About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is available at Student Health Services.
Acupuncture is a system of medical diagnosis and treatment, which originated in ancient China. Acupuncture is defined by Oregon law as a part of the practice of medicine and includes the following techniques:
- Acupuncture is the use of thin wire needles to stimulate points on the body.
- Acupressure uses massage techniques including Tui Na and Shiatsu.
- Cupping is the application of suction cups.
- Coining is a strong friction technique, which produces local redness.
- Dietary and herbal advice is based on traditional Oriental medical uses of foods and herbs, and also includes the use of vitamin and mineral supplements.
- Electroacupuncture is the use of mild pulsating current to stimulate acupuncture points and meridians.
- Moxibustion is the application of heat to acupuncture points and meridians.
- Acupuncture is safe, natural and drug-free.
Eligibility & Cost
- Acupunture services are available to students only
- Fees: starting at $53.55 per treatment
- Students do not require a medical referral, and can make an appointment by calling 737-WELL (9355)
Treatment
In China, acupuncture is used in a very broad range of disorders. In the USA, it is used in a more limited way, often in conjunction with the other medical resources available here. Conditions that are commonly treated are the following:
Chronic & Acute Pain
- Low Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Arthritic & Rheumatic Pain
- Sciatica
- Muscular Spasm
- Headache
- Tendonitis
Neurologic Rehabilitation
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
- Facial Paralysis/Bell's Palsy
- Peripheral Neuropathies
- Stroke Rehabilitation
Abdominal Conditions
- Gastro-Intestinal Disorders
- PMS (pre-menstrual syndrome)
Respiratory Diseases
- Sinusitis
- Bronchitis
Psycho-physical Conditions
- Stress
- Moderate Depression
Drug Withdrawal
- Nicotine
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
Contraindications and Side Effects
Acupuncture is contraindicated in people with severe bleeding disorders. In case of severe trauma or life threatening medical disorders, treatment by biomedical providers is most appropriate. Side effects from acupuncture are very rare, potentially including the following:
- minor pain or bruising
- fainting
- needle breakage
- lung puncture
Here at SHS, we have never had a serious injury result from acupuncture treatment.
Patients with bleeding disorders, pacemakers, or pregnancy should inform the acupuncturist prior to treatment.
How many treatments are necessary?
This depends on your individual condition and how well you respond to acupuncture treatment. Generally, chronic conditions require more treatment than acute; younger patients tend to heal faster than the elderly. The acupuncturist can usually estimate the number of treatments required for similar cases.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture draws on the body's own ability to heal itself, apparently stimulating that function in several ways. Scientific research has shown beyond doubt that acupuncture has significant medical effects, but the mechanisms of action remain only partially understood. According to traditional Chinese medical theory, acupuncture balances the energy flow of the body. Each acupuncture point has well defined functions for the restoration of health and harmony.
Acupuncture needles
Only pre-sterilized disposable acupuncture needles are used during the procedure. Needles are used only one time and then disposed of safely, in order to prevent patient-to-patient disease transmission that could occur from imperfect needle sterilization.
About Acupuncturists
Oregon has had licensed acupuncturists as independent
practitioners for over 20 years. The State requires three years of
training in an approved program. Course work includes relevant
Western biomedical sciences as well as acupuncture. A Board
Examination is also required to be licensed as an L.Ac. (Licensed
Acupuncturist).