Giltinan Alexander Smith LAc

Services Offered:

Ø  Acupuncture & Acupressure

Ø  Traditional Chinese Medicine

Ø  Cupping (pictured to the right)

Frequently Asked Questions
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing  and to improve functioning.  
This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points.

How Does Acupuncture Work?
The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface.  These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues.  An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and re-establish the regular flow through the meridians.  Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain.  These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

What diseases can Acupuncture treat?
 Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence three areas of health care:
 Øpromotion of health and well being
 Øprevention of illness
 Øtreatment of various medical conditions
 While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has a much broader applications.  Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medical treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders.
The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:
ØDigestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
ØRespiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections
ØNeurological and muscular disorders: headache, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendonitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.
ØUrinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.
ØPsychological: Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension and stress and emotional conditions.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?
The number of treatments needed differs from person to person.  For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended.  For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health maintenance, four sessions a year may be all that is necessary.

Can I Expect Any Side Effects?
Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place.   Occasionally the original symptoms worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered.   These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work.
It is quite common with the first one to two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment.  These pass within a short time, and never required anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.

What Are the Needles Like?  Do They Hurt?
People experience acupuncture needling differently.  Most patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; some feel no pain at all.  Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt.
Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel.  The point is smooth (not hollow with a cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling.   The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.
At Agape Acupuncture we use disposable needles, which essentially decreases the risk of infection to zero!  We also offer "needleless" acupuncture.  Ask us today!

Does Acupuncture Really Work?
Yes.  In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined.   Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe.   It is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians.
Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, Osteopathic or Chiropractic adjustments, and Homeopathic or Naturopathic prescriptions.  It is important that your physician acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.

Do I Have to Believe in Acupuncture for It to Work?
No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals.  These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better.  A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment.  A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.

Are there any "Dos and Don'ts" for Me on the Day of Treatment?
Yes.  To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:
ØDo not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
ØDo not over exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
ØPlan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance.   This is especially important for the first few visits.
ØContinue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor.  Substance abuse  (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.
ØRemember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment.  This is important for your doctor to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem.