- Acupuncture originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, making it one of
the oldest and most commonly used medical procedures in the world.
- It is important to inform all of your health care providers about any treatment
that you are using or considering, including acupuncture. Ask about the
treatment procedures that will be used and their likelihood of success for your
condition or disease.
| Any decision you make about your health care is important-including deciding whether to use acupuncture. |
| SMITH CHIROPRACTIC PAIN CENTER |
| Tyrone P. Smith, D.C. |
| 816 380-3860 |
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What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the
world.
Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture began to become
better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James
Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after
surgery.
The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of
anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of
acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other
countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically
involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are
manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.
In the past two decades, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United
States. The report from a Consensus Development Conference on
Acupuncture held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1997 stated
that acupuncture is being "widely" practiced-by thousands of physicians,
dentists, acupuncturists, and other practitioners for relief or prevention of
pain and for various other health conditions.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience
acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pains as the needles are
inserted.
Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.
Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the
needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment. This is why it is
important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner.
Is acupuncture safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture
needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996.
The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that qualified
practitioners label them for single use only.
Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been
reported to the FDA in light of the millions of people treated each year and
the number of acupuncture needles used.
Still, complications have resulted from inadequate sterilization of needles
and from improper delivery of treatments. Practitioners should use a new
set of disposable needles taken from a sealed package for each patient and
should swab treatment sites with alcohol or another disinfectant before
inserting needles. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause
serious adverse effects, including infections and punctured organs.
How much will acupuncture cost?
The doctor will inform you about the estimated number of treatments needed
and how much each will cost. Treatment may take place over a few days or
for several weeks or more. This will be determined primarily by the
condition being treated and the patient's response to treatment.
Will it be covered by my insurance?
Acupuncture is one of the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
therapies that are more commonly covered by insurance. However, you
should check with your insurer before you start treatment to see whether
acupuncture will be covered for your condition and, if so, to what extent.
Some insurance plans require authorization for acupuncture.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the
world.
Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture began to become
better known in the United States in 1971, when New York Times reporter James
Reston wrote about how doctors in China used needles to ease his pain after
surgery.
The term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving stimulation of
anatomical points on the body by a variety of techniques. American practices of
acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea, and other
countries. The acupuncture technique that has been most studied scientifically
involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are
manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimulation.
In the past two decades, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the United
States. The report from a Consensus Development Conference on
Acupuncture held at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1997 stated
that acupuncture is being "widely" practiced-by thousands of physicians,
dentists, acupuncturists, and other practitioners for relief or prevention of
pain and for various other health conditions.
What does acupuncture feel like?
Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. People experience
acupuncture differently, but most feel no or minimal pains as the needles are
inserted.
Some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed.
Improper needle placement, movement of the patient, or a defect in the
needle can cause soreness and pain during treatment. This is why it is
important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner.
Is acupuncture safe?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved acupuncture
needles for use by licensed practitioners in 1996.
The FDA requires that sterile, nontoxic needles be used and that qualified
practitioners label them for single use only.
Relatively few complications from the use of acupuncture have been
reported to the FDA in light of the millions of people treated each year and
the number of acupuncture needles used.
Still, complications have resulted from inadequate sterilization of needles
and from improper delivery of treatments. Practitioners should use a new
set of disposable needles taken from a sealed package for each patient and
should swab treatment sites with alcohol or another disinfectant before
inserting needles. When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause
serious adverse effects, including infections and punctured organs.
How much will acupuncture cost?
The doctor will inform you about the estimated number of treatments needed
and how much each will cost. Treatment may take place over a few days or
for several weeks or more. This will be determined primarily by the
condition being treated and the patient's response to treatment.
Will it be covered by my insurance?
Acupuncture is one of the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
therapies that are more commonly covered by insurance. However, you
should check with your insurer before you start treatment to see whether
acupuncture will be covered for your condition and, if so, to what extent.
Some insurance plans require authorization for acupuncture.
| MOST COMMONLY ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT ACUPUNCTURE |
What should I expect during my first visit?
During your first office visit, you will be asked about your health condition,
lifestyle, and behavior. The doctor will want to obtain a complete picture of your
treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition.
Be sure to inform the doctor about all treatments or medications you are taking
and all medical conditions you have.
During your first office visit, you will be asked about your health condition,
lifestyle, and behavior. The doctor will want to obtain a complete picture of your
treatment needs and behaviors that may contribute to your condition.
Be sure to inform the doctor about all treatments or medications you are taking
and all medical conditions you have.
| Preferred Provider for Blue Cross/Blue Shield PPO & HMO Plans & More |
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| SMITH CHIROPRACTIC PAIN CENTER 2609 Cantrell-Mill-Walk Mall * Harrisonville, MO 64701 (816) 380-3860 Fax (816) 380-3862 |
| Click Here for ALL Insurance Plans |
acupuncture therapy provided at our clinic, please feel free to stop by or give us a call. You can also email us or use our online form to Ask The Doctor Clinic Location |
| L I F E I S A L L A B O U T B A L A N C E |
| ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY |