Acupuncture: Is It What They Say It Is?
If you have recently come across alternative treatments, then you shouldn’t miss the needle healing therapy. Yes, the mighty needle, whose prick can cause a pulse-throbbing pain in your finger, can also cure you. This needle therapy, acupuncture, has existed for more than 2500 years. So, there must be a legit reason if it has been made so far in the medical world. But, the important question you should ask is: Does acupuncture really work? And will it help you?
An Introduction to Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine that uses very thin, tiny and sterile needles. Yes, Needles! But don’t worry because they don’t hurt that much and sometimes you won’t feel anything at all. These very tiny sharp-pointed needles just have one purpose: to stimulate your body’s response. Now hold on there. What?
Let me explain in simple language.
When something provokes you, what do you do? You react back, right? Likewise, the technique of acupuncture provokes your body to get a reaction through these tiny and very thin needles. It occurs when a professional acupuncturist inserts these needles into specific points on your body. The depth of insertion usually differs from one area to another.
What exactly is the science behind acupuncture?
The logical and scientific approach says that the needles induce a pull or response in the body that activates the central nervous system. These activated nerves then induce some biochemical changes. This, in turn, ignites the body’s self-healing abilities to treat problems.
But the traditional approach to this medical technique is complicated. It says that our body has several energy points. These energy points are qi (pronounced as chee). Through these points, the energy of our body flows into paths called meridians. And if this flow of energy gets disoriented, it gives birth to illnesses or pain.
The traditional reason is not that weird. If you see this, our body is linked to our spirit, and we do get affected by almost everything around us. So, our energy too has to take a toll because of our lifestyle.
To put it in simple words, our living habits define our health.
How is acupuncture helpful?
This holistic approach to healing has helped in curing many medical issues. And the National Institute of Health (NIC) showed that acupuncture is effective alone or with complementary medicinal treatments.
It can help in providing relief for issues like
- Back pain
2. Anxiety
3. Depression
4. Menstrual cramps
5. Asthma
6. Nausea because of chemotherapy
7. Fibromyalgia
8. Migraine
Does it hurt?
The hair-thin needles are harmless and do not cause any severe pain. Some people even don’t feel anything during the procedure. But, sometimes people respond to minute stings when the needle gets inserted into their skin. There may be acute bleeding, which is believed to be a good sign for the body’s response to the needles.
What to do to get the treatment?
Despite getting all the knowledge you want from the internet, it is not safe to experiment with acupuncture.
- The first thing to do is consult with your regular doctor and be open about your concerns. Ask if you can go to an acupuncturist. Your doctor knows your medical history and will prescribe what is best for you.
- Seek references and connect with people who have tried this healing method. Talk with your family or friends. Maybe they can help you by referring you to a professional acupuncturist. By talking with them, you’ll also prepare yourself for what to expect in a session. Ask if they felt anything unusual or if they felt relieved after the session.
- Next, you need to dig a little deeper to find a professional acupuncturist. Know if they’ve got expertise and a certification or license. Then, you can fix a meeting with them to get an idea of what procedure will work best for you.
Don’t try to practise acupuncture by yourself. You might end up hurting yourself, or worse, you might prick a nerve and cause damage to your body.
Always seek help from an expert.
What to expect in a session?
An acupuncture session normally takes 60 minutes. During these minutes, an acupuncturist will speak with you and analyse your problem. They ask you about your medical history and check your general and physical health. Then, the acupuncturist analyses the area where the process will take place. This process is finally followed by the insertion of needles.
These needles are just a few centimetres long and are single-used. The actual procedure takes about 20 to 30 minutes. In the session, the practitioner will insert needles at certain points and at certain depths; it totally depends on your symptoms.
You only feel a small pain upon the prick of a needle. But, if you feel any severe pain or discomfort during the session, you should immediately tell your practitioner.
Who should avoid acupuncture?
Anyone can get acupuncture. Even if you don’t have any major medical issues, you can just book a session to relax. But, some people are counted out of acupuncture. So, if you are one of these, then consult a specialist first before having an acupuncture session.
Pacemaker
If you have a pacemaker, then you shouldn’t get this treatment. Or, at least take a professional consultation prior to the therapy. Because acupuncture involves needles with mild electrical pulses, it may interfere with your pacemaker, or can lead to its malfunctioning. So, generally, you should tell an acupuncturist that you’ve got a pacemaker so that they can use an exception in your case.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy doesn’t restrict you from getting acupuncture therapy. But, you should tell your practitioner that you’re pregnant. This therapy can relieve some stress during pregnancy, but it can also complicate it. So, be aware of your condition. And discuss it openly with your doctor and acupuncturist.
The bottom line
Acupuncture comes amongst alternative medical practises and has gained remarkable popularity amongst people. It is even supported by the mainstream medical research institutes. If you are thinking of getting the therapy, you should still consult your regular doctor and an authentic acupuncturist to know if the treatment is meant for you.
