FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a means of adjusting the body's life energy (chi or qi) through the insertion of fine needles into carefully selected acupuncture points along the meridians (energy channels) of the body.
The needles, which have a rounded end rather than a sharp cutting one, are inserted into the points and are then manipulated with a gentle pumping action, by twirling or leaving in place for a few minutes. These motions stimulate the flow of energy and remove blockages so that the qi can be dispersed and regulated. When the qi is flowing properly throughout the body, the balance is restored and improved health results.
How does acupuncture work?
For the last 3,000 years or so, acupuncture has been used to promote wellness and treat a wide spectrum of health problems. It is the longest continuous form of medicine. It developed over hundreds of years of observation (trial and error). Over centuries, people noticed that adding heat, pressure, massage, and needles to certain points on the body relieved pain and illness.
Interestingly, acupuncture is currently being used by the U.S. military for battlefield injuries, as well as other ailments, including PTSD. The military values its effectiveness, low cost, and mobility.
Each acupuncture point has a designated function. For example, there are specific points, or groups of points, for treating headaches, back pain, congested sinuses, allergies, knee pain, depression, lack of concentration, etc.
Although many scientific theories have been presented, there is still no easy answer as to exactly how acupuncture works. The "Gate Control" theory suggests that pain impulses are blocked from reaching the spinal cord or brain at various "gates" to these areas. Since a majority of acupuncture points are either located near, or connected to neural structures, this suggests that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to "shut the gate" to the sensation of pain. Other theories suggest that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce narcotic like substances such as endorphins and opioids which, when released into the body, relieve pain. One thing is certain, although we may not know precisely how it works; studies have shown that it does work for a large majority of people and conditions.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The sensation of receiving an acupuncture treatment can rarely be described as painful. Now that is not to say that it is devoid of sensation. But, generally the feeling is more of a tingling. Acupuncture needles are generally as thin as a hair. Following treatment it is common for the patient to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is very safe. When compared to what medical doctors pay yearly for malpractice insurance, which is usually $70,000+, acupuncturists pay on average $500 to $900 a year. This goes to show that acupuncture is very safe, especially when provided by a licensed acupuncturist. We are trained to needle in specific ways, so as not to damage organs, nerves and blood vessels. We also write exams that ensure we use clean needle technique.
Acupuncture is carried out with sterile and disposable needles approved by the United States FDA (Federal Drug Administration).
Has any patient you treated ever died or suffered any type of irreparable harm due to your treatments?
No patient we ever treated suffered irreparable harm or died as a cause of our treatments.
Do I have to believe in it for acupuncture to work?
The answer to this question is no. While having a positive state of mind helps with any type of treatment, conventional or otherwise, it is not necessary to "believe" in acupuncture for it to work. This is evidenced not only through clinical study in "non-believers", but by the fact that animals and small children who cannot be instructed to "believe" receive significant relief of symptoms through the use of acupuncture.
What conditions do you treat in Cambodia?
We are treating the vulnerable children and orphans for the following conditions: emotional trauma, anxiety /panic disorders, post-traumatic-stress disorders (PTSD), bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis, otitis media, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, gastritis, malaria, dengue fever, migraine, nerve pain (neuralgias), muscle pain, back pain, joint pain.
We were fortunate enough to have treated more than 100 children with cerebral palsy (in German: Spastiker) and achieved significant improvement in symptoms in more than 85% of the cases.
Can children receive acupuncture?
Yes, children can receive acupuncture and often have excellent results with this treatment. However, in cases where the children are uneasy about the needles, a practitioner may choose to use an acupressure treatment (massage of the acupoints), as opposed to acupuncture.
Are there any side effects or complications?
As previously mentioned, acupuncture is an extremely safe method of treatment, and as such, side effects and complications are extremely rare when treated by an experienced, licensed practitioner. However, a small number of patients do have reactions to the procedure which may include nausea, light-headedness and fainting. As in any matter pertaining to health, any concerns should be discussed with the practitioner prior to treatment and following treatment to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Are there any contraindications for acupuncture?
There are very few situations where acupuncture is not advised. These are the most common:
If the patient has a haemophilic condition
If the patient is pregnant - certain acupuncture points and needle manipulations should not be used during pregnancy
If the patient has a severe psychotic condition or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
What is your annual budget?
Over a period of 18 months, we treated more than 9,000 children with an annual budget of $18,000 USD.
What percentage of your annual budget will be spent on administrative costs?
Twenty percent of our annual budget will be spent on administrative costs.
Are your accounts verified by a public accountant?
As a US incorporated Non profit organization, our annual accounts are verified by a public certified accountant.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a means of adjusting the body's life energy (chi or qi) through the insertion of fine needles into carefully selected acupuncture points along the meridians (energy channels) of the body.
