There are many fields of medicine that help keep people healthy. However, there are non-traditional forms of medicine that are often overlooked as folk remedies. Acupuncture is one type of treatment that is often overlooked, but it has been around for a long time and helps with many conditions. Read on to learn more about this holistic treatment option.
1. Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture uses needles, but they aren’t the typical needles you picture when you think of the doctor’s office. These needles are incredibly fine, and they have rounded tips. This prevents cutting and damaging of tissue during treatment.
Everyone is different, but many people barely feel anything during treatment. If you do feel a sensation, it shouldn’t be painful. It might feel like a slight pinch or mosquito bite as the point is going in. It may feel heavy as if the needles weigh a lot, or there may be some throbbing. However, the throbbing doesn’t accompany a lot of pain like usual throbbing.
Last, there may be a bit of burning as if the skin is suddenly getting warmer. These are all normal and positive responses to treatment. All this minor irritation to that area of the body promotes endorphins, which help ease pain in general. It also helps promote blood flow to that area.
2. How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture originated in ancient China. Originally, it was believed to help clear up blockages in energy passageways throughout the body. According to ancient Chinese beliefs, these blockages can cause many problems, both physical and mental. Removing the blockage allows the energy to flow properly again, healing the body and mind.
Interestingly, these ancient beliefs aren’t too far off. However, today, doctors believe acupuncture works by promoting the body’s natural healing abilities with the needles. For example, treatment may promote more blood flow to a certain area, which can help the body to naturally heal. Scientists believe that it works by affecting the central nervous system, that creates a cascade of chemicals released into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. This process jump-starts the body’s natural healing ability.
3. What Conditions Does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture is used to help treat multiple conditions. Studies have shown it to be effective against allergies, depression, headaches, hypertension, knee pain, back pain, arthritis, and much more. In addition, studies have shown that there is probable evidence that acupuncture can help with conditions like acne, alcohol dependency, cancer pain, fibromyalgia, female infertility, obesity, and much more.
Acupuncture is also a great addition to any treatment plan for major conditions. Cancer, for example, often leads to many side effects, and the treatment can lead to even more side effects like nausea. Acupuncture can help fight some of these side effects while your oncologist helps fight the cancer. Plus, since acupuncture is a holistic medicine, it can help with both the physical and emotional effects of cancer.
Depending on the condition and your own body, you may find relief after one acupuncture visit, or you may need multiple visits. On average, however, chronic conditions usually require more visits, and acute problems often require one or two visits to treat.
4. Are There Side Effects to Acupuncture?
There are really no harmful side effects acupuncture. After a treatment, some people may experience short-term fatigue, muscle twitching, bruising, and soreness. Some people also have feelings of brief lightheadedness or even an emotional release.
In certain cases, people may experience detoxification symptoms after treatment. This is usually because the treatment may help the body release toxins or reduced your body’s natural pain intolerance for a short time.
In summary, Acupuncture can be a great addition to your medical care. It can help with many problems, and despite the use of needles, it isn’t painful. As a holistic treatment option, you can find relief for many aches and pains that are both mental and physical. So, if you’re feeling down, acupuncture can help you get back up and running again! 🦸♀️🦸♂️ If you would like to know more, contact us at Acupuncture & Holistic Health Associates.
