Scott Evans has been practicing acupuncture in Lodi for eight years. (Brian Feulner/News-Sentinel)

Acupuncturist relieves pain through pressure

While teaching English in Japan for four years, Scott Evans studied Japanese, martial arts and Japanese acupressure, or shiatsu, in his spare time.

He became so interested in how pressure points were used in martial arts and for healing purposes, that upon returning to California he enrolled at the Heartwood Institute near Garberville to study massage, acupressure, nutrition, yoga and tai chi.

Evans fell in love with Chinese medicine under the instruction of Paul Pitchford, author of "Healing with Whole Foods."

Two weeks after Evans wrapped up his studies at the Heartwood Institute, he began studying at Southwest Acupuncture College in Santa Fe, N.M.

To practice acupuncture in California you must complete a four-year master's degree program that includes Chinese medical theory, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and Western biomedical clinical sciences (chemistry, physics, anatomy, etc.); go through a stint of supervised clinical practice; and pass a state board exam.

He compares the rigor of his experience to medical school.

Evans has practiced acupuncture for 11 years, eight of them in Lodi.

He recently answered some questions about his profession from News-Sentinel reporter Amanda Dyer through e-mail.

How does acupuncture work?

Western science is still unsure exactly how it works, but there is plenty of research proving that it does work.

There are many theories about how it works with brain chemistry or the nervous system, but most fail to explain how each point has a specific function and acts on the body in a particular way. The ancient Chinese knew that one point on the foot clears heat from the stomach while another point on the ankle enhances the kidney function, for example.

Chinese medical theory is based on the idea of "qi" (vital energy) and how it functions in the body. When this energy is abundant and flowing well, a person is healthy and feels good. From a physiological perspective, acupuncture also helps increase local circulation and creates tiny micro-traumas that mobilize the immune system to heal injuries.

What are the benefits of acupuncture? Is there anything it can't help with?

There are so many beneficial "side effects" from acupuncture, including enhanced energy, feeling of well-being, better sleep and more balanced emotions.

Chinese medicine is a complete system of medicine with a 5,000-year history. Our treatment affects every system in the body. Because we treat each individual and their specific imbalance, we focus on bringing the body back into energetic balance.

This causes symptoms to disappear at the root level. While acupuncture is most well-known for treating pain, it is great for treating menstrual issues, digestive problems, fatigue, insomnia, emotional imbalance, headaches, skin problems and many others heath problems. "Cosmetic acupuncture" can even bring results similar to a face-lift.

There are sometimes patients who require surgery or other invasive techniques, in which case I refer to other health care providers.

Does it hurt? What does it feel like?

Most of my patients have never tried acupuncture before they come to me, and some have a great fear of needles. Most people are surprised at how little pain is involved with acupuncture. The needles are so thin — mostly about the thickness of a hair — that most of the time they don't even bleed when removed.

If there is any pain with a needle, it is adjusted or removed. Most of my patients find treatment relaxing and fall asleep during treatment.

How does western medicine view acupuncture? How has the medical community's perception changed since you started practicing?

There is now so much research showing the effects of acupuncture and such media coverage, that the medical community is really becoming accepting. Acupuncture is now even part of the curriculum at UCLA and other medical schools.

I have noticed a big change since I began practicing 11 years ago. Patients used to be afraid to tell their doctors, and if they did, I often heard reports of the doctors either not responding or telling them they were wasting their money. Now, I hear reports from patients of the same doctors encouraging patients to continue or even recommending acupuncture.

Do most insurance companies cover acupuncture? Why or why not?

Many insurance policies offer some coverage. I don't understand why they all don't cover acupuncture, because it is a cost-effective treatment for them. Many patients are able to reduce the amount of medication they take and even avoid surgery. We keep trying to get acupuncture covered by Medicare. Write your congressmen!

Are there any dangers or side effects that can come from acupuncture?

Acupuncturists are well-trained in anatomy to avoid injury. Infection is avoided by using single-use disposable needles and cleaning the points before insertion.

Some patients temporarily feel tired or slightly disoriented immediately after a treatment. Bruising is always a possibility when you put a needle in the body, but because the needles are very small it is not common.

What are the needles made of and where do you buy them? How long and thick are they?

They are made from stainless steel. Some have a metal handle, others have a plastic handle. Gold or silver needles can be also be used for specific purposes.

They are sold by suppliers only to licensed professionals. They vary in length and gauge, but the needles I most commonly use are from between half an inch to two inches and a common gauge is .36. People sometimes ask if there is medicine in the needles when they feel the powerful effects of acupuncture. There is not.