ACUPUNCTURE

Common Questions About Acupuncture

What does acupuncture help?

In 1988 the World Health Organization released a list of health conditions for which acupuncture is beneficial.

• Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders: Sinusitis, ear infection, laryngitis, ear ringing, swollen glands, tonsillitis.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Irritable bowel syndrome, spastic colon, colitis, constipation, diarrhea, food allergies, ulcers, gastritis, abdominal bloating.
• Gynecological and Genitourinary: PMS, cramping, endometriosis, menopause, fibroids, infertility, chronic bladder infections, kidney stones, impotence and sterility.
• Psychological Disorders: Anxiety, insomnia, depression, post-traumatic stress.
• Musculoskeletal & Neurological: Arthritis, bursitis, tennis elbow, Bell’s Palsy, rotator cuff injury, numbness, post-operative pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, pain (all types).
• Immune Disorders: Candida, chronic fatigue, Epstein Barr Virus, allergies
• Respiratory Disorders: Asthma, bronchitis, colds and flues, pleurisy, chronic cough.
• Addiction: Smoking cessation, detoxification from alcohol, drugs or sugar.

How does acupuncture work?

Though it seems mysterious, acupuncture has a scientific explanation and does not require a patient's belief in order to work.

Your brain is signaled when the needle is positioned. The brain responds by increasing blood cell counts and various other immune system elements, and lastly, by activating neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters (or messenger molecules) are responsible for sending information to all cells in order for your body to function.

Endorphins and enkephalins are well known neurotransmitters that stop pain and increase a feeling of well-being. Acupuncture causes the release of these natural, morphine-like substances from the brain. Athletes are familiar with this from "runner's high," so are chocolate eaters and people in love!

Aside from the well studied effect on pain, researchers are still exploring exactly how acupuncture aids the immune system. We know that certain blood counts and immune enhancing chemicals stay elevated for at least 3 days following an acupuncture treatment.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Unlike the needles used to give injections, the filaments in acupuncture needles are extremely fine, only 2 times the width of a single hair. Acupuncture needles are designed to enter the skin with the least resistance.

Most clients are surprised to discover that treatments involve little or no pain, and are usually quite relaxing. You can expect to feel a light tingling, a feeling of heaviness, warmth, or numbness at the acupuncture site.

About the Acupuncturist

Monica Bloch is a licensed acupuncturist (both nationally and in California). She received her Master’s degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, Ca. She also studied Mandarin at the National Taiwan Normal University, and observed at an acupuncture clinic in Taipei, Taiwan.

Monica has been in private practice in Marin County, Ca. and now in Santa Barbara, Ca. where she specializes in treating a wide range of internal disorders. Some of her areas of expertise are women’s health, infertility, menopause, orthopedics, and ear, nose and throat disorders. Monica is also a board member of the prestigious California State Oriental Medical Association.

Photos courtesy of Trevor Henley.