Medical Acupuncture: Tradition and Science
Acupuncture has a rich traditional history. It dates back to 2,000 BC in the Chinese culture. In recent times the French have explored the scientific basis of acupuncture. Why are the points where they are? Is the anatomy of the points unique? What neurotransmitters (nervous system chemicals) are affected by acupuncture? Much of the treatment in Medical Acupuncture blends the respected tradition of the acupuncture meridians (or channels) with the French scientific understanding.
Dr Coughlin has completed his Medical Acupuncture training through the Helms Medical Institute associated with UCLA (see below). He is a member of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.
We offer Full Medical Acupuncture services at H&HS.
Dr. Joseph Helms, MD is the founder and president of the Helms Medical Institute and also the founder of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Dr. Helms has practiced acupuncture since 1978. He trained in France at ‘l’Association Francaise d’Acupuncture and in China. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Family Practice and the American Board of Pain Management. He is also a clinical instructor in the Department of Anesthesiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He has a private medical acupuncture practice in Berkeley, CA and has trained more than 4500 physicians in Medical Acupuncture.
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 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 the flow in one part of the body and restricts it in others. The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points -- unblocking the obstruction at the dams and reestablishing flow. Acupuncture treatments can thus help the body’s internal organs by correcting imbalances, and they can help the circulation of 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 the 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 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.
Is Medical Acupuncture different from Traditional Acupuncture?
Medical Acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained
and licensed in Western medicine that has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a
specialty practice. Such a doctor can use Acupuncture, Western medicine, or both -- as the
situation calls for. 
What is the Scope of Acupuncture? 1) Promotion of Health and Well Being 2) Prevention of Illness 3) Treatment of various Medical Conditions
While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the ONLY treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medical treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems including:
· Digestive disorders: gastritis, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea
· Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent infections
· Neurologic and Muscular: headache, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica and osteoarthritis
· Urinary, menstrual and reproductive problems
Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension, stress and emotional conditions.
How many treatments will I need? This differs from person to person. For complex and longstanding conditions, one or two
treatments per week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually
fewer visits are required. For health maintenance four sessions per year may be all that
is necessary.
Are there Side Effects? 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. Other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel / urination pattern, 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 usually require only rest to overcome.
What are the Needles like? Do they hurt? 
People experience acupuncture needling differently. Most feel only minimal pain as the needles
are inserted; some feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, no pain is felt. 
Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid. They are sterile, single use needles made from
stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like needles used to
draw blood or start an IV). The insertion through the skin causes minimal pain. The risk
of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using hollow needles. There is no risk
of infection with these fine, sterile needles.
Does Acupuncture Really work? Yes. In the past 2000 years more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture
than with all other health modalities combined. It is practiced in Asia, Europe, and is
being used more and more in America by patients and physicians.
Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time as other techniques are being used,
such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and
homeopathic or naturopathic prescription. 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 all
your treatments. 
Do you use Moxibustion? Yes. Moxa is a traditional Chinese herb. It is burned to provide warmth to the needles and
the acupuncture points. It has various forms and is used in some, but not all, Medical
Acupuncture applications. Other means of stimulating the needles include manual touch and
twirling, heat lamps and electricity.
Do I have to Believe in Acupuncture for it to Work? No. Acupuncture is used successfully in veterinary medicine. A positive attitude toward
wellness MAY reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude
may hinder it. A neutral attitude ("I don’t know if I can really believe in this; I’ll
see how it goes.") will not block treatment results. 
Are there Do’s or Don’ts for me on the day of Treatment? Yes. To enhance the value of the treatment the following guidelines are important: · Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment · Do not over-exercise, engage in sex, or consume alcohol within six hours before or after treatment · Plan your activities so that after the treatments 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 RX medications as directed by your regular doctor. Excess use of alcohol or narcotic pain medications, especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of the 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.
Is Acupuncture covered by Insurance? Generally not. Some insurance companies currently cover acupuncture costs, other companies do not
yet recognize the value of acupuncture. Each health policy must be reviewed to determine
acupuncture benefits.
The American Academy or Medical Acupuncture is working to inform insurance carriers and the
public in order to standardize payment practices and accessibility to this type of treatment.
Dr. Coughlin is a member of the AAMA.
We are happy to work with you and your insurance carrier or answer questions about charges.
How long will I be in the office for an Acupuncture Visit? Most visits are 45-60 minutes for initial treatments and complex treatments. Simpler
treatments will be 20-30 minutes. In a complex case the entire first hour may be taken
for interview, examination and planning of the treatment course. In this case, the
first acupuncture treatment may take place at a second visit.
For Further information see: medicalacupuncture.com or HMIacupuncture.com