Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese alternative medicine that helps to manage stress, enhance overall wellness and treat pain. In this therapy, the specialist uses needles on various pressure points located at different parts of the body. It revolves around the concept of balancing the life force or flow of energy known as qi or chi that flows through meridians or pathways in the body. The pressure points help to stimulate connective tissues, muscles, and nerves. They also believe that it helps to boost and activate natural painkillers in the body.

Why opt for acupuncture?

Acupuncture helps to take care of various conditions and diseases. It helps to relieve discomfort and is effective for pain management. Acupuncture takes care of

  • Post operative and chemotherapy-induced vomiting and nausea
  • Dental pain
  • Migraines, tension and stress causing headaches and headaches in general
  • Labor or mensuration pain
  • Chronic back or neck pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Allergic rhinitis and other respiratory disorders

Words of caution

Although there are low risks associated with acupuncture there are certain things that you have to take care of. Due to the use of needles, some people may experience minor bruising, bleeding and soreness in the pricked area. In rare cases a person may also develop minimal infections. People who may be at risk of developing complications include

  • Those with bleeding disorders – Patients who are on blood thinners or have bleeding disorders can develop bruising due to the use of needles,
  • Patients who have a pacemaker –In acupuncture, mild electrical pulses are applied to the needles. If you have a pacemaker installed, it would not be advisable to opt for acupuncture as this therapy can interfere with the operation or functions of the device.
  • Pregnant women – There are some types of acupuncture techniques that can cause premature delivery as they may stimulate labour.

Things to expect during the treatment

A person may experience a little discomfort due to the insertion of the needles. The acupuncturist will use specific spots on the body to insert the thin needles that are used in this therapy. Before opting for therapy, the practitioner will first determine what kind of treatment is suitable for you. He/She will also understand your present lifestyle, behaviors and symptoms along with other aspects like

  • The painful part of the body
  • The color, coating and shape of the tongue
  • Face color
  • Quality, rhythm, and strength of the pulse through the wrist
  • Duration of the treatment

The duration of the treatment will be decided based on various factors. The initial treatment and evaluations will generally take an hour. Follow-up’s will take around 30 mins. The duration of the treatment and its frequency will be decided based on the practitioner recommendation.

What happens during the acupuncture procedure?

In various parts of the body, we have pressure points that an acupuncturist uses while treating various diseases or conditions. It is not necessary that there should be a point in the same area of the pain or problem. You will also get to know if you would need to change into something comfortable or not. During the treatment you will be lying down on a padded table. The procedure will include

Needle Insertion

In acupuncture, the strategic points of the body are used to insert specialized thin needles. The depth of the needles into the pressure point varies and can cause discomfort. At the time of insertion, the person will not feel a thing. To know if the needle is at its correct depth, the practitioner will ask you if you are experiencing a mild sensation.

Needle manipulation

As mentioned earlier, the practitioner will manipulate the needle to start the treatment. You will either feel the needles twirl or move gently, mild electrical pulses or also apply heat as a part of the treatment.

Needle removal

At the time of the treatment, you will be asked to lie down and relax as the needles will remain in your body for at least 10 to 20 minutes. While the needles are being removed, you will generally not experience any discomfort.

After your session

Most of the time, people who undergo an Acupuncture session feel energized and relaxed after the session. However, it is not necessary that your body may respond to the session. Just in case you do not see any results in a few weeks, you may have to consider another treatment or speak to your practitioner and see what all you can do.

Benefits and results of the treatment

The results of the treatment can differ from person to person with minimum side effects. People who have tried this treatment have seen significant results especially if they go through chronic pain and other such diseases. If you feel any discomfort or notice any symptoms it would be advisable to speak to your doctor or practitioner as soon as possible.