HealthEverything You Need to Know About Acupuncture: 

Everything You Need to Know About Acupuncture: 

Rationale, Risks, Preparations, Expectations, Procedure, and Results

Are you considering checking out acupuncture? If you are, then this post is perfect for you. This post will discuss everything you’d ever need to know if you’re interested to try acupuncture. You will learn a lot about the following:

  • what acupuncture is
  • why it is done
  • the risks involved
  • preparing for an acupuncture session
  • what you can expect 
  • procedure proper
  • post-procedure care

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Acupuncture: what is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a core traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves the use of very thin needles that get inserted through a person’s skin on strategic parts of the body. It has been used for over 3,000 years to treat pain. Apart from pain, studies also showed that acupuncture can help with irregular menstruation, and the treatment of respiratory disorders, allergies, and more. Today’s health aficionados undertake regular acupuncture sessions to help in the maintenance of their overall wellness as acupuncture can help individuals in handling stress and regulating their nerves. Women with fertility issues also undergo acupuncture sessions. Hollywood celebrities played a large role in making acupuncture because the likes of Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Mariah Carey, Kate Winslet, and Natalie Portman all swear by it.  

Acupuncture: why is acupuncture done?

Acupuncture’s rationale stems from balancing the body. Acupuncture practitioners use the inserted needles to unblock parts of the body that have blocked and stuck energy. It is this very process that helps individuals in healing their ailments, managing their pain, and handling their stress. Individuals who undergo acupuncture enjoy overall wellness because their bodies get to fully function because their energies within are balanced. Acupuncture can help people who are under the following conditions and ailments:

  • dental pain
  • vomiting and nausea induced by Chemotherapy
  • headaches
  • migraines
  • muscle tension
  • fibromyalgia
  • lower back pain
  • labor pain
  • osteoarthritis
  • respiratory issues
  • allergic rhinitis
  • menstrual cramps
  • irregular menstruation 
  • obesity
  • neck pain
  • tennis elbow
  • acne

Acupuncture: what are the risks involved in acupuncture?

There are little to no risks at all if one would undergo acupuncture. This is mainly the reason why most people find it safe to check it out. Your acupuncture session will go smoothly and safely if you would be under the care of a certified and competent acupuncturist who will use sterile needles at all times. Of the risks that you can expect are side effects that people reported after finishing an acupuncture session and they are as follows:

  • minor bleeding
  • minor bruising
  • soreness

You need to take note though that it is not safe for all to undergo acupuncture. It’s best to inform your acupuncturist first if you:

  • are pregnant – you may experience premature delivery as some acupuncture points can stimulate labor
  • are with a pacemaker – acupuncture needles may interfere with your pacemaker’s mechanism
  • are with a bleeding disorder – you may bleed or bruise more. This is also the case if you are taking blood thinners. 

Acupuncture: how to prepare before an acupuncture session?

The good news is, that you don’t need to do any kind of special preparation before an acupuncture session. You do not need to restrict your food or control your bowel for a specific period before a session. Researching on acupuncture and psyching yourself should suffice. For better preparation though, you should dedicate time and effort to looking for a certified and competent practitioner. Read online reviews and ask family and friends for recommendations. 

Acupuncture: what can you expect in an acupuncture session?

You can expect to experience the following during your first acupuncture session:

  • you will not immediately undergo acupuncture
  • your acupuncturist will interview you and inquire about your symptoms
  • your acupuncturist will also inquire about your lifestyle and behaviors
  • parts of your body that are experiencing pain will be examined
  • your tongue will be examined
  • the quality, rhythm, and strength of your pulse on your wrist will be examined
  • the color of your face will be examined
  • the session proper will not last for over an hour
  • depending on your symptoms, you may be required to undergo treatment once or twice a week
  • complete treatment can last for up to eight sessions

Acupuncture: what to expect after the procedure?

You are to expect the following during treatment proper:

  • you will be informed if there will be a need for you to remove your clothing 
  • this will depend on the parts of your body that will be treated
  • your acupuncturist will inform you of the planned treatment before proceeding
  • you will be provided with a sheet, towel, or gown
  • you will be lying on a padded table
  • needles will be inserted into your body at various depths and different points
  • the needles that will be used are very thin so you won’t feel them at all as they are being inserted
  • you can expect your acupuncturist to use 5 to 20 needles
  • you could expect to feel a mild ache once a needle has reached the proper target depth
  • your acupuncturist may apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles while they are inserted
  • your acupuncturist may also gently twirl or move the needles after placement
  • the needles will remain in place for 10 to 15 minutes and all that you will need to do is to relax
  • you should expect to feel no pain or discomfort when the needles are removed

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Acupuncture: what results can you look forward to? 

People respond differently after experiencing their first acupuncture session. Some feel energized and relaxed while some feel random discomfort. You should not proceed with your acupuncture session if you see no improvement in your symptoms after a few weeks. 

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