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Acupuncture is a form of treatment that originated in ancient China. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians. It is an accepted procedure to treat a wide variety of conditions. Acupuncture is often used alone or in conjunction with other forms of alternative medicine and/or Western medicine.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting very thin needles into the skin at very precise acupuncture points to treat a variety of conditions. Because the needles are so thin, they do not create damage to the skin or cause much if any discomfort. Some patients feel more of a pressure, pinch or ache than direct pain, when needles are inserted.
Depending on your condition, needles may be inserted in multiple locations of the body including the back, legs, arms, stomach, neck, face, ears, toes, and many more places. The needle placement corresponds with specific conditions and symptoms. Acupuncture helps conditions by stimulating the nervous system in a specific way that triggers the body to heal itself.
The addition of heat or adding electrical stimulation may also be used during sessions, depending on your condition.
Are there different types of acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.
What conditions does acupuncture address?
Acupuncture is a popular and effective choice for people with chronic pain. Acupuncture can also help with headaches, migraines, arthritis, chronic back/neck pain, myofascial pain, menstrual pain, and irritable bowel syndrome. It also has been known to give some relief in people with hard-to-treat conditions such as fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, and post-stroke syndromes.
In addition to physical ailments and conditions, acupuncture may help with addiction, anxiety, depression, insomnia and neurosis. It may also help conditions related to eye, ear, and throat health, as well as respiratory health. In cases where nothing else seems to help or when financial concerns exist, patients with infertility issues (male and female) or impotency may seek acupuncture.
Are there any side effects to acupuncture?
Usually not, but acupuncture can have minor side effects, but they are quite mild compared to Western medicine alternatives such as surgery or medications, or addictive opioid pain medications.
As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms may worsen for a few days, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation or even mild disorientation immediately following the treatment. These pass within a short time, and never require anything more than a bit of rest to overcome.
Additional side effects may include minor bruising and mild bleeding as the points are removed. Although very uncommon and usually resolved by eating a meal before treatment, some patients may feel some dizziness or nausea after treatment. Less common, one may experience a skin rash or allergic reaction.
What to expect with treatments?
The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for several months may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health.
Acupuncture can be a great alternative, especially if nothing else has worked. It has little to no side effects, and can be a great compliment to your Western medicine treatments. If you would like to know more, contact us at Cryo Wellness Spa. [email protected]
