In acupuncture, tiny needles made of metal are inserted into a patient’s skin and set in motion utilizing mild, targeted manipulations. Electrical stimulation is sometimes used, although hands-on treatment is much more common.
This method was originally used as part of TCM, or Traditional Chinese Medicine, centuries ago. Traditionalists during those eras estimated that there were over two thousand acupuncture sites all over a healthy human body.
Acupuncture involves energy flow. There is a flow of energy called “Qi” in Chinese. Qi is generated by the links formed across these locations via meridians and channels. This energy maintains your physical and mental well-being. Whenever you have a breakdown in health, it may be the result of an imbalance in your energy.
So, it is believed that by applying acupuncture to specific places on the body, your Qi will be strengthened, resulting in enhanced health.
Like many things, not everyone will benefit from this method. So, it is a good idea to consult with a medical professional prior to undergoing acupuncture treatment. Ensure you seek a professional that has the required certifications and training.
How does acupuncture work?
Many people have heard of acupuncture but have no idea what it entails. Needles are used in various forms of acupuncture in order to restore harmony to the Qi. Tapping on different acupoints helps you feel better overall. Hundreds of acupoints are dispersed along the body’s fourteen main energy pathways or meridians.
Each acupuncture needle will likely cause a slight pinch as it enters the skin. Since these needles are far thinner than standard medical needles, they cause less discomfort than getting blood extracted. They are less painful than empty ones because they are solid.
The acupuncture needles are placed into the skin to trigger the body’s innate healing mechanisms. When you exercise, your body reestablishes its equilibrium and produces pain-relieving compounds like endorphins. Another effect of acupuncture is the release of chemicals like neurotransmitters.
What should you anticipate at your first appointment?
When you walk in for your initial acupuncture session, you and the acupuncturist will have a consultation on your symptoms or condition. After that, they’ll have a look at your physique to find any reactive places or locations. The acupuncturist will then begin the procedure properly by inserting needles into particular acupoints all over your body.
A respected medical facility will only employ single-use, disposable needles thinner than a human hair. Each may be put anywhere from a few millimeters to several inches deep. They could be left in there for up to 20 minutes.
A typical acupuncture treatment lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. Your condition’s severity will also determine how often you’ll need to come in for treatment. In most cases, a series of three to six treatments are necessary to achieve long-term success.
What are the benefits?
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of medical issues, including pain, high blood pressure, headaches, migraines, and more.
Although acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular, many people, notably Western scientists and medical specialists, are still suspicious. It’s common for average folks to feel this way before any kind of medical treatment since they lack information about what to expect.
So, consider educating yourself about the therapy before making any major decision. Afterall, we all want our body to be in tip-top shape whether we’re skiing in the alps, gardening at home, or unwinding with an exciting game of slots at the Vegas online casino after a busy day.
Here is a look at some of acupuncture’s many advantages.
1. Relieves lower back pain
Those with chronic lower back pain can get relief through acupuncture. Acupuncture has been shown to help people with lower back pain lead more active and pain-free lives in various research trials. That is in comparison to people who didn’t try this therapy, albeit there aren’t any statistically significant differences between the two groups.
2. Reduces the severity of tension headaches
Tension headache sufferers often turn to acupuncture for relief. You will experience fewer of these headaches after a session. Most patients use it in addition to their current treatment plan. Your acupuncturist will insert needles into places along energy meridians that lead directly to your brain.
3. Relieves knee pain
Acupuncture can help alleviate persistent knee pain by enhancing your body’s ability to function immediately and over the long term. Individuals with painful joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis, are the most likely to benefit from reduced knee discomfort.
For this kind of pain, you may need to schedule ongoing appointments.
How long do the effects last?
Yet, it may be challenging to generalize how long the long-term effects of acupuncture last, as the practice seems to provide different results for various people. Results may not be as long-lasting for someone with severe symptoms as they would for someone with mild discomfort. The reasoning is that patients experiencing more severe symptoms require more treatment to relieve the built-up stress in their bodies.
Take away
Although acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, many Westerners remain unaware of its history, techniques, and benefits. You may want to consider this treatment if you have to deal with chronic or intermittent discomfort. Always consult your doctor before making any significant life changes. Seek treatment, but ensure it’s only from a trustworthy acupuncture clinic if you decide to go that route.
