Q: What is acupuncture?
A: Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points shown as effective in the treatment of specific health problems. These points have been mapped by the Chinese over a period of two thousand years. Recently, electromagnetic research has confirmed their locations.

Q: What problems can be treated by acupuncture?
A: The National Institute of Health (NIH) recognizes the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating a wide range of conditions.

Eric Snyder R.Ac. Specializes in;

1. Pain. Low back pain, sciatica, knee problems, shoulder/rotator cuff, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, TMJ dysfunction. In addition to muscle skeletal pain we excel in the treatment of migraines and headaches.
2. Allergies and Sinusitis
3. Asthma
4. Anxiety
5. Insomnia
6. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction
7. Gynecological issues
8. Stress

Q: How deep do the needles go?
A: That depends upon the nature of the problem, the location of the points selected, the patient’s size, age, and constitution, and upon the acupuncturist’s style or school. Usually, needles are inserted from 1/8 to 1/2 inch in depth.
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Q: Does it hurt?
A: If your practitioner has obtained the correct stimulus of the needle, the patient should feel some cramping, heaviness, distention, tingling, or electric sensation either around the needle or traveling up or down the affected meridian, or energy pathway. In Chinese, acupuncture is bu tong, painless. Some Western cultures may categorize these sensations as types of pain. In any case, if you experience any discomfort, it is usually mild.

Q: Are the needles clean?
A: Yes. We follow the Clean Needle Technique protocol at all times. Each needle is single use and disposed of after use.

Q: How does acupuncture work?
A: Modern Western medicine cannot explain how acupuncture works. Traditional acupuncture is based on ancient Chinese theories of the flow of Qi (Energy) and Xue (Blood) through distinct meridians or pathways that cover the body somewhat like the nerves and blood vessels do. According to ancient theory, acupuncture allows Qi to flow to areas where it is deficient and away from where it is excess. In this way, acupuncture regulates and restores the harmonious energetic balance of the body. In Chinese there is a saying, “There is no pain if there is free flow; if there is pain, there is no free flow.”

Q: Are there different styles of acupuncture?
A: Yes, there are. Acupuncture originated in China but has spread to Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Europe, the British Isles, and America. Eric Snyder L.Ac. is trained in both Chinese and Japanese acupuncture.

Q: What criteria should one use in choosing an acupuncturist?
A: Patients should ask about where the practitioner trained, how long the training was, how long he or she has been in practice, and what experience the practitioner has had in treating the patient’s specific ailment.  Eric Snyder is a fully licneced acupuncturist in the Ohio. To be licenced, one must pass the national exam (NCCAOM) and the Clean Needle Technique exam.

Q: How many treatments will I need?
A: That depends upon the duration, severity, and nature of your complaint. You may need only a single treatment for an acute condition. A series of four to fifteen treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some degenerative conditions may require many treatments over time.

Q: What should I know about the proposed treatments?
A: Your practitioner will explain the nature of your problem and what treatment he or she is recommending. Your practitioner will tell you what benefits and risks there are to the proposed treatment, what other treatment options are available to you through this practitioner or by referral to another practitioner or physician.

If you agree to go ahead with the treatments, your practitioner will tell you what progress to expect, what to do if you don’t experience that progress and what to do if you feel worse.

Q. Is there anything I need to do before receiving an acupuncture treatment?
A: Yes, the following suggestions will help you get the maximum benefits from your treatment.

1. Wear loose clothing. Women should not wear one-piece dresses. Avoid wearing tight stockings.
2. Avoid treatment when excessively fatigued, hungry, full, emotionally upset, or shortly after sex.
3. Bring a list of all medications and supplements you are currently taking.

Q: Is there anything I need to do while receiving acupuncture?
A: Yes.

1. Relax. There is no need to be frightened. Ask your practitioner any questions you have along the way so that you can get the most benefit possible from the treatment.
2. Do not change your position or move suddenly. If you are uncomfortable, tell your practitioner.

Q: What can I expect after treatment?
A: Patients often experience the most dramatic results in the first treatment. Some patients experience an immediate total or partial relief of their pain or other symptoms. This relief may last or some pain may return. In a few cases, there may be no immediate relief only to notice the pain diminish over the next couple of days. Generally, you should expect to feel better.