Things You Need to Know About Acupuncture

Know About Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of therapy that is known to be part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It has been around for approximately 2,500 years and follows a technique that balances the flow of energy in one’s body, also known as qi or chi.

The main goal of acupuncture is to eliminate blockages to your energy flow so it stays balanced. As a result, your emotional, mental, and physical health are regulated.

One of the most popular aspects of acupuncture is the use of thin metal needles that penetrate the skin in various parts of the body. This is done to stimulate the nerves, muscles, and connective tissue.

But what most people don’t know is that acupuncture needles do not have pointy edges that can prick the skin. Instead, they have round edges that ensure smooth penetration.

Among the most common uses of acupuncture in therapy is pain management because it is believed to boost the body’s natural painkillers. Over the years, however, the practice has become popular for reducing stress and promoting overall wellness.

How do I benefit from acupuncture?

As previously mentioned, acupuncture was developed in ancient China as a way to regulate the flow of energy in the body. But over the years, people have learned to view acupuncture as a way to address other illnesses and conditions.

These days, acupuncture is used to treat allergies, headaches, migraines, high blood pressure, menstrual cramps, PMS, osteoarthritis, respiratory disorders, as well as dental pain and labor pain. There are also patients who go for an acupuncture session to address insomnia, anxiety, depression, as well as nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy or operation.

However, you should also be reminded that the results vary from one person to another. A practitioner like cannot guarantee that the results of acupuncture in one person will be the same with everyone.

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If you want a better understanding of the potential benefits of acupuncture to your body and well-being, you can schedule an appointment with a professional like TCM Centre so you can go over the possible short-term and long-term effects of acupuncture. This way, you also get the chance to ask questions and express your concerns about the procedure.

Is it painful to get acupuncture?

Anyone who has ever seen an acupuncture session or thought of getting one has wondered if it’s painful. This is a common misconception considering that there are needles involved in the procedure.

What you should know is that acupuncture is not meant to cause pain, although there will be some slight sensations during the treatment. This is normal and is nothing you should worry about as the sensation you could be feeling is your chi.

The sensation may be heavy, throbbing, or jumping, but these are all seen as positive responses by certified acupuncturists.

There are also differences in the pain you feel depending on where the needles are being placed. Some areas are more sensitive than others and there are also instances when the needles hit a nerve ending. As long as the pain is brief, you should be okay.

Will there be pain after the treatment?

Following your acupuncture session, the pain you felt during the treatment is expected to subside. However, there are instances where you still feel slight discomfort several days after the session.

If it’s not too debilitating, you can wait for it to disappear within the next few weeks. But if it prevents you from doing your daily routines several days after treatment or if you are experiencing shortness of breath after getting acupuncture to the chest, it would be best to consult your practitioner.

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What should I do after getting acupuncture?

An acupuncture session typically lasts anywhere between 30 and 90 minutes. Part of this includes the consultation with your practitioner where you can clue them in on your condition. The actual time that the needles are kept in your skin only lasts for about 10 to 30 minutes. What’s more important is how you take care of yourself post-treatment.

During the first 24 hours after your acupuncture session, you are advised to refrain from doing strenuous activities. You should also drink plenty of water, eat fruits and vegetables, and avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks.

It is also not recommended to use ice packs, especially in the parts where the needles were placed because this disrupts the flow of your energy and might affect the benefits of the acupuncture. Instead, do some light massages in your pressure points for enhanced results.

Tip: Before you schedule an appointment for acupuncture, make sure that you are consulting with a licensed acupuncturist or medical professional with experience in this field. Not all doctors can perform acupuncture but if you think you need one and couldn’t find a clinic specializing in traditional Chinese medicine in your area, you can visit a chiropractor.

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