Everything You Need To Know About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a complex system that merges art and science, poetry and physiology, traditional roots and modern integration.
My goal in this article is to answer some of the basic questions that many have about acupuncture such as how it works, when to seek it, and if it’s painful.
While this ancient medicine originated thousands of years ago, it’s usage in modern day medicine only began a few decades ago when successfully applied in cases of low back pain, nausea and pain during chemotherapy, headaches and menstrual pain. This sparked more interest and research, which continues to grow today.
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a therapeutic tool rooted in Chinese medicine that’s been practiced for thousands of years.
It involves penetrating small, single use, stainless steel needles into different points of the body. The points are located along channels and are known as reservoirs where qi (energy) is activated.
The body contains 12 primary channels and 8 extraordinary channels, with over 300 acupuncture points, that we access qi from in order to rebalance, reconnect, and bring the body into homeostasis.
HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?
By inserting needles into different body points, neurotransmitters & pain relieving chemicals are released, qi is accessed through the points on various meridians, blood circulation increases, and various physiological processes are stimulated.
WHAT DOES AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT INVOLVE?
A deep dive into current symptomatology and past health history
Tongue, pulse and palpation are assessed to provide more information on internal health and potential imbalances
Needles are inserted into a combination of points
You’re left to rest with infrared heat for about 30-40 minutes
WHAT CAN ACUPUNCTURE HELP TREAT?
A wide variety of ailments!
Pain & tension, headaches & migraines, digestion, menstrual irregularities, fertility & IVF support, pregnancy & postpartum support, insomnia, stress management, anxiety, grief, depression, fatigue, TMJ, menopausal symptoms, neuropathy, weight management, cold & flu symptoms, immune system support, skin conditions.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
Some areas may be more sensitive than others, but it should not be painful.
Instead, you may notice energy sensations which can feel like a dull ache or heaviness, a feeling of warmth or tingling (which are all positive responses).
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?
Each condition and body constitution are different, thus there is no one treatment plan for all. Additionally, I work with patients to implement individualized lifestyle & nutritional adjustments in order to continue healing outside of the treatment room.
For acute conditions, treating 2-3x per week until symptoms resolve may be advised. For ongoing, chronic conditions, a weekly treatment for 3-4 months may be recommended in order to reach a maintenance period.
Many opt in for monthly treatments to maintain health & keep the body strong!
