What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a treatment in which extremely thin steel needles are inserted into the epidermis to stimulate specific points on the back, neck, head, and face. Acupuncture aims to alleviate a health condition or symptom, such as discomfort. The method originates in traditional Chinese medicine. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy for specific conditions. Acupuncture is primarily a complementary treatment. You may require additional medical treatments to alleviate your health problems.
What is acupuncture used for?
Acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of health conditions. Most frequently, it is used to ease chronic (long-term) pain, such as:
- Chronic arthritis.
- Pain in the back, neck, or muscles.
- Migraines and headaches.
- Knee pain.
- Menstrual cramps.
- Sports injuries.
- Face pain and additional nerve issues.
Other conditions acupuncture may assist with include:
- Cancer and adverse effects of cancer treatment.
- Immune system problems.
- Fertility issues.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Menopause and hot flashes.
- Pregnancy discomfort.
- Overuse syndrome and repetitive strain disorders.
Procedure Details
How does acupuncture work?
Chinese medicine refers to the life force that permeates your body as qi. Chinese medicine practitioners hold that disturbances in qi cause energy imbalances in the body that result in disease.
Certain types of acupuncture use needles inserted into acupoints throughout your body to realign your qi. Your body comprises hundreds of acupoints along 14 primary meridians, also known as energy-carrying channels.
The needles stimulate your body's immunological system and central nervous system to:
- Respond to a disease or symptom.
- Rebalance your body
- Release your body's painkillers, endorphins, and neurotransmitters, which are molecules that regulate nerve impulses.
What happens during an acupuncture treatment?
Your acupuncturist will discuss your ailment with you at your initial consultation. They will examine your physique to see which parts will respond to acupuncture. The acupuncturist will insert the needles into several body spots on your skin.
The sterile, disposable acupuncture needles are as thin as a human hair. Your acupuncturist will place needles from a few inches to a fraction of an inch deep. The needles can remain in the body for up to twenty minutes.
Is acupuncture painful?
For every needle, you can experience a tiny prick. It hurts less than the sensation you share with a blood or vaccination. Medical needles are substantially thicker than acupuncture needles. And they are solid, not hollow.
The needles may produce tingling or dull soreness in the muscles. Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep feelings of heaviness or numbness. Usually, the feelings indicate that the treatment is effective.
What happens after a session of acupuncture?
Since acupuncture has a soothing effect, you should arrange for transportation home after your sessions, particularly the first one. If that isn't feasible, try to get five to ten minutes of rest before you drive. After every session, your practitioner could advise you to rest for a day or two.
Benefits and Risks
What benefits does acupuncture offer?
The benefits of acupuncture include the treatment of various medical diseases and long-term (chronic) pain. Acupuncture is widely used by individuals to treat pain of all kinds, including migraines, backaches, and arthritis. Research has also indicated that acupuncture could effectively treat several ailments, such as immune system problems, infertility, and menopausal symptoms.
What risks or side effects can acupuncture cause?
There are very few risks or adverse effects associated with acupuncture when administered by a licensed expert. All needles must meet the agency's requirements and be steel, solid, sterile, nontoxic, and appropriately labelled. Acupuncture needles are only to be used by licensed professionals. Practitioners discard the hands after only one use.
Acupuncture administered by untrained professionals may be dangerous. Infections, organ punctures, and damage to the central nervous system can result from inexperienced healthcare providers or those who use non-sterile needles.
Recovery and Outlook
How often should I get treatments?
The severity of your ailment and how your body reacts will determine how many treatments you need. The majority of folks have one appointment every week. Others receive treatment more or less frequently, based on the duration of the symptoms. For you, your acupuncturist will propose a schedule.
Acupuncture may not fully benefit you on the first or second visit. Give acupuncture at least five treatments if you decide to give it a try.
