FILIPA RODRIGO
Traditional Chinese Medicine Acupuncture
FAQ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How will my first treatment be?
How does Acupuncture work?
How is the formation of a Chinese Medicine Specialist?
Does Acupuncture hurt?
Which conditions does Acupuncture treat?
How will my first treatment be?
The first treatment starts with a health assessment of the condition and on what led you to have a Chinese Medicine treatment. I will look at your tongue and take your pulse, two very relevant signs for the Chinese diagnosis. The treatment will follow, generally starting with acupuncture and possibly combined with other Chinese therapies. Each treatment is individualized according to each patient's own condition and constitution.
It takes approximately 1h30, being the following treatments of about 1h.
1
How does Acupuncture work?
Chinese Medicine considers the circulation of qi, or vital energy, to be the primary source of health or disease. Specific acupuncture points are selected to restore the optimal flow of qi in our body.
Much research has been done on the past years regarding this subject. It considers Acupuncture promotes several biochemical changes within the body:
Raising the immunity due to stimulation of overall anti-body levels
Stimulation of endorphins secretion in the body thus reducing pain sensation, helping to adjust to stressful situations
Gate-control theory directly afecting the transmission of neural impulses, thus affecting the transmission of pain to the brain
Regulating the level of Serotonin and Noradrenalin neurotransmitters, related with our mood, well-being and cravings
Promoting peripheral microcirculation, assisting in the correct blood pressure and varicose veins
Affecting the production of hormones assisting digestion, promoting gastrointestinal peristalsis and the secretion of hydrochloric acid
2
3
How is the formation of a Chinese Medicine Specialist?
It is a 5 years full time course, including specific subjects on Chinese Medicine therapies, with theory and practice, also western subjects, as Anatomy and Physiology. From the 2nd year onwards starts a clinical internship on the University clinic. It is followed by a 4 month internship in several hospitals in Nanjing city, in China. Completed with a monograph, entitled "Mental and Emotional Pathology" and final exams, on Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture.
It is of extreme importance to receive treatment from a graduated Specialist.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
An acupuncture needle creates a sensation on the area where it is inserted, very few describe it as pain. Can be generally described as a dull or a tingling sensation. When considering an acupuncture needle, it is extremely fine compared to a hypodermic needle.
Some areas may be more sensitive, like the hands, the feet and extremities at the time the needle is inserted, you may feel a little prick, which tends to fade immediately.
4
Which conditions does Acupuncture treat?
The World Health Organization of the United Nations considers acupuncture indicated in the treatment of several conditions cited below.
Cardiovascular conditions
High blood pressure
Reynaud's disease
Varicose veins
Dermatologic (skin) conditions
Eczema
Acne
Herpes
Eyes, Ears, Nose and Throat disorders
Deafness
Ringing in the ears
Earaches
Poor eyesight
Dizziness
Sinus infection
Sore throat
Infectious diseases
Hepatitis
Gastrointestinal conditions
Acid reflux
Colitis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Hemorrhoids
Hypoglycemia
Indigestion
Ulcers
5
Genitourinary and Reproductive disorders
Impotence
Infertility
Premenstrual syndhrome (PMS)
Vaginitis
Menopause
Irregular periods or cramps
Morning sickness
Post-partum depression
Mental and Emotional
Anxiety
Depression
Stress or sleep disturbance
Insomnia
Musculoskeletal and Neurologic
Arthritis
Back Pain
Bursitis
Cerebral palsy
Headache
Neuralgia
Sciatica
Stiff neck
Stroke
Sprains
Tendonitis
Trigeminal neuralgia
Respiratory conditions
Allergies
Asthma
Cold and flu
Bronchitis