Every body needs the right balance
The thought of acupuncture can seem frightening and mysterious to some. However, acupuncture is one of the safest treatment methods available with the least amount of adverse effects compared to many other alternatives. Most patients find acupuncture treatments quite relaxing and report little to no discomfort.
This form of traditional Chinese medicine also has a few modern innovations, including AcuGraph acupuncture technology, electro-acupuncture and laser acupuncture. Acupuncture is a great treatment on its own, or in combination with other methods such as physiotherapy, chiropractic therapy, and massage therapy.
To help you better understand the effectiveness of acupuncture, we’ll explore all the many benefits of this therapy while answering the most common questions people have about the treatment.
What are the benefits of acupuncture?
There are many benefits of acupuncture treatment. Here are a few of the most powerful.
The stimulation of acupuncture points releases endorphins — also known as your body’s natural pain-killing chemicals. This helps decrease inflammation and reduce pain.
Acupuncture can help treat pain throughout various parts of the body, including the back, neck, shoulder, and hips, but it also offers relief from neuromuscular issues. It can also help with pain caused by arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica.
What can I expect during my appointment?
Your registered acupuncturist will assess your symptoms and medical history. They will then conduct an AcuGraph scan — a digital meridian imaging system used to analyse and document the energetic status of the acupuncture meridians — by touching a probe to acupuncture points on your hands and feet.
Your registered acupuncturist will sterilise all the areas that will be treated before inserting single-use, sterile needles into various meridian points to treat your condition. This can be anywhere on your body, including the neck, back, chest, stomach, and even hands and face.
These needles will remain in place for 10 to 20 minutes and you may feel a warm, tingling sensation and possibly slight pressure. Many patients describe the treatment as pleasurable, relaxing, and sometimes even energising.
Does acupuncture hurt?
One of the most commonly asked questions about acupuncture is whether or not the treatment hurts. While the idea of having small needles inserted into the skin might sound painful, it is actually the complete opposite.
Since the needles used are as fine (or finer) than human hair, most patients will only experience a small amount of discomfort in sensitive areas. However, many patients do not report any discomfort at all, so it really depends on each individual patient.
Who is acupuncture recommended for?
While anyone can benefit from acupuncture treatments, if any of the following criteria applies to you, this is a good indication that acupuncture might be a good fit.
- You have already tried other treatments and medication but have not experienced any relief
- You have chronic pain or migraines or another chronic condition mentioned above
- You are open to exploring alternatives to conventional treatment options
- You are looking to optimise your overall health
Patients who should refrain from acupuncture treatments or seek guidance from a physician first include those with:
- Bleeding disorders and/or prescriptions for blood thinners
- Skin disorders or infections at the needle site
- Immune disorders
- Metal allergies
- Pacemakers
- Pregnancy
When will I notice the results?
While some patients may feel results right away, others may require several treatments before they start to experience the full results.
The benefits of acupuncture are unique to each patient and depend on a variety of factors, such as:
- The severity of your condition/symptoms
- The frequency of treatment
- Stress levels
- Genetics
Are you ready to get started with acupuncture?
People of all ages and all walks of life have embraced acupuncture care for their health and wellness. With so many benefits from pain relief to reduced stress and anxiety, acupuncture may just be the natural remedy you’ve been searching for.
If you’re considering acupuncture treatments to help with a particular ailment or condition, consult with a registered acupuncturist who can help you determine if this therapy is the right course of treatment for you.
