries
- Muscle pain
- Back, neck and shoulder pain
- Leg, ankle and foot pain
- Arm, wrist and hand pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tennis Elbow
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Jaw pain (TMJ)
- Dental pain
- Sciatica
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Headaches and migraines
- Postoperative pain
(510) 334-7816
adria@amentiacupuncture.com