Welcome
About Reinhild Draeger-Muenke, Psy.D., LMFT
Thank you for visiting this site on medical acupuncture and complementary medicine, where you might say "east meets west."
| It is quite common these days to hear about people who turn to acupuncture as a last resort to find relief from a chronic nagging health problem. Supporters of acupuncture claim that this remedy is more accessible, safer and less expensive than conventional therapies and provides a surgery free approach in alleviating suffering related to chronic health problems. Of the several unconventional therapies being practiced in the United States, acupuncture appears to be growing at a rapid rate. |
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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) estimates that 9-12 million acupuncture treatments are now being performed annually by United States practitioners. Those suffering from pain, back problems, anxiety, depression, drug addiction, neurological disorders, headaches, insomnia, arthritis, cancer and other pain producing entities are among those most likely to seek such help.
Acupuncture, developed by the Chinese, is performed by stimulating designated points of the body. This is done through the insertion of needles, finger pressure, application of heat, or a combination of these treatments. According to the Chinese there is a network of energy that flows through the body and connects these points through different channels called “meridians”. These channels are related to specific internal functions. Any imbalance in the flow of energy creates a disease process, and application of acupuncture can correct this imbalance. Many physician scientists have shown that acupuncture treatments can cause the release of endorphins, natural pain relieving substances found in the brain and spinal cord. This may explain how acupuncture is helpful in relieving pain.
The practice of acupuncture involves making a diagnosis based on review of symptoms, personal characteristics and attributes, and examination of the tongue, pulse and other systems. Patients must remain under the care of their treating physicians, and continue medicines as directed by them. Acupuncture is done with extremely thin and flexible needles made of silver and steel alloy. There is nothing special about acupuncture needles. It is merely a tool to correct the energy imbalance in the body. There is often a brief “needle prick” sensation as the needle passes through the skin. As the needle begins to work and the energy effects occurs, one may feel numbness, heat, dull aching or tingling where the needle is located. The needles are left in place for about 15 to 20 minutes. They may be rotated by the doctor or sometimes stimulated electrically. Side effects due to acupuncture are rare. Most side effects are minor and may include occasional dizziness, usually after the first treatment, and slight bleeding after the needles are withdrawn. Infection at the site of the needle prick and other side effects are very rare.
It is not being suggested that acupuncture and other techniques are a cure for all problems, but there is sufficient evidence that, if appropriately used, this growing art of medicine can successfully complement conventional medicine so as to provide patients the best health care available.
If you are interested in trying acupuncture with a conventional doctor, you should look for an M.D. who is certified by his or her state. To find a licensed physician acupuncturist in your area, see the web site of the American Association of Medical Acupuncture.
If you decide to try acupuncture with Dr. Muenke, here is what it looks like. The first session consists of a detailed discussion about acupuncture, its history, what is known about how it works, what it can do, what it can not do, and its potential side effects. A major part of the first session is an in-depth interview, a physical exam, and use of acupressure (no needles) or acupuncture with a few hair-thin needles. This session takes about 1 ˝ -2 hours.
Weekly follow-up sessions of about one hour are recommended for three to five (up to ten) times depending on the symptoms and the duration of symptoms.