What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient art of healing used in China for approximately 5000 years by inserting superfine needles and applying heat and electrical stimulation at specific acupuncture points to promote natural healing and to improve pain relief.
How does it work?
Chi is the "life force energy" that which runs through the energy channels called meridians. An obstruction in the Chi in these meridians causes blockage in the body resulting in disease. Acupuncture therefore helps these internal organs and imbalances and improves the energy through an increase in the body's own chemicals called endorphins which influences the hormones and stimulates the body's natural healing abilities as well as promoting well-being.
Medical acupuncture is the acupuncture performed by an M.D. who can practice through training in acupuncture as a specialty practice and at the same time combine his western medical knowledge.
Non-M.D. acupuncturists have three years of training in acupuncture and they are state licensed.
How many treatments are generally given?
One treatment is not enough, 6-8 treatments are required. It is not a cure for diseases, but helps individuals cope with chronic ailments. Results are best when treated 2x a week.
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Sharda Sharma M.D. has incorporated medical acupuncture into her practice since 1984. She has extensive knowledge in the area and has treated hundreds of patients as a whole in order to balance the body and mind. She has had success treating others with chronic back pain, tendonitis, seasonal allergies, etc. Her weight loss program has been very successful with the use of acupuncture; please see the following link for more information:
Acu-Weightloss Program |
Are there any side effects to the treatment?
No. The sensation of deep relaxation is typical of the first few sessions.
What ailments can be treated?
All digestive disorders -
Gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.
Neurological, muscular, headaches, facial, neck pain, tendonitis, tennis elbow, sciatica, osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, tremors, stroke, MS, Parkinsons etc.
Respiratory disorders -
Sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.
Urinary, PMS, Infertility etc. What are the needles like? Do they hurt?
Most patients feel only minimal pain; once the needles are inserted, there is no pain felt. Some feel slight pain or heat which is called chi (energy flowing).
The acupuncture needles are thin, made from stainless steel and has smooth, non-cutting edges whereas the needles for blood drawing and hyperdermic needles has cutting edges and they are hollow. So the acupuncture needles cause less bruising and irritation compared to other needles. Only sterilized, disposable needles are used at the Sharma Holistic Medical Center.
Do I have to believe in acupuncture for it to work?
No. Acupuncture has been used on animals with much success (horses, dogs, cats etc). Animals do not understand or believe it, so the process of chi moving helps without having belief.
Are there any Do's and Dont's?
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Do not eat an unusually large meal before and after treatment
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Do not engage in heavy exercise, excessive alcohol and sexual activity within six hours before or after treatment
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Rest is important after acupuncture especially first few visits
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Patients should continue to take their prescription medications
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Keep a good diary of your response to treatment
Is acupuncture covered by health insurance?
Several insurance companies are accepting however the patient needs to call their carrier before arriving at our center. Dr. Sharma is currently not accepting any insurance.
Acupuncture offers many benefits other than listed.
Call for an appointment today:
973-376-4500
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