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 at- titude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude will not block the treatment results.

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 alt your treatments.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO ACUPUNCTURE ?

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 or 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 require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SHIATSU, ACCUPRESSURE. REFLEXOLOGY AND ACUPUNCTURE ?

Although Shiatsu, Accupressure & Reflexology utilized similar meridians 'points' throughout the body to stimulate the innate ability for the body to heal; these manual type of therapies are a form of massage and can be learned by through correspondence and does not require years of precise training and practice that acupuncturist undertake. Acupuncturist training is standardized and requires at minimum an undergraduate degree followed by 2 to 3 years of intensive traditional chinese medicine education with acupuncture theory and point selection. Recent announcements by the Ontario provincial government indicate all intents and purposes to regulate the practice of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine only by those who are educated and certified to practice. At Sherwoodtowne, our Acupuncturist is certified and supports regulation of Acupuncture. Shiatsu, Accupressure & Reflexology are yet to attain regulation status and they are not coverage by extended health insurance; whereas, acupuncture is.

WHAT TRAINING IS REQUIRED TO BECOME AN ACUPUNCTURIST ?

Acupuncture is a distinct system of natural medicine & therapy that requires precise knowledge of anatomy & physiology, and clean needle technique. Acupuncturist training is standardized and requires at minimum an undergraduate degree followed by 2 to 3 years of intensive acupuncture theory plus a minimum 600 hours of direct patient contact time. At minimum Acupuncturist must have 1500 hours of training. Some western acupuncturists have travelled abroad- specifically Beijing to undertake training in hospitals like the Training Center of China Academy of Traditional Chinese MedicineChinese which is a recognized by the National Certification Council For Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) - USA and the Canadian Examining Board of Health Care Practitioners - Canada. Acupuncture is currently in the last phases of becoming regulated and it is important to know where an acupuncturist received their training and whether they are certified and only certified acupuncturist have malpractice insurance.

WHAT IS MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE? IS IT DIFFERENT FROM ORDINARY ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a registered nursed or doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a practitioner can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.

Definitions of credentials

HD — Homeopathic Doctor DHMS — Diploma of Homeopathic Medicine & SciencesDHMHS — Diploma of Homeopathic Medicine & SciencesNMD - Doctor of Naturopathic MedicineMD - Medical DoctorDTCMA — Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture CAHP — Certified Acupuncture Health Practitioner DipAc — Diploma Acupuncture BScN — Bachelor of Science Nursing
BA — Bachelor of Arts
RN — Registered Nurse RHN — Registered Holistic Nutritionist PhD — Doctoral Degree DC — Chiropractic Doctor HIS — Herbal Information Specialist DMD — Doctor of Medical Dentistry

Clinical Trials of Homeopathy

British Medical Journal, February 9, 1991, 302:316-323.
This is the most widely cited meta-analysis of clinical research prior to 1991. This meta-analysis reviewed 107 studies of homeopathic medicines, 81 of which (or 77%) showed positive effect. Of the best 22 studies, 15 showed efficacy. The researchers concluded: "The evidence presented in this review would probably be sufficient for establishing homeopathy as a regular treatment for certain indications." Further, "The amount of positive evidence even among the best studies came as a surprise to us."