Many people have heard great things from friends and acquaintances about acupuncture but are still hesitant to try it themselves. Needles may not be your favorite thing, or you might not completely trust the concept of alternative medicine. It’s understandable. But every day, more and more people are unlocking the benefits that acupuncture and Traditional Chinese medicine can provide.
Here are 10 facts about acupuncture that may sway your decision to give it a try.
- It’s an ancient practice. Acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine date back more than 3,000 years, and hinge on the belief that energy flowing throughout the body can be channeled to influence health and wellness. If that energy’s flow is blocked, however, trouble ensues. By stimulating certain pressure points on the body, ancient Chinese practitioners aimed to unlock the flow of energy once again and restore balance. This same practice continues to be used in acupuncture clinics throughout the world today.
- It covers a number of ills. Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine are regularly used to treat any number of ailments and chronic health conditions, from migraines to digestive disorders to allergies and beyond. Treatments have been shown to provide relief for a wide range of concerns, such as:
- Chronic and acute pain (osteoarthritis, sports injuries, etc.)
- Depression and anxiety
- Insomnia
- Women’s health (fertility, PMS, etc.)
- It works by creating tiny injuries. While that may not sound enjoyable, it is actually very effective. Similar to how strength training creates microscopic tears in muscle fibers, which contribute to muscle growth during the healing process – acupuncture works by using small needles to create hundreds, if not thousands, of small punctures or pricks to the skin. These mini wounds act as a rallying cry to your body’s immune and parasympathetic nervous systems, which in turn send targeted healing responses to problem areas.
- But it is not While the procedure may cause some minor discomfort, when carried out by a trained practitioner using hair-thin needles, there is typically no sharp pain associated with acupuncture. Of course, if at any time you experience any unpleasant sensations – your acupuncturist is standing by to assist you.
- It’s not only for adults. Not only can acupuncture help to relieve chronic pain brought about by sports injuries in teens, but acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine have also been effective in the treatment of adolescent acne, eliminating the need to prescribe quick-fix treatments like birth control or Accutane.
- Location plays a big part. While local acupuncture is used to treat problematic areas at the source, a practice known as distal acupuncture implements needles at a distance from where the pain is located. These areas of dense nervous tissue are strategically chosen, as they offer increased stimulation to the brain and therefore swifter relief.
- Battlefield acupuncture is an emerging and effective treatment. Also known as “ear acupuncture,” battlefield acupuncture was pioneered by retired U.S. Air Force colonel Dr. Richard Niemtzow in 2001 while on active duty when he realized that a distinct sequence of needles could provide rapid pain relief when inserted on the surface of the ears. It is viewed as an emerging and extremely effective use of pain control in current practices.
- Needles are sterile. Quality practices ONLY use needles that are single-use, sterile, and disposable.
- Side effects are minimal. As always, side effects can vary from person to person. By and large, acupuncture side effects, which can include bruising, soreness, and itching, are typically mild. A brief increase in symptoms can sometimes occur, followed by relief.
- Insurance may cover treatment. Coverage varies from practice to practice, so be sure to check with your carrier. At Resilient Health Acupuncture, insurance is accepted for private sessions. (Open room visits can be paid for with cash, check, or credit card.) Unsure if you have coverage? Email us. Our team will be happy to find out for you.
Resilient Health Acupuncture is changing the ways people think about acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. Come and see how we can help you. Same-day appointments are available. Schedule online or call 443-353-5990 to learn more.