What is acupuncture and
what does it do?
Acupuncture is a system of health care that has been developed, refined, and practiced in China, Korea, Japan and other East Asian countries for over 4,000 years. It involves the superficial insertion of hair-thin needles into points on the body that have been proven to relieve pain and disease. In ancient times, acupuncture (along with herbal medicine) was used as the primary method of treating injuries and illness. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years for one simple reason - because it works. Today, most people consider acupuncture for medical problems that do not respond well to western medicine (Medication, surgery etc.).
How much of the acupuncture is due to the “placebo affect”? Do I have to believe in it for it to work?
That is a very important question and many scientific studies have been done on this topic. While many studies show that acupuncture is a legitimate medical therapy, some say it is no better than a placebo. The variations in findings depend upon who funded the study, the skill level of the acupuncturist, how the study was conducted, what form of placebo was used (there are many kinds), and what kind of treatment outcomes were measured against the control group. As with similar professions (i.e.: physician, legal, psychology) there can be significant variations in skill and quality depending upon the professional and the quality of work they do.
By scientific research standards and definitions, the placebo effect does not achieve more than a 30 percent success rate. Our success rate at Meridian Arts-Acupuncture, as measured by our patient files, is over 90 percent. We leave it to your judgment as to the efficacy of our technique.
How well does it work?
Extremely well.
Does it hurt?
Different people have different perceptions of pain. The feedback we receive from our patients, including those that have tried other acupuncturists, is that our methods are virtually painless, strangely relaxing, and extremely comfortable
I’d like to receive care at Meridian Arts-Acupuncture, but am terrified of needles. Do you have treatments that do not involve needles?
Yes. We also offer laser acupuncture using light and acupressure. This is a painless option that can be as effective as needle acupuncture, and while this treatment can have similar benefits, it may take more time to see results.
Is acupuncture safe?
When performed by a licensed and properly trained practitioner, acupuncture is arguably the safest form of alternative health care available.
Do you use disposable needles?
Absolutely. At Meridian Arts-Acupuncture, we ONLY use disposable needles to provide a safe and effective treatment.
How deep do the needles penetrate
the skin?
At our clinic, we believe that the optimum needle depth for acupuncture allows the needle to reach only the superficial nerve fibers of the skin, which are generally located between 1-3 millimeter beneath the skin. This is in contrast to other forms of acupuncture that may include needle insertion depth of up to 3 inches.
Where do you usual put the needles?
Unlike traditional acupuncturists, we do not cover the body with dozens of needles. We practice a specialty form of acupuncture known as “Sujok” where most of the needles are painlessly placed on the surface of the hand or ankle.
What is “Sujok Acupuncture”?
“Sujok” is a special form of acupuncture created by a South Korean scientist named Professor Park Jae Woo. Sujok combines modern neurology with ancient Chinese meridian theory to produce treatment results that we find to be superior to regular acupuncture. A key feature of Sujok is that it is performed only on the hands and feet where the pressure points are more powerful.