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