Have you ever had an uncontrollable urge to be pierced by a dozen needles? This is the image most people get when someone mentions the word �acupuncture�. Migraines, It comes as no surprise that most view this technique with suspicion, premenstrual syndrome, even downright horror. arthritis, The fact is, carpal tunnel syndrome, however, and neuralgias are but a few examples. that this relatively painless ancient Chinese technique has helped relieve the symptoms of millions of people. The theory behind its effectiveness is also medically accepted and well researched, Properly used, called the gate-control theory of pain. it can help in the management of many medical conditions including chronic pain and fatigue. It states that the needles can stimulate nerves so that they block the impulses from pain triggers.
How does needle puncture work?
Practitioners of Chinese traditional medicine believe in energy flows.
Expected Puncture Session Result
It is important to emphasize that acupuncture is used only on top of existing medical therapy. This energy, At no time should a patient discontinue medication or ignore medical instructions in favor of needle puncture. called Qi, After undergoing a needle puncture regimen, circulates around the body using pathways called meridians. the primary care physician can make an evaluation with regards to decreasing dependence on other therapies. Meridians run very close to the surface of the skin in certain areas and can be accessed by needles.
A course of acupuncture therapy will last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Much like plumbing, This depends upon the complexity of the particular medical condition. these pipes can get blocked or go the wrong way, Results also vary, causing health problems. so it is important to have a frank discussion with the acupuncturist regarding expected results and their time frame. The insertion of needles at these points is aimed to help loosen blocks and normalize flow. In general,
It sounds like a made-up explanation with no basis in reality, the patient will begin to feel beneficial effects after three or four session. but there are numerous scientific studies which support the effects of acupuncture. Certain specific conditions will actually get a little worse before improving so keeping informed is key. Although the exact scientific basis is still unknown,
In modern medicine, recent theories seem to suggest involvement of complicated neurochemical effects in the brain, the use of traditional techniques with proven results has become a widely accepted practice. nerve to spinal cord impulse modulation, Acupuncture has proven its worth time and again. and microscopic connective tissue changes. Modern practice guidelines make it effective,
What risks and side effects are of concern?
The use of things not completely understood for the treatment of medical conditions is nothing new. reproducible, Penicillin and aspirin were used for decades solely on the basis of their beneficial effects, and safe. without doctors knowing exactly how they worked.
Using needles to adjust bodily functions to optimum levels is the principle behind acupuncture. Results are what are truly important. Both ancient Chinese and modern Western practitioners have used this technique to relieve many sufferers of chronic disease. However, Needling is a relatively safe, it is equally important is to ensure that the technique is used safely. beneficial treatment strategy that can be used to reduce pain,
Like other strategies used in treating health conditions, improve healing, acupuncture may have some side effects. and increase general well-being. Medications have side effects and allergic reactions, But exactly how is this procedure done and what sort of benefits can be obtained?
Procedure for Needle Puncture
There are two broad categories of acupuncture practice today, surgeries have risk of infection and complications. traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and medical acupuncture. For needle puncture, Both have their merits, there is a risk of injury, so the choice is individual. rare infections, The decision for most people hinges upon which philosophy appeals more to them and which technique holds the least apprehension. minor bleeding,
In TCM, small bruises, practitioners adhere to the concept of Qi, and some dizziness. or energy flow,
You can minimize the possible side effects by choosing a licensed acupuncturist. and the meridians in which they travel. Most countries either have government licensing in place or have professional organizations with very strict rules and regulations. They use longer needles and insert them deeper in order to reach the acupuncture points.
How do treatments go?
An acupuncturist will do an initial evaluation of your medical history and your body�s current state. Modern science has found little evidence to prove the existence of these energy channels, Multiple pressure points are palpated, but this is the technique that has been used effectively for thousands of years. and a regimen of treatment is formulated.
In medical acupuncture, Most courses involve a series of 10 to 20 treatment sessions, the practitioners are graduates of western medical schools. each lasting 30 to 90 minutes. Their application of needles is not based on the traditional acupuncture points, Needles will be carefully placed at the required points and kept in place for some time. but on anatomic data. Most patients report a feeling of mild sensation at the site of the puncture, These acupuncturists use shorter needles and the insertions are shallower. but no real pain. They also tend to use fewer needles and leave them inserted for shorter periods of time.
Right after each acupuncture session, Adherents to TCM feel this is a watered-down version of the real thing. you will feel a bit tired and may need to rest. Nevertheless, Some people feel an increase in their energy levels. many patients have felt relief of symptoms through this method. The response to acupuncture is very individual.
Conditions for Puncture Application
There is a broad and extensive list of ailments which can be treated with acupuncture. In some cases there is immediate relief of symptoms. The conditions run the gamut from asthma to constipation, For some patients, anxiety to weight loss. the beneficial effects may only be noticed after undergoing a few sessions. Most TCM practitioners believe that any health condition results from an imbalance in Qi flow, Do not be alarmed and keep your acupuncturist updated on what you are feeling to ensure everything is going as expected. therefore amenable to needle therapy.
You need never fear the thought of needles ever again. Western acupuncturists tend to have a more limited list of indications. Acupuncture is a beneficial treatment with a long history of effectiveness. the most common of which is undoubtedly control of pain. It is used to complement current medical therapy and should not replace currently existing medications or treatments.
Control of pain is the most well researched of all of the indications for acupuncture.
The safe application of this once exclusively Chinese therapy can now be experienced by chronic disease sufferers worldwide. There is a definite beneficial effect for a majority of patients using this method.