The needles, which have a rounded end rather than a sharp cutting one, are inserted into the points and are then manipulated with a gentle pumping action, by twirling or leaving in place for a few minutes. These motions stimulate the flow of energy and remove blockages so that the qi can be dispersed and regulated. When the qi is flowing properly throughout the body, the balance is restored and improved health results.
How does acupuncture work?
For the last 3,000 years or so, acupuncture has been used to promote wellness and treat a wide spectrum of health problems. It is the longest continuous form of medicine. It developed over hundreds of years of observation (trial and error). Over centuries, people noticed that adding heat, pressure, massage, and needles to certain points on the body relieved pain and illness.
Interestingly, acupuncture is currently being used by the U.S. military for battlefield injuries, as well as other ailments, including PTSD. The military values its effectiveness, low cost, and mobility.
Each acupuncture point has a designated function. For example, there are specific points, or groups of points, for treating headaches, back pain, congested sinuses, allergies, knee pain, depression, lack of concentration, etc.
Although many scientific theories have been presented, there is still no easy answer as to exactly how acupuncture works. The "Gate Control" theory suggests that pain impulses are blocked from reaching the spinal cord or brain at various "gates" to these areas. Since a majority of acupuncture points are either located near, or connected to neural structures, this suggests that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to "shut the gate" to the sensation of pain. Other theories suggest that acupuncture stimulates the body to produce narcotic like substances such as endorphins and opioids which, when released into the body, relieve pain. One thing is certain, although we may not know precisely how it works; studies have shown that it does work for a large majority of people and conditions.
Does acupuncture hurt?
The sensation of receiving an acupuncture treatment can rarely be described as painful. Now that is not to say that it is devoid of sensation. But, generally the feeling is more of a tingling. Acupuncture needles are generally as thin as a hair. Following treatment it is common for the patient to feel a tremendous sense of relaxation.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is very safe. When compared to what medical doctors pay yearly for malpractice insurance, which is usually $70,000+, acupuncturists pay on average $500 to $900 a year. This goes to show that acupuncture is very safe, especially when provided by a licensed acupuncturist. We are trained to needle in specific ways, so as not to damage organs, nerves and blood vessels. We also write exams that ensure we use clean needle technique.
Acupuncture is carried out with sterile and disposable needles approved by the United States FDA (Federal Drug Administration).
Has any patient you treated ever died or suffered any type of irreparable harm due to your treatments?
No patient we ever treated suffered irreparable harm or died as a cause of our treatments.
Do I have to believe in it for acupuncture to work?
The answer to this question is no. While having a positive state of mind helps with any type of treatment, conventional or otherwise, it is not necessary to "believe" in acupuncture for it to work. This is evidenced not only through clinical study in "non-believers", but by the fact that animals and small children who cannot be instructed to "believe" receive significant relief of symptoms through the use of acupuncture.
What conditions do you treat in Cambodia?
We are treating the vulnerable children and orphans for the following conditions: emotional trauma, anxiety /panic disorders, post-traumatic-stress disorders (PTSD), bronchial asthma, tuberculosis, bronchitis, otitis media, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, gastritis, malaria, dengue fever, migraine, nerve pain (neuralgias), muscle pain, back pain, joint pain.
We were fortunate enough to have treated more than 100 children with cerebral palsy (in German: Spastiker) and achieved significant improvement in symptoms in more than 85% of the cases.
Can children receive acupuncture?
Yes, children can receive acupuncture and often have excellent results with this treatment. However, in cases where the children are uneasy about the needles, a practitioner may choose to use an acupressure treatment (massage of the acupoints), as opposed to acupuncture.
Are there any side effects or complications?
As previously mentioned, acupuncture is an extremely safe method of treatment, and as such, side effects and complications are extremely rare when treated by an experienced, licensed practitioner. However, a small number of patients do have reactions to the procedure which may include nausea, light-headedness and fainting. As in any matter pertaining to health, any concerns should be discussed with the practitioner prior to treatment and following treatment to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Are there any contraindications for acupuncture?
There are very few situations where acupuncture is not advised. These are the most common:
If the patient has a haemophilic condition
If the patient is pregnant - certain acupuncture points and needle manipulations should not be used during pregnancy
If the patient has a severe psychotic condition or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
What is your annual budget?
Over a period of 18 months, we treated more than 9,000 children with an annual budget of $18,000 USD.
What percentage of your annual budget will be spent on administrative costs?
Twenty percent of our annual budget will be spent on administrative costs.
Are your accounts verified by a public accountant?
As a US incorporated Non profit organization, our annual accounts are verified by a public certified accountant.
