What is acupuncture? Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment wherein thin needles are inserted into the skin. It will be activated by electrical stimulation or by some movements done by the practitioner.
This treatment is based on the belief that our body has certain acupuncture points that are connected by pathways. The energy flow, also known as Qi, in these pathways will determine the condition of our overall health. Once there is an interruption in the energy flow, then it causes illness. Acupuncture can help in improving the energy flow by placing needles on certain points. According to some studies, there are a lot of conditions that can be cured by acupuncture.
But keep in mind that acupuncture is not meant for everyone. If you are planning to get acupuncture, then be sure to tell your doctor about it. Most of all, be sure to choose a licensed practitioner that has sufficient credentials and has undergone proper training.
How Does Acupuncture Feel?
Acupuncture uses extremely thin needles, that is why most people say that the pain is only minimal when the needle is inserted into the skin. Usually, you can feel a sensation of pressure. Sometimes the needles will be heated or applied with a gentle electric current before it will be inserted into the skin. Some people reveal that they feel relaxed, while others are energized with acupuncture.
Before the needles are used, they must be sterilized first to avoid any infection. The needles must be properly placed to prevent any pain during treatment. Be sure to choose a qualified acupuncture practitioner. Just like any other medical device, the FDA has certain regulations when it comes to using acupuncture needles.
Aside from using needles, there are other alternative forms of stimulation that can be used on certain points in the body. This includes cupping, acupressure, moxibustion, friction, as well as electromagnetic energy.
What Are the Effects of Acupuncture on Your Body?
Acupuncture can help in promoting natural healing. It can stimulate the body’s acupuncture points which are found on the muscles, nerves, and connective tissues. As a result, there will be an increase in the blood flow and the body’s natural painkillers will be triggered. Overall, it can promote physical and emotional health.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture can be used for treating different illnesses effectively. Although it can also be used together with other conventional therapies.
Some of the illnesses that can be treated by acupuncture are headaches, asthma, osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps, low back pain, fibromyalgia, addiction, etc. Acupuncture is also effective for stroke rehabilitation.
What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture?
Some people are exploring acupuncture to alleviate their chronic pain from arthritis or other illnesses. Aside from this, there are still other uses for acupuncture. Nevertheless, before you consider having acupuncture, it is important that you should talk to your doctor first.
Acupuncture can be beneficial to various conditions such as gastritis, hemorrhoids, hepatitis, anxiety, insomnia, depression, neurosis, sinusitis, sore throat, rhinitis, menstrual pain, muscle pain, back pain, arthritis, sciatica, stroke, migraines, headaches, bronchitis, prostatitis, addiction, male infertility, and a lot more.
What Are the Things That You Need to Consider When Choosing Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is still under contention since scientific studies have not provided any clear explanation of how it really works within the structure of Western medicine. That is why you must be very careful when deciding to take acupuncture.
The first thing that you need to do is to talk to your doctor about acupuncture. Keep in mind that acupuncture is not intended for everyone. If you are taking any treatments and medicines, you need to tell your doctor about it. Be sure to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have any infections, skin problems, or implants. These are important matters that you need to tell your doctor before undergoing acupuncture.
If the acupuncture practitioner has already made a diagnosis of your disease, then you should not rely on it. You should also consider the diagnosis of your doctor and ask him/her if acupuncture can help in treating your illness.
When choosing an acupuncture practitioner, be sure that he/she is licensed. You could ask your own doctor for a referral to a licensed or certified practitioner. Perhaps your friends and relatives can give you some recommendations. You can practice acupuncture or become a certified acupuncturist even if you are not a medical doctor.
In order to get a certification in acupuncture, you have to undergo some training standards. In some states, they do not require acupuncturists to get a license. Keep in mind that not all certified acupuncturists are doctors, however, there are some doctors who are practicing acupuncture.
If you are considering acupuncture treatment, then you have to think about the cost as well as the insurance coverage. Inquire about the number of acupuncture treatments that you need and how much is the total cost for all the treatments. Ask your insurance company if they can cover the cost of acupuncture. There are some insurers who can cover the cost of acupuncture. It is important to inquire about this before you start your treatment.
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