FAQ
Questions About Acupuncture
Questions Low Level Laser Therapy
Other Therapeutic Approaches
Acupuncture
Refer to "Our Services"
page to find out what LLLT treats.
How long will it take?
Our treatments are tailored
to you. This process gives us the opportunity to listen to you. Your first
session will probably take approximately an hour. Subsequent treatments are
shorter. Expect to have more than one treatment to see improvement in your
condition.
Most health problems are a result of cumulative stresses on your body, and
do not arise overnight. Do not expect a condition which has been developing
for a period of time to resolve immediately, although, sometimes it does.
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Help?
This best explained on "Our
Services" page.
What is Traditional
Chinese Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a healing art system based on
observation of the human body that has been used in China for over 4,000
years. Historically shaped by Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian philosophies,
TCM has spread to many countries around the world.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one component of TCM. Acupuncture is a way to manipulate the
body's energy, called qi (pronounced "chee"), to enhance the body's natural
healing ability.
Acupuncturists can affect the flow of
energy throughout the body's conduits of flowing energy (meridians) by
manipulating small portals (acupoints) via the insertion of fine-gauged
needles.
We use manufacturer-sterilized, disposable
needles. Acupuncture stimulates the release into the brain of
neurotransmitters and the body's natural pain killers.
Does
It Hurt?
It is not uncommon to be a bit nervous at your first visit. Most patients do
not find acupuncture painful. Typically, a mosquito-bite sensation is felt
as the acupuncture needle pierces the skin.
Patients do commonly
sense a distending, achy, or dull sensation in the area. This sensation is
known as de qi. This is normal and a good sign that the qi is moving. Be
sure to tell us if sharp, burning or uncomfortable sensations occur after
needles are placed at proper depths.
Can acupuncture help
me quit SMOKING?
When acupuncture is used there is a 70% increased success rate along
with a reduce in stress and withdrawal symptoms while quitting. Our
Acupuncture Package is just the help you need to curb those nasty nicotine
cravings. Package includes consultation, initial treatment and four
follow-up visits to help you break your nicotine addiction.
Insurance?
Many insurance plans are now covering some acupuncture services, but
coverage's vary widely. Check with your insurance provider for details
specific to your plan. We are happy to assist in completing insurance forms
for your submission.
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Low Level Laser Therapy
Refer to "Our Services"
page to find out what LLLT treats.
What
is Low Level Laser Therapy?
The theory for the creation of laser light was proposed by Albert Einstein
in 1917, but was not developed until 1960. It was in the late 1960's that
Professor Endre Mester of Budapest, Hungary, first reported his experience
sing laser light to treat non-healing wounds and ulcers in diabetic
patients. Mester's 70% success rate in treating these wounds lead to the
development of the science of what he called "laser biostimulation".
Around the world, laser therapy is rapidly becoming a medical therapy that
can heal wounds and fractures up to 60% faster and also reduce the cost of
treatment for many conditions. In the U.K., low level laser therapy has
become the treatment of choice for sort tissue "whiplash" injuries and for
the treatment of painful post-hereabouts neuralgia (shingles pain).
About Photomedicine (LLLT)?
Photomedicine is the "application of red and near infrared radiation over
compromised areas such injuries, arthritic joints and lower back and neck
pain to stimulate healing and relive pain" without sensation or side
effects. THOR has developed its protocol, training and medical equipment
over 15 years, gained with use in 77 countries. We work closely with the
leading academics in this field; our customers include many UK and US
Hospitals, the US military and several Olympic teams, which has led to the
completion of the prescription protocols for pain relief for the General
Practitioner. And as a key support for general practitioners where the
control and cost of treatment will remain in the domain of the Patients own
Doctor.
How
Does Laser Light Heal?
Healing with the use of light is not new. Light therapy was reported to be
effective for many conditions by Hippocrates. With the development of the
laser and its special properties, using light as a treatment has gained more
popularity. This is because we can now use specific wavelengths of light and
jive accurately measured doses of energy directly to the appropriate
treatment site, which was not possible with other light sources.
Low-level lasers supply energy to the body in
the form of non-thermal photons of light. Light is transmitted through the
skin's layers (the dermis, epidermis and the subcutaneous tissue or tissue
fat under the skin) at all wave lengths in the visible range, However, light
waves in the near infrared ranges penetrate the deepest of all light waves
in the visible spectrum. Then low level laser light waves penetrate deeply
into the skin, they optimize the immune responses of our blood. This has
both anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. It is a scientific
fact that light transmitted to the blood in this way has positive effects
throughout the whole body, supplying vital oxygen and energy to every cell.
Almost everyone knows that Vitamin D is called "the sunshine vitamin." We
all know the difference between a suntan and a sunburn. Unlike surgical
lasers, low level laser therapy units do not produce heat or damage tissue.
The light from the laser, however, is absorbed by special cellular
components or modulates biochemical activity within the body to produce its
beneficial effects. In much the same way that plants in photosynthesis use
light, humans and animals also have the ability to take advantage of the
healthful effects that light has to offer.
What Can I Expect
During a Laser Therapy Treatment Session?
For
most people, laser therapy is quite passive. There are no creams, gels or
ointments that need to be applied prior to treatment. No pulsating shocks
are felt as in forms of electric stimulation. The most notable sensation is
the pressure of the probe head of the laser as it comes in contact with the
skin.
Some patients (3-5% of those undergoing light therapy) have reported a
slight tingling or tapping in a nerve or along a nerve pathway. Some have
noted that they are able to sense a slight feeling of warmth. But for the
most part, the treatment, which may last from 2 to 20 minutes, is not
noticed at all.
Following (and even during) a laser therapy session, approximately 75-80% of
patients being treated can notice an immediate improvement in their
condition. This will depend primarily on the type of condition and the
length of time the condition has been present.
Generally, the more chronic or severe the condition, the longer it takes to
respond. The majority of conditions treated will take anywhere from 4-5 or
10-18 treatments. Once again, the number of treatments depends upon the
severity of the condition and its duration. There are some conditions that
will never completely resolve but can be helped and maintained with laser
therapy. If your condition does not change immediately, it may take 3-4
sessions before a dramatic or marked change is perceived.
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Other Therapeutic Approaches
Are There Other
Therapeutic Approaches?
This best
explained on "Our Services" page.
Can I find more
information about Acupuncture on the Internet?
Yes, Here are just a few
informative web sites.
Acupuncture.com - Resources For
Patients, Practitioners & Students
National Center For
Complementary and Alternative Medicine - Acupuncture Information and
Resources
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Eduardo Herrera MS, Dipl. L. Ac.
Brookfield Acupuncture Center
3504 Grand Boulevard
Brookfield, IL. 60513
Phone: 708.387.2058
Fax: 708.387.2138
email:
info@brookfieldacupuncture.com
