Learning about acupuncture

Discussing Homeopathic Medicine

January 12, 2021

Published by Rosa Sadeghian at October 23, 2020

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Young man undergoing acupuncture treatment in salon, closeup

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?

Many have been introduced to a beautiful traditional method in Chinese medicine known as, ‘’Acupuncture.” Acupuncture is a healing art and holistic complementary medical practice that is commonly used to cure pain. Some believe that it was found around 5,000 years ago to treat health problems. Interesting to note is that in 1997, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) documented and publicized acupuncture’s safety and efficacy for treating a wide range of conditions. Till date many people turn to acupuncture to cure chronic pain that no other medicine is capable of healing.

Recently, most insurance policies cover the cost of acupuncture as it has become one of the most essential medicinal practices in the field.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?

When we think about acupuncture, we think about needles going into our skin at different parts of our body. How can this help our overall wellbeing?

The human body acquires energetic channels, or meridians, that connect to the internal organs. These channels that run on the exterior of the body are similar to a subway system. The points that we use would be considered as the most external version of these channels, called acupuncture points. We could be asking to send a signal to a completely different part of the body! Every time we put a needle in the body we are creating this micro-injury, (tiny injury) that asks the brain to send chemicals to that area. These signals help relieve pain in that specific part of the body. By creating a tiny little injury, we are asking the body to come back to that point, to that specific area and do some clean-up work and provide support to the healing process that is already happening.

By the insertion of a fine, sterile needle into the skin, we begin the procedure for overall wellness in the body.

In theory, acupuncture makes the body release its own naturally occurring pain killers (naturally occurring feel-good chemicals) and helps to relax the nervous system. You will feel relieved of that tightness in your body and realize that your healing process has sped up. Other health benefits of acupuncture include: improvement of the digestive functions, sleep and sense of well-being.

All of these benefits delivered through a tiny needle that will be professionally inserted at the right spot, and at the right time.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT?

On your first visit to the acupuncturist, your health history will be reviewed, and some physical examinations will be done to assess your required treatment plan based on your individual health needs. This way, your acupuncturist will provide you a recommended treatment plan that is perfect for you and your distinct condition.

As you adequately lie down on a treatment table, your specialist will be activating your acupuncture points to stimulate energy spots and begin the healing process. Do not worry, as most people report that they feel minimal discomfort as these fine, sterile needles are placed ever so gently by the health professional.

Once the needles have been gently placed, your acupuncturist will leave you for about 25-30 minutes as your body is in constant healing that he/she has started for you. Once the acupuncturist returns, the needles will be taken out and you will be provided with a recommended health/treatment plan. You can now go about your daily activities however it is important that you listen to what your body is telling you if you push your body to uncomfortable limits post-treatment.

HOW IS ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT DONE?

As mentioned before, the body consists of energetic channels that thanks to acupuncture, we have access to. The application of hair-thin needles assists in sending a message to the appropriate organ you wish to reach. By sending a message, you have triggered therapeutic and physiological changes in the body that will activate the self-healing process of the body.

Your practitioner will develop a custom treatment plan, selecting a combination of points (from a set of ~500 points) to meet your individual needs.

There are many ways that your acupuncturist can trigger your body’s self-healing mechanism: by using heat, pressure, electrical stimulation or light/laser stimulation.

IS ACUPUNCTURE SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE?

As always, we recommend that you consult with your doctor before beginning any treatment plan, including acupuncture. Pregnant women, people with chronic diseases or who are at risk of infection must communicate that to their health professionals.

WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP WITH?

Acupuncture is used as a method to heal pain. However, this practice can help with relaxing the nervous system, sleep, circulation, dental pain, neck pain, nausea and vomiting, osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps and lastly, respiratory disorders. It does so by increasing endorphins and natural opiates.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU BE RECEIVING TREATMENT?

Your treatment plan, how many times you come in for a week and the duration of your treatment is solely dependent on the condition you have; generally, acute conditions take less time and fewer treatments in comparison to chronic conditions. Commonly, the patient receives between 6 to 10 treatments for a condition.

Every treatment session supports the previous one, as this is a cumulative treatment that requires time. You will be noticing that acupuncture is not only when you are in a state of pain and discomfort, however, it is also for a time when you want to achieve an overall state of well-being and relaxation. Your first session may take up to an hour however the ones after will be requiring about 30 minutes.

Your response to the treatments, your treatment plan and your condition all effects how many times a week and how long your sessions will be (some people experience instant relief at their first session). Your acupuncturist will be sure to tell you about it all on your first visit.

DURING THE PROCEDURE

Your practitioner will ease you into the procedure and make sure you are comfortable at all times, you will be provided a gown, towel or a sheet if you need to remove any piece of clothing for your treatment. 5-20 needles are expected to insert your body (which you will probably not notice them inserted at all) during the procedure. You will notice a slight aching sensation once a needle reaches the correct path.

Clinical studies have shown that acupuncture has been an effective treatment for the following diseases, symptoms or conditions: