What is Chi (or Qi)?
People often say that Chi means "energy." This is not accurate, and it comes from a misunderstanding of Chinese language and culture. Chi is not a substance or "new age" energy. Chi is a way of describing things in nature. It is a qualitative term that is used to represent activity and life. In Chinese Medicine, we use the word Chi to describe a person's vitality, often relative to gasses like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, and hydrogen sulfide. We may use the word Chi in regard to the volume of a person's voice, the strength of one's digestive system, the speed and rate of one's general movements or thoughts. Chi is used to describe many things. It is even used as a way of describing weather! Books have been written about Chi, and it is a complex cultural subject matter. No wonder there has been so much confusion. The important point to remember is that Chi is not an mysterious energy in the body. It's just a different way of describing things we perceive and experience, and it has been part of Chinese culture for thousands of years.
Do I have to believe in Chinese Medicine for it to work?
Just like you do not need to believe in gravity for it to be so, you do not need to believe in anything for Chinese Medicine to work. Scientific research is finally being done on Acupuncture and Herbalism, the two primary therapies of Chinese Medicine, and we now know many of the mechanisms of how they impact health and disease. This research is continuing to be done all over the world, and is showing promising results for treating issues related to many different types of health concerns big and small. Millions of people have been safely and effectively using Chinese Medicine as primary care for thousands of years and it is now the best adjunct to western medicine available.
What is different between Acupuncture and Dry Needling?
The truth is, acupuncture and dry needling are the same thing. The easiest way to think of it is that dry needling is a small part of acupuncture practice that is sometimes performed by physical therapists and chiropractors. By definition, dry needling is "the use of either solid filiform needles (also referred to as acupuncture needles) or hollow-core hypodermic needles for therapy of muscle pain, including pain related to myofascial pain syndrome." Physical therapists and chiropractors who perform this technique are only required to undertake 20-50 hours of training as opposed to the 2500-3500 hours of training that acupuncturists receive. For safety and efficacy reasons, many states have enacted laws to prevent physical therapists from practicing dry needling. This same technique is practiced safely and effectively by acupuncturists and is often covered by insurance. We strongly recommend you only receive acupuncture and dry needling from a Licensed Acupuncturist if you want safe and effective treatment.
Is Acupuncture safe?
Very safe. In fact, acupuncture has virtually no side-effects. One of the reason many practitioners decide to attend Chinese medical school instead of allopathic medical school is because they would like to provide a healthcare service that offers alternatives to the side-effect heavy use of drugs and surgery. All potential acupuncture side effects are uncommon. Occasionally there is mild light-headedness after acupuncture treatment. Seldomly an area may feel sore after treatment. It should be known anytime sharp objects are administered deeply into the body there is risk of more serious issues, such as organ puncture. For your own safety only see a Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc.) and not a chiropractor or physical therapist who offers acupuncture. The most common side-effect however is the sense of well-being that often arises during and after treatment.
It's Okay to Have Questions
This Is About Your Health After All