Acupuncture Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Enloe's weekly low-cost Outpatient Acupuncture Clinics take place in a group setting for a variety of symptoms related to cancer treatment, as well as for other conditions at the discretion of the acupuncturists. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about acupuncture.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of thin, sterile needles
into the body at specific points that are helpful for
the treatment of various health issues.
What should I expect during an acupuncture treatment?
The needles may be placed on the surface of the
ear, the head, the arms and legs, or the torso and
back. The needles will be left in place for 15 to
45 minutes depending on the treatment. Most
people find the experience relaxing.
What conditions can be treated by acupuncture?
The World Health Organization has said that acupuncture can help to treat many conditions, including those affecting ear, nose and throat, and respiratory, gastrointestinal, muscular eye, and nervous system issues.
Acupuncture's effectiveness
Many studies have found acupuncture very effective, and it can be used alone or with medication treatments. People who have completed radiation treatment some time ago are also reporting some relief. Acupuncture does not take the place of medicines or surgery, but usually helps patients feel better by stimulating the immune system and releasing endorphins in the brain, which initiates the relaxation response. Ideally this treatment is used before an issue is problematic.
How does acupuncture work?
Experimental studies have shown that
acupuncture causes chemicals in our bodies
(endorphins, endomorphins and enkephalins)
to be released. These substances can change
the activity of the nervous, hormonal and
immune systems and have an analgesic effect.
Acupuncture stimulation has also been shown
to increase activity in various areas of the brain.
There are also anti-inflammatory benefits.
Is the treatment painful?
Most people have very little pain when the
needles are put in. Some say that it feels like a
mosquito bite.
While the needles are in, there may be a feeling
of heaviness and/or tingling, or sometimes an
electric sensation. The acupuncturist will be
present during the treatment and available to
answer any questions. If you have any discomfort
let your acupuncturist know.
How many treatments will I need?
While some patients experience symptom relief after a single acupuncture treatment, a course of treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal results, as is the case with many other therapies.
How is acupuncture used with cancer therapies?
The American Cancer Society reports a study done by Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
Center, which found that acupuncture reduced
pain by 36% in patients with advanced cancer
and that it reduces post-chemotherapy fatigue.
The Journal of the American Medical Association
(JAMA) reports that acupuncture increased the
effectiveness of anti-nausea medications used in
cancer therapies.
Research done by Raimond Wong, M.D., and
Stephen Sagar, M.D., showed acupuncture helps
to reduce pain and improve gait and balance in
patients with peripheral neuropathy.
Acupuncture has been used for many years
in China along with standard treatments for
cancer. Medical centers such as Memorial
Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York
and the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center
in Boston have used acupuncture as supportive
therapy for cancer patients to treat pain, nausea,
anxiety, hot flashes, fatigue, neuropathy and
dry mouth, and to help patients with their overall
sense of well-being.
Since its beginnings in 2006, Enloe Medical
Center’s acupuncture program has found that
acupuncture can effectively reduce many of the
side effects of cancer treatment.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No. Physician referral is not required. Anyone can call to make an appointment. Call us at (530) 332-3857.
How do billing and payment work?
Insurance billing is not available for outpatient acupuncture services, and payment is expected at the time of service. At your request you will
be provided with a statement of charges, which
you can submit to your insurance company for
possible reimbursement.
No further cash discount applies to outpatient
acupuncture procedures, as this service has
already been priced accordingly.
What training does an acupuncturist have?
In the state of California, an acupuncturist must
be a graduate from an accredited Traditional
Chinese Medical School. After receiving their
degree, all students must take an exam from
the State of California. Once they receive
their license, they may treat patients. To keep
their license current, acupuncturists must take
continuing education classes.
Still have questions about acupuncture or our Clinics?
Call us for more information on Enloe's Outpatient Acupuncture Clinics, or to make an appointment: (530) 332-3857.
Contact Us
Outpatient Acupuncture Clinics
Enloe Regional Cancer Center's Infusion Therapy Clinic
265 Cohasset Road, Suite 160
Chico, CA 95926
(530) 332-3857
Enloe is a SAFE SURRENDER SITE.