In the acupuncture treatment method, needles are pierced through the skin at particular strategic points of the body. The treatment method was initially practiced in China and is especially useful in getting rid of the pain associated with many health issues. Besides that, modern-day health professionals have also found it helpful to manage stress and boost your overall wellness. A specialized health professional called an acupuncturist performs the procedure. He or she inserts needles into the patient's body to balance the energy of the body.
Risks Associated With Acupuncture
When a competent, duly certified acupuncture specialist carries out the procedure using sterilized needles, the levels of risk associated with the process are pretty low. The experts at https://5thandwell.com point out that sometimes there are mild side effects like light bleeding, feelings of soreness, or slight bruising in the body region where the needles are inserted. With sterilized and disposable needles, the infection risks are minimum too. However, you should note that acupuncture is not universally suitable, and should the following kinds of people should avoid it:
People Suffering From Bleeding Disorders
If you have any bleeding disorder or have to use blood thinners, you are better off avoiding this procedure. Avoiding it will help to prevent bruising and bleeding risks from the insertion of needles.
People With A Pacemaker Fitted Into Their Hearts
If the therapist chooses to apply electrical pulses to the needs, it might interfere with the pacemaker's operation. It might thereby endanger your health.
If You Are Pregnant
Some acupuncture forms are known to stimulate labor, which might result in a premature delivery for pregnant women.
Choosing A Suitable Acupuncturist
Your choice of the individual therapist plays an essential part in the healing you get. You need to choose an acupuncturist while exercising discretion and care. While selecting a suitable acupuncturist for your therapy, observe the following steps:
Look For References and Recommendations
It is a good idea to ask for acupuncturists' recommendations from friends or other people you trust. The references will be beneficial if your friends have undergone acupuncture treatment from a particular person before.
Make Surer The Practitioner Is Certified And has Proper Credentials
When you come across an acupuncturist, you need to remain vigilant. Please don't take their word as their proof of expertise. Instead, enquire into the relevant skills and training they possess as an acupuncturist. There is this NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) exam that non-physician acupuncturists are required to pass as per the laws in most US states.
Interview The Therapy Provider
Another great idea to follow before undergoing treatment from an acupuncturist is to interview the person. Ensure that you discuss things like what will be involved in the entire treatment process and how it will make your condition better. Another critical thing to know beforehand is the cost of treatment and if it falls under your present insurance.
Things To Note About The Treatment Session
Several body areas are essential to acupuncture treatment and, thereby, to the acupuncturist. As a result, your acupuncture therapist might request you to change your regular attire and put on a gown. Then. You will be required to lie down at a table before the actual beginning of the procedure. The treatment will usually consist of the following:
Needles Will Be Inserted Into Your Skin
The procedure begins with the insertion of thin needles into the skin to varying depths. Most people don't find the needles to be painful, while others may experience a minimal amount of discomfort. The therapist may use from five to twenty needles to carry out his treatment procedure. Some people may, however, feel a sort of ache when the needle reaches the required depth.
Manipulating The Needles
When you have placed the needles, it might call for different types of manipulation like twirling. In other cases, heat and electrical pulses may be applied after inserting the needles.
Removing Needles
Usually, the acupuncture therapist will leave the needles where they were inserted for a specific period, generally for at least ten minutes, letting you relax. When the needles are finally removed, you will experience relief from your discomfort.
Why You Should Try It
Acupuncture might attract you for several health reasons. There are a vast number of health issues and symptoms that acupuncture helps to overcome. They include the following
- Depression and anxiety
- Allergy
- Chronic pain, especially the ones in the back, neck, knees, and head
- Insomnia
- Hypertension
- PMS And Menstrual Cramps
- Morning Sickness
- Migraines
- Strokes
- Sprains
Additionally, medical research suggests that acupuncture can help treat cancer and multiple sclerosis. Still, more research is needed before we can say anything about that with certainty. There is also further limited evidence for the benefits of acupuncture therapy for the following health issues and symptoms:
- Pain In The Abdomen
- Acne
- Cancer Pain
- Insomnia
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Infertility
- Stiff Neck
- Schizophrenia
- Alcohol Dependence
Final Thoughts
Acupuncture need not necessarily be a cure-all with magical powers. Still, it indeed is an effective treatment option for a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. Considering that people have been befitting from it for over 2500 years, it is one of the oldest healing forms. We are still learning more about the exact why's and how's of such acupuncture effects. Happy healing!
