Mind Body

Acupuncture: A Safe and Effective Medical Procedure

Is acupuncture safe? The answer is that yes, most definitely, it is a safe medical procedure, especially when we compare it to other so-called invasive medical procedures, acupuncture has a very strong track record when it comes to safety. Any adverse effects from acupuncture tend to be mild and very short lived, that could be something like a bruise at the site of the needle insertion, which usually isn't painful but it looks like a bruise. Or you may have some soreness post treatment, typically, it doesn't last more than 24 hours and then it just fades away. Other more serious side effects are extremely rare, very unlikely to happen but there have been instances of them something such as a nerve injury. The effects of that while uncomfortable are generally temporary and they will go away sometime within a few weeks, usually. So all in all, acupuncture is a very safe procedure and most people tolerate it quite well. This is what an acupuncture needle looks like. You can see how thin and flexible it is. Thanks.

Acupuncture is a safe medical procedure and any adverse effects are generally mild and short-lived. The most common side effects are minor bruises at the site of needle insertion or soreness post treatment, while more serious side effects are extremely rare.

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Acupuncture is indeed a safe medical procedure, especially when compared to other invasive procedures. It has a strong safety record. Adverse effects from acupuncture are typically mild and short-lived. These may include a bruise at the needle insertion site, which is usually painless but visible, or temporary soreness after treatment that lasts no more than 24 hours.

While more serious side effects are extremely rare, there have been rare instances of nerve injuries. Although uncomfortable, these effects are generally temporary and resolve within a few weeks.

Overall, acupuncture is considered a safe procedure, and most people tolerate it well. Acupuncture needles are thin and flexible, as shown in the image.

Exploring Chinese Herbal Medicine: Tradition and Administration Methods

What is Chinese herbal medicine? Chinese herbal medicine, also known as traditional Chinese medicine or TCM, refers to the long history of using plant and animal products to treat disease in China. There are hundreds of different herbs used within the tradition of Chinese herbal medicine and most often they are prepared and consumed as medicinal teas. Unlike some other herbal traditions which tend to use a single herb to treat a symptom or disease, Chinese medicine almost always uses multi-herb formulas to treat a presenting pattern of disharmony or disease. There are different methods of administering Chinese herbs. I tend to use one of three in my practice which I'll show you right now. The first method of administration and the most traditional one would be to use the actual herbs themselves as seen here in these two examples. This is actually licorice root, okay, and this is the petals of safflower flower. These would be combined in a formula and boiled in water for a certain amount of time and then consumed as a tea. The second method that I use are these powdered extracts, okay. This happens to be chrysanthemum flower. I would mix these extracts into the proper formula for the patient. They would dissolve this powder in hot water and then drink it like a tea. The third method would be utilizing prepared medicines, pills and tablets and tinctures and topical products to treat a symptom or disease.

Chinese herbal medicine (also known as traditional Chinese medicine or TCM) is a long-standing tradition of using plant and animal products to treat diseases. Chinese herbs are usually prepared and consumed as medicinal teas, with multi-herb formulas used to treat a disharmony or disease. There are three main methods of administering Chinese herbs: using the actual herbs, powdered extracts, and prepared medicines such as pills, tablets, tinctures, and topical products.

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Chinese herbal medicine, also known as traditional Chinese medicine or TCM, is a practice that involves using plant and animal products to treat diseases in China. It has a long history and utilizes hundreds of different herbs. Unlike some other herbal traditions, Chinese medicine often combines multiple herbs in formulas to address specific patterns of disharmony or disease. Chinese herbs are typically prepared as medicinal teas. There are different methods of administering these herbs. The traditional method involves boiling the actual herbs in water to make a tea. Another method uses powdered extracts mixed into hot water for consumption. Additionally, prepared medicines such as pills, tablets, tinctures, and topical products are sometimes used to address specific symptoms or diseases.

Can acupuncture be used to treat acute injuries?

Acupuncture: A Surprising Solution for Treating Acute Injuries

Can acupuncture be used to treat acute injuries? While acupuncture excels at treating chronic pain and chronic injuries, it most definitely can be used to treat acute injuries as well. What are some examples? One of my favorite examples, because it responds so well to acupuncture, is treating an acute ankle sprain. With acupuncture and some topical herbal remedies, we can see the swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion of an ankle sprain start to improve within a treatment or two. Other examples of injuries, other sprains, AC joint sprain, finger and thumb ligament sprains, muscle strains, hip flexor strain, hamstring strains, calf muscle strains, all respond really well to acupuncture. And that's because acupuncture is excellent at treating inflammation and muscle spasm, which is usually a part of those muscle strains, and helping improve circulation in the local area, which is going to help healing of the injury. Ligament injuries, biceps tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, bursitis even respond well to acupuncture treatment. So for sure, acupuncture can be used to treat acute injuries.

