The Name Artemesia

Our name, Artemesia, comes from the Latin term for moxa, which is artemesia vulgaris, or common artemesia. Artemesia is a beautiful, vibrant plant that is used for moxabustion (moxa) in Chinese medicine. Essentially, the acupuncture point is stimulated with the deeply penetrating, yet gentle warmth of the artemesia herb. Acupuncture professor and master JR Worsley used to say that if we were going to have a guest come and stay in our home, we would try to make the environment as warm and cozy as possible. We might even start a fire in the hearth. In the case of acupuncture, the guest is the needle!

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a system of healing that originated in China thousands of years ago and is based on natural laws. According to the laws of nature, life energy (Qi) flows through human beings much like rivers and streams flow through the earth. Health is the result of free-flowing Qi, and conversely, illness is the result of Qi out of balance due to blockages. Every symptom a person has is considered a distress signal indicating the Qi is not flowing freely. Although symptoms give the classically trained Acupuncturist information, they are not the primary focus. We are more concerned with addressing the whole patient and correcting not only the physical problems but also any underlying imbalances of the emotions, mind, and spirit. Through the use of very fine needles inserted into specific anatomical sites, Classical Acupuncture assists nature in unblocking the flow of Qi and restoring overall balance. Over time, even chronic and complex problems such as anxiety and depression and other issues involving the spirit can be resolved as the flow of Qi is restored.

What Problems Can Acupuncture Help?

The largest single benefit of Classical Acupuncture is to heal the root causes that have led to the manifestation of various symptoms and diseases and move us along the path of recovery. As is commonly known, acupuncture is helpful in relieving many painful conditions. However, it also is helpful in many other chronic and acute conditions in which pain is not primary. A person's whole being is considered in their healing process. Acupuncture is also used preventively through the use of clearings and seasonal treatments. We see our patients getting colds and flu less often and recovering more quickly. Because Classical Acupuncture treats the whole person, it helps individuals in making the changes necessary for personal growth. The one factor that separates Classical Acupuncture from other types of acupuncture is how it involves the patients in their own healing process rather than looking for a practitioner to fix them. Our patients feel empowered with this approach to healing.

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Acupuncture needles are much thinner than hypodermic needles and are barely thicker than a human hair. They are made of sterilized stainless steel, individually wrapped, and disposed of in biohazard containers. The sensations from needle insertion are momentary and vary from person to person. They may be experienced as a dull ache, a tingling, or an electrical feeling. The needles are often left in for only a moment or two but can be left in up to 45 minutes. Classical Acupuncturists do not find it necessary to apply electricity to the needles. Sometimes the acupuncture point is warmed up before the needle is inserted (this is referred to as moxibustion.)

What Will Happen On My First Visit?

Your first appointment may be longer than subsequent sessions. You will be asked a number of questions regarding your medical and family history as well as your present lifestyle including diet, exercise, sleeping patterns, and emotional state. To discover how the energy is moving in your body, your twelve meridian (the pathways through which energy flows) pulses, located on both wrists, will be evaluated for quality, strength, and rhythm. The structure, color, and coating of your tongue may also be used to assess the quality of your health. All this information helps in planning treatments designed especially for you. The aim is to discover which energy channels need adjusting for your specific complaints to improve and to increase your energy and overall sense of well-being.

How Often Do I Need A Treatment?

In Classical Acupuncture, each person is recognized as being unique. Therefore, the number of treatments required varies with the individual. Normally, you are advised to visit your acupuncturist weekly for about six sessions then the patient is re-evaluated and treatments are less frequent. Some individuals may need less frequent attention than others. Basically, the severity and duration of one's problems influences how long it will take for old energy patterns to be transformed. Also, one's lifestyle must be examined to make sure behaviors that caused or aggravated the problem are eliminated. Healthy patients can benefit greatly from an annual clearing and seasonal treatments.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

The National Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) has stringent standards. One must have attended an accredited acupuncture college (3000-4000 hours of study) and pass three examinations focusing on theory, standards of hygiene and maintaining sterilization of needles, and point location. Statistics for Nationally Certified Acupuncturists show that it is a very safe healing system. In the USA, there are now 50 acupuncture colleges, a very committed professional organization, a number of regulating organizations (including the NCCAOM), and a body of scientific literature validating its efficacy.

Should My Doctor Know?

It makes sense to tell your primary care physician that you are getting acupuncture. The acupuncture treatments may enable you to reduce or even stop taking some medications. You need to communicate and work directly with your physician regarding medication changes.

Does Insurance Cover Acupuncture?

More Insurance companies in Kentucky are starting to cover acupuncture. There are a few policies that will cover a short series of acupuncture treatments. We do not process insurance claims, but we do give receipts with the appropriate information for you to submit to your insurance company. Acupuncture is considered a reimbursable expense for flexible spending accounts and medical savings plans.

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