Acupuncture is the process of inserting tiny, solid, metallic needles into the skin, which are subsequently stimulated by the practitioner’s hands or electrical stimulation.
Acupuncture is an old component of Traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe that the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture sites connected by channels or meridians. These channels provide an energy flow (Qi, pronounced “chee”) important for the body’s general health. The disease can be caused by disruptions in the energy flow. By administering acupuncture to certain spots, it is believed to enhance the flow of Qi, ultimately improving health.
Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture is useful for a range of diseases.
Not everyone can benefit from acupuncture. If you decide to see an acupuncturist, you should first consult with your physician and search for a practitioner who is licensed and has the necessary qualifications.
How does acupuncture feel?
Acupuncture is performed with hair-thin needles. The majority of individuals experience minor discomfort when the needle is placed. The needle is inserted into a place that generates a sense of pressure or pain. During therapy, needles may be heated or subjected to a modest electric current. Some individuals claim that acupuncture gives them energy. Others report feeling calm.
Incorrect needle insertion might cause discomfort during therapy. To avoid infection, needles must be sterilized. Therefore, it is essential to get therapy from a trained acupuncturist. As with other medical devices, the FDA regulates acupuncture needles under good manufacturing practices and single-use sterility requirements.
In place of needles, acupuncture sites are sometimes stimulated with
- Temperature (moxibustion)
- Stress (acupressure)
- Friction
- Suction (cupping)
- electromagnetic energy impulses
What effects does acupuncture have on the body?
It is claim that acupuncture sites activate the central nervous system. This causes the release of chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These metabolic changes may increase the body’s inherent healing capabilities and promote physical and mental health.
Studies by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have demonstrated that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in conjunction with conventional treatments for the following conditions:
Nausea brought on by surgical anesthetic and cancer chemotherapy
- Dental discomfort after surgery
- Addiction
- Headaches
- Menstrual cramps
- Elbow tendinitis
- Fibromyalgia
- Myofascial discomfort
- Osteoarthritis
- Low backache
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Asthma
- It may also aid in stroke rehabilitation.
Which ailments may benefit from acupuncture?
Numerous Americans seek acupuncture treatment to alleviate chronic pain, such as arthritis or low back discomfort. However, acupuncture has developed applications in various regions of the world. Consult your physician before considering acupuncture.
Acupuncture can help treat the following conditions
Digestive
- Gastritis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Hepatitis
- Hemorrhoids
Emotional
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Nervousness
- Neurosis
Eye-Ear-Throat
- Rhinitis
- Sinusitis
- sore throat
Gynecological
- Menstrual discomfort
- Infertility
Musculoskeletal
- Arthritis
- Backache
- muscle spasms
- muscle ache and weakness
- Neck discomfort
- Sciatica
Neurological
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
- Parkinson’s illness
- Surgical pain
- Stroke
Respiratory
- Miscellaneous
- Allergic rhinitis
- Sinusitis
Bronchitis
- Bladder irritation
- Prostatitis
- Male infertility
- Several types of impotence
- Addiction
Considerations while deciding on acupuncture
Acupuncture remains controversial because scientific investigations have not adequately described how it functions within the context of Western medicine. When considering acupuncture, it is vital to take precautions.
Consult your physician before beginning acupuncture treatment. Not everyone can benefit from acupuncture. Discuss all of your therapies and medications (dietary supplements, prescription, and over-the-counter). Inform your doctor if you have a pacemaker, are at risk for infection, have chronic skin issues, are pregnant, or have breast or other implants. If you forget to communicate these details, acupuncture may be harmful to your health.
Do not depend on an acupuncturist’s diagnosis of illness. If your doctor has given you a diagnosis, you may desire to inquire as to whether acupuncture may be beneficial.
Select a licensed acupuncturist
Your physician may be an excellent resource for recommendations to licensed or trained practitioners. Friends and family members may also be useful referral sources. A doctor is not require to perform acupuncture or get qualifie as an acupuncturist. About 30 jurisdictions have set training requirements for acupuncture certification, however not all states require acupuncturists to be license. Although not all qualified acupuncturists are physicians, the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture can give a list of physicians who perform acupuncture.
Consider expenses and insurance coverage
Before beginning therapy, inquire with the acupuncturist about the number of treatments required and the cost per treatment. Some insurers pay the cost of acupuncture, while others do not. Before beginning treatment, it is essential to determine whether acupuncture is covered by your insurance.
