Acupuncture treats health problems by stimulating certain points on the body, for instance, connective tissue.
Acupuncture treatment is an ancient practice that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on your body, known as acupuncture points. The goal of acupuncture is to relieve pain for example neck pain and dental pain and calm the mind so you can experience increased health and well-being. This is different from how Western medicine typically views disorders like asthma or high blood pressure originating in bodily organs like the heart or lungs. Medical acupuncture is sometimes used in complementary and integrative health with standard treatments for various diseases and conditions, but there's no definitive evidence it can cure any specific illness or condition.
There are two basic types of acupuncture, each with its focus and theoretical framework. They include:
Combines Western medical knowledge with traditional Chinese medicine understanding of how the human body works to provide a more comprehensive approach for diagnosing and effective treatment of health issues.
Yes, when performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist it's very safe; in fact, much safer than many types of conventional treatments. There are virtually no side effects associated with acupuncture because very thin needles are used in the process and do not break the skin or damage any tissues.
Any acupuncture practitioner must be licensed by their state to practice. Licensed acupuncturists have completed specific educational requirements and passed national board exams to legally use acupuncture as complementary and alternative medicine. Each state's laws vary.
Many people have found acupuncture useful in treating a variety of issues to chronic pain. When your licensed practitioner inserts the needle, you may feel a sensation but for most people, it's not painful.
Acupuncture needles are very thin (about the width of a hair) and often do not cause any discomfort because they don't damage any tissues as they go into the body. Inserting needles at specific points along meridians stimulates the nervous system and chemicals in your brain and throughout your body; this triggers responses such as decreased muscle tension, which can lead to increased blood flow, relaxed muscles and more. Acupuncture has also proved to work well in tandem with other treatments such as hot stone massage.Acupuncture is sometimes used as an alternative therapy for cancer treatment; depression; ear, nose and throat problems; fertility issues; high blood pressure; joint pain; menopause symptoms; migraine tension headaches; nausea and vomiting, including morning sickness during pregnancy; fertility treatments; osteoarthritis of the knee; menstrual cramps; stiffness and muscle pain and joints from exercise or overuse (such as tennis elbow); smoking cessation and weight management. Acupuncture also helps improve emotional well-being, relieve facial pain, improve energy flow, reduce back pain and improve sleep. The World Health Organization has a comprehensive list of pain-related ailments that can be treated by acupuncture. A systematic review by the British National Health Service also found that acupuncture helps treat nausea and jaw pain.
When receiving acupuncture for the first time, many people say they feel no more than a slight tingling sensation as the needle goes in. Others may feel the needle more prominently, or even just pressure. Some people say an acupuncture session makes them feel energized. You might notice that your muscles are tighter around the site of the needle, but you should not experience any pain. Acupuncture is sometimes compared to a gentle massage because it feels different for each person; some people who want acupuncture done report feeling relaxed and calm after their session. Others may fall asleep during treatment because they feel so at ease with the acupuncturist's touch.
Acupuncture cost is typically not covered by health insurance in most cases. Acupuncture treatment in most areas is $65-$120 per visit; the number of visits you need will depend on your condition and which technique your acupuncturist chooses to use.
Dry needling is a form of acupuncture that Western medicine has adapted for physical therapists to use as a treatment for various muscular and skeletal issues. Dry needling uses sterile needles similar to those used in regular acupuncture works, but the acupuncturist inserts them directly into your muscles instead of along meridians. Physical therapists may do dry needling with or without electrical stimulation depending on the problem being treated. It can help alleviate pain caused by muscle spasms, trigger points or scar tissue. In most cases, the therapist will ask you about your symptoms and work your body over before inserting the needle; the therapist may also have you contract specific muscles to see how the affected area responds.
It can be considered as a substitute for pain medications. The only downside is that some people who are new to acupuncture might feel nervous about using an ancient technique for treating medical issues but don't worry! Acupuncturists take their role as healers seriously and will make sure first-time patients understand what to expect and feel as comfortable as possible. They also use disposable needles to reduce the transmission of diseases in accordance with medical devices regulations. Additionally, there are organisations tasked with the standardisation of acupuncture and oriental medicine. If you have a bleeding disorder or you are consuming blood thinners, you should avoid acupuncture.
Meridians are vessels that carry energy throughout the body, not unlike blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. Energy flows through meridians at different speeds depending on your age, health and other factors; if you're healthy, your energy naturally flows along these channels as it should. If you feel pain or illness beginning to set in, however, the energy moving through those meridians may slow down or stagnate – thus causing any number of problems. Acupuncture uses fine needles to unblock and regulate your body's flow of energy so it can function at its best.