W-E Primary Care and Acupuncture

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More About  Acupuncture

Dr. Menold demos Acupuncture on herself:

Definition

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.

There are different cultural styles such as French Energetics, Classical etc.

Also there are different locations on the body used such as trunk, extremities, ear, or scalp.

 

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 in others.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish 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.

 

 

Will I have pain or other side effects?

Usually not.

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.  A different sensation called De Qi, potentially achy warm or tingle NOT burn sharp or shock can happen when in precisely the right spot, or the Doctor may feel certain skin resistance characteristics. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections, finger stick, IV or blood draw. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.

Because your doctor uses disposable needles, there is virtually no risk of infection from the treatments:

one chance in one million needle placements.

 

If you still have concerns about needle acupuncture there are tiny patch needles, heat point treatments, light point treatments and non-acupuncture point specific classical treatments such as cupping or Gua Sha “skin scraping” that may be applicable to your care. 

 

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  medical acupuncture used for?

    • promotion of health and well-being,
    • prevention of illness,
    • treatment of various medical conditions.
    • not just pain but: 
    • Digestive disorders
    • Respiratory disorders
    • Neurological and muscular disorders
    • Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.
    • physical problems related to tension, stress, emotional conditions, and sleep dysfunction

 

Can I afford acupuncture?

    • At W-E Primary Care and Acupuncture short term acupuncture for short term conditions are included at no extra charge as part of your basic Primary Care Membership!  Also, non-needle techniques are included for long term conditions.   (See Services section at the top of page.)

 

    • For best effect, Long term pain, functional or organ problem conditions require intensive or long term treatments of acupuncture, 2-3 times a week for typically 2 months then slowing to once weekly.  The cost to the practice in time and supplies is reflected in the tiered membership pricing so that resources match services.  Acupuncture Premier Membership is for those seeking the intensive treatment approach that is needed when beginning to treat a long term problem.  Acupuncture Maintenance is for our members who have conditions which have stabilized and only need maintenance on a monthly or quarterly basis. 

 

    • At  W-E Primary Care and Acupuncture we enjoy the continuity of providing acupuncture and primary care at the same place with the same doctor.  However, we understand that some of our Primary Care Patients wish to use insurance coverage outside of our practice, in which case we would be happy to advise and coordinate care, or when appropriate and with records, transfer your care back to our practice.  Approximately 50% of health insurances cover acupuncture to some degree, averaging 10-20 visits in a year.  Deductibles and coinsurances would typically apply to these outside visits, (meaning you may pay full cost at the beginning of the year and a hard to estimate copay for remaining visits after deductible is met) so schedule accordingly.  Medicare covers acupuncture only for the treatment of chronic low-back pain, and up to 12 acupuncture visits are covered, with an additional 8 visits available if the first 12 result in improvement.  The paperwork burden and slow repayment to acupuncturists from Medicare means it may be challenging to find a provider in the area that takes it. Due to Medicare rules surrounding Membership model payment systems, Medicare requires us to NOT bill Medicare on your behalf, and requires us to have you agree to NOT seek reimbursement or file a claim for our care to you for either primary care or Acupuncture.  

 

What are the patient care instructions?

    • Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
    • Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
    • Plan 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.
    • Continue to take any prescription medicines or discuss with Dr. Menold and/or if you have another PCP managing care.
    • Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.
    • Remember 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.

 

Who supports acupuncture? What evidence is there?

    • World Health Organization (WHO) recommends acupuncture as part of a treatment protocol for dozens of conditions.
    • The Veterans Administration provides it in limited circumstances and for a limited time: https://www.hsrd.research.va.gov/publications/esp/acupuncture.cfm
    • CDC Center for Disease Control recommends acupuncture as one of many nonopioid treatment options for subacute and chronic pain, to be favored over opioids.  
    • The NIH National Institutes of Health has studied acupuncture in a rigorous evidence-based fashion and information is available here:

      Website:  https://www.nccih.nih.gov

    • Culturally it is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe, in some places for 100’s-1000’s of years.
    • It is now being used more and more in America : ask your neighbors! 
    •  private sector see also:
  •  AAMA (a physician association that may be professionally collectively biased toward acupuncture) https://medicalacupuncture.org/for-patients/what-is-acupuncture-about/
  • The American College of Physicians and American Academy of Family Physicians (these are physician associations that may be politico-culturally biased against alternative medicine providers  and towards strict interpretations of evidence based medicine). They recommend weakly for acupuncture and in acknowledgement of low risk of acupuncture and express concern for lack of strength of evidence relative to sham acupuncture
  •  “Evidence Based Acupuncture” is a nonprofit in the USA: https://www.evidencebasedacupuncture.org/evidence-summaries/

 

Code of Ethics:

As a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA), I’m proud to be part of a long tradition of health and healing. My role is unique as I blend acupuncture with modern medicine to provide comprehensive care.

Commitments:

  1. Quality Care:  We promise to give the best of both acupuncture and Western medicine to all our patients.
  2. Respect and Compassion:We strive to build healing relationships based on respect and compassion for our patients’ rights and needs.
  3. Education and Awareness: We aim to educate our colleagues, other health professionals, and patients about the benefits of acupuncture.
  4. Continuous Learning: We are dedicated to ongoing education, research, and improving the scientific foundation of acupuncture.
  5. Professional Integrity: We respect the ethical codes of other professional organizations and follow the laws of the states and countries where we practice.

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Let’s talk! (813) 553-1880
drmenold@w-eprimarycare.com
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drmenold@w-eprimarycare.com 813.553.1880