Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture hurt?
What happens during a Traditional Chinese Medicine Evaluation?
How many treatments will I need?
How many needles are used?
Is acupuncture safe?
What is electrical stimulation?
What does Chinese Medicine treat?
What is Moxibustion?
What is Guasha?
What is Cupping?
Is it safe to get acupuncture while I am on pharmaceutical medications?
What are the current educational requirements to become a practitioner of Chinese medicine?

Does acupuncture hurt?

Insertion is virtually painless. As the needle is inserted and manipulated, the patient may feel numbness, tingling, heaviness or soreness at the site of insertion. These sensations are considered a favorable part of the treatment and indicate that the needle has promoted a healing reaction in the body. Shortly after insertion and manipulation, most people feel extremely relaxed and may even fall asleep. Needles are usually retained anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes giving the patient time to relax, unwind and de-stress. Healing occurs when the body and mind are peaceful. At Healing Grace Acupuncture we provide a peaceful, healing environment to promote relaxation and healing.
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What happens during a Traditional Chinese Medicine Evaluation?

Typically, an evaluation at Healing Grace Acupuncture is about 1½ hours long so that a detailed medical history can be obtained. You will be asked questions not only about your main complaint, but also about your health in general. Your pulses will be taken and your tongue viewed to further assess your condition. A physical exam may also be done to locate areas of weakness and pain. An initial report of findings will be provided and you will be given a recommendation for treatment options.
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How many treatments will I need?

The length, number and frequency of treatments varies from person to person and depends on many factors such as the type of condition being treated, your age, the condition of your health and how you respond to acupuncture. Acupuncture and herbs are therapeutic modalities which require multiple treatments. Since the process is natural, treatment is gentle and gradual.

For an acute condition such as a sprain or common cold, sometimes one or two treatments are all that is necessary. If a condition is more chronic or if your overall health is poor, several treatments may be necessary. Many people come in initially for two to three treatments per week and eventually move to one treatment per week during  Symptom Relief and Corrective Care .  It is important to continue treatments (corrective care) even after your symptoms are relieved because if the root cause is not addressed, the symptoms could return.
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How many needles are used?

As few as two or as many as twelve or more needles may be inserted into various points along the body. The needles, which are hair-thin, flexible and made of stainless steel, vary in length from ½  inch to 5 inches. The type of needle chosen is determined by the location of the acupuncture point and the desired effect.
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Is acupuncture safe?

When performed by a trained, licensed practitioner, acupuncture is very safe and has virtually no side effects. On occasion there may be some bruising at the needle site or minor bleeding when the needle is removed. In addition all needles used are pre-packaged, sterilized, for one time use only. Rest assured, Anna Palucci, L.Ac., Dipl. O.M. is a trained, licensed practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is board certified in both Acupuncture and Chinese herbs and has successfully completed Clean Needle Technique training.
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What is electrical stimulation?

Electrical stimulation entails the use of a small, battery operated, electrical stimulation device which has been created specifically for providing ongoing stimulation throughout the acupuncture treatment. Tiny clips are attached to specific needles (usually only 2-4 at a time), the power is turned on and the level of stimulation is slowly turned up until the patient feels a slight tapping sensation at the point. This type of manipulation can be used for many types of conditions but is used most often for musculo-skeletal pain.
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What does Chinese Medicine treat?

The World Health Organization has determined that acupuncture is an effective, natural therapy for over 200 clinical conditions, including:

• Back pain
• Neck and shoulder pain
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Insomnia
• Migraines and headaches
• Alcohol, food, and tobacco addiction
• Accidental injuries (promotes healing)
• Sprains
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Respiratory problems
• Digestive problems
• Gynecological disorders
• Circulatory disorders
• Nervous system disorders

In addition, acupuncture reduces stress and anxiety, and promotes a deep state of relaxation, enhancing the overall healing process. Chinese herbal medicine can increase the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments and is often the primary treatment for chronic, internal medical disorders.
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What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion provides local heat over acupuncture points thereby increasing needle stimulation. It is made from the dried leaves of artemisia vulgaris (mugwort) and comes in many forms.
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What is Guasha?

Guasha involves the palpation and cutaneous stimulation of the skin with pressured strokes, by a round-edged instrument. The results is the appearance of small red petechiae called 'sha', that usually fades in 2 to 3 days. Guasha removes blood stagnation and promotes normal circulation and metabolic processes.Patients usually experience immediate relief from pain, stiffness, fever, chill, cough, and nausea. It is often used in the prevention and treatment of acute infectious illness, upper respiratory and digestive problems, and many other acute or chronic disorders.
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What is Cupping?

Cupping is a therapy in which a jar is attached to the skin surface causing local congestion either through creating a vacuum by introducing heat in the form of an ignited material or by removing the air with a pump.  Cupping has  been found to affect the body up to four inches into the tissues, causing tissues to release toxins, activate the lymphatic system, clear colon blockages and help activate and clear the veins, arteries and capillaries.
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Is it safe to get acupuncture while I am on pharmaceutical medications?

Yes, it is safe. Acupuncture will not interfere with any medications or supplements you may be currently taking. One exception to this is if you are taking a blood thinner such as Coumadin (Warfarin). Excessive bleeding is a risk so it is important that your INR (International Normalized Ratio) is consistently at a normal range and that you provide your lab results to your acupuncturist on a regular basis.
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What are the current educational requirements to become a practitioner of Chinese medicine?

In the state of Illinois, Acupuncture is regulated by the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. A 3-4 year degree from a state-approved nationally accredited Master's degree program is required to become a licensed Acupuncturist ( L.Ac. ).

In addition, certification by the National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) www.nccaom.org is also required. Each candidate must pass a series of rigorous board exams and become certified in Clean Needle Technique. After passing these exams, candidates will receive diplomate status in Oriental Medicine ( Dipl. OM ).

Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM) Master's Degree Program:

Master of Science (Traditional Oriental Medicine) is awarded following the completion of 11 terms of classes. A total of 191.24 Units (approximately 3,527 hours) are required.

Some of these courses include: