Acupuncture is simply put, as insertion of very thin needles into the patients skin at strategic points on the body to address the patients needs. Acupuncture is commonly used to treat pain & discomfort, stress management, and overall wellness.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is a technique for balancing energy, or life force, in the body. This is done through meridians or pathways along the body. The western view is that acupuncture is used to stimulate nerves, connective tissue, and muscles to get particular results.
Acupuncture can be used for a wide variety of relief. Most commonly for pain, acupuncture has also been used for hormonal balance, mental health, focusing, headaches, nausea, asthma, carpal tunnel, releasing emotional stress, and cravings.
Acupuncture is done with super thin needles, which means most patients barely feel them being inserted if at all. The needles are single use, and sterile.
Frequency:
It is common for a treatment plan with your acupuncturist to involve 1 to 2 treatments a week depending on their recommendation. Around a total of 3-8 treatments depending on what the patient and the acupuncturists have discussed and what issues are being addressed.
Benefits:
Many patients find relief from chronic pain from Acupuncture. Also for conditions such as digestive, emotional, gynecological, musculoskeletal, neurological, respiratory, and other such as addiction and bladder issues.
Ask your doctor about Acupuncture to see if its right for you, and absolutely feel free to research your acupuncturist and ask them questions before scheduling your first consultation and treatment.
When receiving acupuncture treatments, like most treatments for pain and discomfort, you must also adjust your lifestyle for best results. Like in massage, if you get regular massage appointments it will help but if you continue to cause injury to the muscles (example, if you continue to slouch, your neck and shoulders will continue to hurt. Or if you don’t stretch and exercise correctly, you will continue to acquire injury). Acupuncture is a part of the solution, the patient also must take steps to reach their goal through self care and adjustments to their lifestyle. This can be discussed with the acupuncturist, doctor, and other professionals that relate to the patients issues.
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Things to consider:
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Ask your doctor about acupuncture. Its not for everyone, for example: patients with pacemakers are at risk of infection. Patients who have chronic skin problems, pregnant, or have implants may be at risk as well.
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Do not rely on diagnosis from only your acupuncture practitioner. Consult your doctor first.
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Select a licensed acupuncturist / doctor of oriental medicine, not all states require a license for it.
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Consider costs and insurance. Not all acupuncturists take insurance. Ask about pricing and costs before your appointment.
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