Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/484756
APRIL / MAY 2015 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 21 WAC Acupuncturist Desiree Merulli holds multiple certifications, including in facial rejuvenation and esthetic acupuncture. Desiree serves on the board of directors for the Washington East Asian Medicine Association. Contact her through the WAC Wellness Center. " general wear and tear; and improper or irregular sleep all degrade your qi. Exposure to environmental changes, and especially emotional reactions such as worry, stress, anxiety and sadness, also create negative impacts. Acupuncture can help. TREATMENT COURSE During a course of acupuncture treatment, you can expect to have more energy, sleep better, and realize improvement in your symptoms of imbalance. A course typically consists of 10 sessions. Most conditions show improvement around the sixth session, but some conditions may require several courses to achieve optimal healing. Generally, acute conditions resolve quickly while chronic conditions take longer. Several other factors also influence results, including your health, lifestyle, diet, and how long you've had the condition. One of the great things about the effects of acupuncture is that treatments are cumulative. Because we treat a problem's cause, not just its symptoms, the results can be long-lasting. It's often best to schedule the first few sessions close together—up to three times in a week—early on and to reduce the frequency as you improve. is allows for the most-effective results in the shortest time possible. After your health returns and symptoms lessen, you'll receive a customized maintenance program with lifestyle recommendations and less-frequent visits. You'll find that developing a regular acupuncture routine will enhance your mental focus and well-being even when you aren't fighting a specific problem. e World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as an effective therapy for many medical conditions, including: • Back, neck, elbow, and knee pain; headaches and migraines; sciatica; arthritis; and whiplash • Assistance during detoxification from nicotine, alcohol, and drug use • High blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and insomnia • Fertility issues, premenstrual syndrome and menstrual pain, sexual dysfunction, and incontinence • Nausea, indigestion, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, ulcers, and diarrhea • Allergies, asthma, colds, flu, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome • Ear, nose, throat, and eye disorders Many other conditions are also treatable with acupuncture and East Asian medicine. DOES IT HURT? Most of my patients find acupuncture very calming and relaxing. Many fall into a restful sleep during treatments. When considering acupuncture treatment, remember: • Acupuncture treats the root of a problem and the whole person, not just the symptoms and illness. • Acupuncture complements other medical care and has no unpleasant side effects. • Acupuncture activates and promotes your body's natural healing process. e needles used are flexible and very fine, with a diameter about the size of a dog whisker. Acupuncture needles bear no resemblance to the hollow needles used for injections. Approximately twenty acupuncture needles can fit into one hypodermic needle. Upon insertion, the needles may produce a slight pinch or no sensation at all. Once the needle is in place, you may feel a pleasant sensation of warmth, numbness, tingling, or heaviness. is is your bioelectric current moving through your body. Napping during treatment is encouraged—this is your time to relax and refresh. One of the great things about the effects of acupuncture is that treatments are cumulative. Because we treat a problem's cause, not just its symptoms, the results can be long-lasting."