What is Acupuncture? Understanding its Working And Getting your First Treatment
In addition to relieving pain, acupuncture may also be used to treat various other ailments. Despite this, the precise mechanism by which it functions is yet unknown. Trustworthy. Some think it works by regulating vital energy, while others feel it has a neurological impact.
Japanese acupuncture doesn’t normally include manipulating the needles during treatment, unlike Chinese acupuncture. Acupuncture needles are only used on the hands and feet in Korean acupuncture.
The acupuncturist will inject four to ten needles into your skin and keep them there for 10 to 30 minutes as you relax. Six to twelve sessions spread out over three months are the norm for most therapy patients.
The risk of complications associated with acupuncture seems to be fairly low. An examination of acupuncture-related injuries reported in medical journals revealed that unintentionally penetrating a needle into the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall was the most significant consequence (but this is rare). Blood-borne illnesses, such as hepatitis B or HIV, have been almost eradicated with the emergence of single-use, sealed needle packets.
Also Read: Benefits of Acupuncture Therapy for Professional Athletes
How does Acupuncture Works?
In the 1970s, scientists discovered that endorphins alleviate pain and provide pleasure. According to research, acupuncture may induce a surge of endorphins that can ease some types of severe discomfort and nausea. It is unknown exactly how these small pins generate an endorphin high. Some scientific community members question whether the treatment has any particular effects, as will be described in further detail below.
The investigation of this behaviour has been a concern. This is due to two factors. Many acupoints are used in different ways, and practitioners advocate varying sessions and lengths of time, making comparison impossible. Second, researchers must contend with the possibility that the degree to which people’s symptoms seem to be improved by therapy depends on their beliefs and expectations about the treatment, as well as their feelings toward the therapist providing it.
According To Western Medicine
The Central Nervous System benefits from acupuncture points being activated (CNS). The brain, spinal cord, and muscles emit chemicals to stimulate the central nervous system. Endorphins are thought to aid the body’s natural ability to handle pain. These alterations in the body’s biochemistry are supposed to help the body recover itself.
When muscles, tendons, and ligaments are under stress, they cramp and coil up. This produces discomfort and stiffness in the body. A trigger point in one region of the body may cause pain in another. Acupuncture helps alleviate muscular and connective tissue stress and tension.
What happens during an acupuncture treatment?
Before beginning any treatment, the acupuncturist will inquire about your medical history. They’ll also check your pulse and maybe undertake other physical tests based on your particular health requirements, such as looking at your tongue and feeling its covering for abnormalities.
The acupuncturist will use these innovative diagnostic tools to provide you with the most effective care for your specific illness. On the acupuncture table, specific acupoints are stimulated on different parts of your body to begin the therapy. When the tiny needles are delicately inserted, most individuals experience no or very little pain. Between five and 30 minutes, the needles are often held in place. People often comment on how calm they feel during and after their sessions.
Also Read: What Is Acupuncture? Top 10 Benefits of Acupuncture?
What to expect
An acupuncturist will insert one or more thin, sterile needles into the patient’s body and inspect the patient and determine their condition.
During the process, most people will either sit or lay down. The acupuncturist should use sterile, single-use needles. Some people experience a momentary stinging or tingling sensation when a needle is inserted.
They may feel a dull soreness at the needle’s point after that. The needles will typically remain in place for around half-an hour to one hour when you’re getting the procedure.
Acupuncture needles may be heated after insertion in certain techniques.
How many treatments a person needs depends on their specific situation. Over many months, someone with a chronic disease may need one or two treatments every week. After 8–12 sessions, an acute health problem usually improves.
What does acupuncture do?
You might be interested in acupuncture for several reasons. For example, I went to get help for my chronic migraines and sinus pressure. Acupuncture is said to help with a wide range of conditions and symptoms. Just a few of the many claims are:
• allergies
• despair and anxiety
• osteoarthritis
• persistent pain
• hypertension, often in the neck, back, knees, and head
• insomnia
• menstruation cramps and premenstrual syndrome
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• Morning sickness
• strokes
Research on cancer therapy and multiple sclerosis has shown that acupuncture may be beneficial, but more extensive studies are needed to corroborate these findings.
Book your Acupuncture Appointment
Acupuncturists will tell you how many treatments you should attempt and when to come for a follow-up appointment after your initial session. As a starting point, you should aim for a minimum of five treatments.
It’s preferable to see an acupuncturist for an in-depth explanation of ‘how does acupuncture work?’ To schedule an appointment, please call (403) 567-0189 or book online