Acupuncture can be used to treat acute injuries such as ankle sprains, AC joint sprains, muscle strains, hip flexor strain, hamstring strain, calf muscle strain, tendon injuries, biceps tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and Bursitis.

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Acupuncture is not only effective for chronic pain and injuries but can also be used to treat acute injuries. One example is an ankle sprain, which often shows remarkable improvement with acupuncture and topical herbal remedies. Swelling, bruising, and limited range of motion can start to improve within just a few treatments. Other acute injuries such as sprains, AC joint sprains, finger and thumb ligament sprains, muscle strains like hip flexor strain or hamstring strain, calf muscle strains, as well as ligament injuries, biceps tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, and bursitis all respond well to acupuncture. This is because acupuncture is skilled at addressing inflammation, muscle spasms often associated with muscle strains, and enhancing local circulation to promote healing. In conclusion, acupuncture can indeed be used to treat acute injuries effectively.

What kinds of conditions can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture: A Wide Array of Conditions it Treats

What kinds of conditions can acupuncture treat? Actually, a really wide array of medical conditions acupuncture can be helpful for. Many people know that acupuncture can be used to treat pain. I'm talking about all kinds of pain, whether it's musculoskeletal related, or whether it's chronic headaches, whether it's pain related to cancer or cancer treatments, acupuncture really excels at treating pain. But that's not all it does. It can be used for, as I said, a wide array of medical conditions such as gynecological issues, respiratory issues, digestive problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome or constipation or indigestion. Acupuncture can be used to treat neurological conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, stroke rehabilitation. Acupuncture also is excellent at helping with conditions such as stress and anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, even depression. I'm not saying acupuncture is going to cure all of these conditions necessarily, but it can be a great tool for helping people manage some of these conditions, especially when those conditions are chronic. Thank you.

Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide array of conditions such as pain, gynecological issues, respiratory issues, digestive problems, neurological conditions, carpal tunnel syndrome, stroke rehabilitation, stress and anxiety, insomnia, fatigue and depression.

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Acupuncture can treat a wide range of medical conditions. While it is commonly known for its effectiveness in treating pain, including musculoskeletal pain, chronic headaches, and pain related to cancer or cancer treatments, acupuncture can also address various other health issues.

It can be beneficial for gynecological problems, respiratory issues, and digestive disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and indigestion. Acupuncture is also used to treat neurological conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and aid in stroke rehabilitation. Additionally, it can be helpful for managing stress, anxiety, insomnia, fatigue, and even depression.

While acupuncture may not necessarily cure these conditions, it can serve as a valuable tool in helping individuals manage their symptoms, particularly when dealing with chronic conditions.

Hi Adam! Tell people about your background, expertise, and how you can help.

Adam Schreiber: Acupuncture Expert with 20 years of Experience

Hi, my name is Adam Schreiber. I've been studying acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for over 20 years, and I currently practice in the Philadelphia area. My practice specializes in treating orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, which I've been studying extensively for the past 15 years. I've also had the opportunity in my career to work with some amazing teachers and mentors. I have participated in clinical research at the University of Pennsylvania, studying acupuncture's benefit for cancer patients. I've also had the opportunity to edit a textbook of one of my teachers on sports medicine acupuncture. When I'm not in the office, I'm an avid mountain biker and gardener. I look forward to answering your questions here on Any Question. Thanks.

I'm Adam Schreiber and I've been practicing acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for over 20 years. My specialty is treating orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions and I have also participated in clinical research at the University of Pennsylvania. Outside of work, I'm an avid mountain biker and Gardner.

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Hello! I'm Adam Schreiber, an experienced practitioner of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine with over 20 years of study and practice. I specialize in treating orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, focusing on this area for the past 15 years. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of learning from exceptional teachers and mentors.

I've been involved in clinical research at the University of Pennsylvania, specifically exploring the benefits of acupuncture for cancer patients. Additionally, I've had the opportunity to contribute to the field by editing a sports medicine acupuncture textbook written by one of my teachers.

Outside of my practice, I enjoy mountain biking and gardening. I'm excited to share my expertise and answer any questions you may have here on Any Question. Thank you!

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Adam is an acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist licensed by the PA Board of Medicine and certified in Oriental Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. He graduated with a Masters in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the New England School of Acupuncture. Adam has completed extensive advanced study in Sports Medicine and Orthopedic acupuncture techniques. He was the chief editor of "Sports Medicine Acupuncture", a landmark text on the acupuncture treatment of orthopedic conditions. He has also worked on four clinical trials at the University of PA, all of which were related to acupuncture and cancer symptoms. Adam has a BA in Psychology from Washington Univ. in St. Louis. You might see him hiking or biking on the trails of the Wissahickon, where he loves to hang out!

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