Accupuncture
What is acupuncture?
The most well-known traditional Chinese medical procedure, acupuncture is the practice of inserting sterilized, stainless-steel needles (that are often as fine as a human hair) into the body at specific points to relieve pain or treat a disease. Acupuncture points are areas of designated electrical sensitivity. Stimulation of these points has been shown to be effective in the treatment of specific health problems. They have been mapped out by the Chinese over a period of more than 2,000 years.
What can I expect at my first acupuncture?
When asked to describe their experience, first time acupuncture clients describe the treatment as being pleasurable and relaxing. Most people fall asleep during treatment. Others feel as if they are floating with a tingling, warm sensation. Other sensations that may be felt are heaviness, heat and cold.
What actually does acupuncture do?
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
Is needle acupuncture painful?
It’s less painful than the feeling when you get a vaccine or blood draw. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than medical needles, and they are solid, not hollow. The needles may cause some muscle sensations, such as dull ache or tingling.
How many acupuncture treatments do I need?
The number of acupuncture treatments you need depends on the complexity of your illness, whether it is a chronic or recent condition, and your general health. For example, you may need only one treatment for a recent wrist sprain, whereas for a long-standing, chronic illness you may need treatments once or twice a week for several months to get desired results.
What does acupuncture and cupping do?
Both acupuncture and cupping therapy are commonly used in treating similar conditions, especially pain-related conditions. Though the mechanism of acupuncture and cupping therapy may be different, both, therapies employ the meridian and acupoints to activate blood stasis and regulate the flow of qi to relieve pain.
Acupuncture benefits are the following:
- Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Dental pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines
- Labor pain
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Menstrual cramps
- Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis
- Tennis elbow
Cupping benefits are the following:
- Release scar tissue and fascial adhesions.
- Reduce painful trigger points.
- Improve circulation, blood and lymph circulation.
- Relieve pain.
- Promote mobility and range of motion.
- Improves mature scars.
- Decrease toxins.
What is Herbal Medicine?
Herbal Medicine is one of the great herbal systems of the world. The literate tradition of case histories extends back to the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). Therapeutic categories include digestives, materials that improve circulation, nervous system calming agents, antimicrobials and more.
I take pharmaceutical drugs—can I still take Chinese herbs?
It is very important to let your practitioner know about any pharmaceuticals that you are currently taking. In most cases, taking Chinese herbs is not contraindicated for people who are also taking pharmaceutical drugs. There are some exceptions to this, however, so it is very important to only take herbs that have been prescribed by a licensed practitioner.
How does acupuncture cause pain relief?
It involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles. This results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain-relieving endorphins. It’s likely that these naturally released substances are responsible for the beneficial effects experienced with acupuncture.
Does acupuncture work immediately?
“There is no universal response to acupuncture. Some people feel relaxed and may be a little tired, others feel energized and ready for anything,” Kempisty explains. “Some people experience an improvement right away and for others it can take several treatments before noticing a positive change.”
How long after acupuncture do you see results?
Acupuncture has a short term effect. The period of time you will feel its therapeutic benefits is around 3-4 days. If you are having it only and your problem isn’t chronic, you can have it once a week. For acute problems and if your budget allows, you would benefit from having treatment two times a week.
How do I know acupuncture is working?
The following are the most common signs indicate your acupuncture treatment is working.
- Sign 1: Pain Relief. …
- Sign 2: Improved Sleep Pattern. …
- Sign 3: Eating Better. …
- Sign 4: Circulating Well. …
- Sign 5: Elimination Properly. …
- Sign 6: Breathing Easy. …
- Sign 7: A Sense of Emotional Wellbeing. …
- Sign 8: Uneventful Menstruation.
Is acupuncture good for anxiety?
“Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural feel-good hormones and reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol,” says Mathew Kulas, MA, RAc, an acupuncturist at Henry Ford Health. Studies show that acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety, with fewer side effects than medications.
What do you wear to acupuncture session?
Unlike a massage, you’ll be able to keep on your clothes for the acupuncture session. That said, it’s best if you wear loose fitting clothes that can easily be rolled up or maneuvered. In certain cases, acupuncturists will give you a hospital-like gown to wear in order to access your entire back.
Can you shower after acupuncture?
The intense heat from Sauna and bath is considered an extra stimulation that may undo the energy reset. However hot showers are okay after acupuncture.
Should you drink water after acupuncture?
Your body can easily become dehydrated after an acupuncture treatment, so you need to make sure that you are drinking plenty of water. And avoid caffeine and alcohol. You need to avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol because they will dehydrate you even more. You also need to watch what you eat.