Acupuncture FAQs
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for over 2,000 years to treat many health conditions. Thin sterile needles — smaller than sewing needles — are inserted into the body at specific points, to promote natural healing and pain relief.
How does acupuncture work?
Many disease processes involve a lack of circulation. Acupuncture is unique in its ability to restore healthy functioning of tissue, to release contracted muscles, and to promote circulation.
Western Explanations:
Modern studies have confirmed that acupuncture stimulates the release of serotonin, endorphins, and opiate-like compounds that reduce and stop pain. Micro-traumas caused by needling dissipate fibrous tissue and initiate delivery of platelet-derived growth factor, helping to restore circulation and repair damaged tissue.
Chinese Explanations:
The Chinese believed that energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”) flows through the body along pathways called meridians or channels. Pain can develop when the flow of Qi becomes blocked. Acupuncture helps the Qi flow more easily. Through empirical experience, the use of specific points on the skin were shown to be of value for painful conditions and a host of other conditions.
Who benefits from acupuncture?
At Kaiser Permanente, acupuncture is used only when it has been proven through clinical research to have benefit. Our department only treats patients with chronic pain conditions (six months or longer). Our acupuncturists can only treat the condition for which you have been referred.
How do I receive acupuncture?
Acupuncture is offered by referral only and provided by the Chronic Pain Management service in San Rafael and Petaluma. After your doctor sends a referral, an Acupuncturist will review it to determine if treatment is appropriate. Patients will then be contacted.
How many treatments will I receive?
We will monitor your response and then discuss our treatment plan with you. The plan will include how often and how many appointments are needed for your condition. Patients typically receive three treatment visits. Additional visits may be scheduled if it is deemed appropriate.
Acupuncture Timing:
- Wait 6 weeks after major surgery
- Wait 1 week after steroid, cortisone, Botox, or epidural injection
Avoid Acupuncture:
- If your blood pressure is high or you have untreated high blood pressure
- You have an active illness or infection (cold, flu, pneumonia, urinary infection, skin ulcer, wound infection, sepsis, etc.)
How long are the appointments?
Allow one hour for your entire appointment. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your appointment to check in and register
Before Acupuncture:
Register and use the restroom before your appointment
- Members under 18 years of age need an adult guardian at each appointment
- Eat a small meal
- Take all medications (even pain medications) as prescribed
- Wear comfortable clothes
After Acupuncture:
- You will be able to drive yourself home
- Continue to take your prescription medications
- Keep mental or written notes of your response to treatment between appointments
Chronic Pain Service – Acupuncture phone number: 415-444-4178