What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a treatment that involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body. It has been practiced for thousands of years and may be used on its own or alongside other forms of care, depending on the person’s needs.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture treatment involves balancing life force or energy, known as Chi or Qi. It’s believed that chi flows through several pathways or meridians in the body. When needles are inserted into specific points of the meridians, the energy flow in the body re-balances. This may also help stimulate tissues, muscles, and nerves, which activates the body’s natural painkillers.
Acupuncture services can also address wellness issues, including stress and anxiety.
What does Acupuncture feel like?
If you are considering Acupuncture services, you might want to have a basic understanding of what Acupuncture feels like. You might feel a mild ache or a tingling sensation during your Acupuncture sessions as soon as the needle is used. Acupuncture does not hurt since the needles used are very thin. Many patients do not even feel the needles being inserted at all.
You can expect to feel a spreading sensation of warmth engulfing the area where the needle was inserted. This is a good sign that the acupuncture treatment you are getting is effective. The main goal of acupuncture is to relieve pain and a wide range of other symptoms. At Active Family Wellness, we perform acupuncture with care and attention to your comfort, so you can expect a gentle experience with minimal risk of side effects.
Conditions That Can Be Treated by Acupuncture
Acupuncture can help people attain good health by treating a variety of health problems. The treatment can be used with other conventional medical treatments to address a variety of conditions, including:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology: Menstrual pain and cramping
- Arthritis and orthopedics: Knee osteoarthritis pain, chronic low back pain, and neck pain
- Headaches: Tension-type headaches and migraine prevention
- Chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia
- Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, acid reflux, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) issues
Acupuncture for Sciatica Pain
According to an NCBI study, a systematic review of the evidence found that acupuncture may be more effective than some conventional treatments, such as medication or physical therapy, for reducing sciatica pain. It may help reduce pain and improve comfort for some people with sciatica. Acupuncture treatment aims for the low back and sciatic nerve by inserting needles at the specified acupuncture points to increase blood and Qi flow, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pressure from the nerve surrounding the lumbar spine segments. These findings suggest that acupuncture may be a useful treatment option for some people with sciatica.
Considerations when choosing Acupuncture
Acupuncture can feel unfamiliar, especially for patients who are still new to alternative medicine. There are a few things you need to consider when choosing Acupuncture.
The Acupuncture practitioner
Acupuncture is a sensitive procedure. For the best results, you require a highly qualified Acupuncture practitioner. The practitioner has years of experience in offering Acupuncture treatments to patients who need help with their pain.
Ensure that you are the right candidate for Acupuncture
Acupuncture is very effective for handling pain, but it is not for everyone. You should discuss with your acupuncturist if you have a pacemaker, implants, chronic skin diseases, or an infection. You should also inform your acupuncturist if you are pregnant. This information is essential as it can cause a problem if you do not tell your doctor about it.
Understanding the treatment plan
Before you proceed to begin your Acupuncture sessions, ensure that you fully understand the treatment plan. You will be better off with an acupuncturist who explains every detail of the treatment session to you. You should never be left in the dark when you are about to start your Acupuncture treatment.
Benefits Of Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care
There are so many benefits of Acupuncture. Acupuncture may be a treatment option to consider if you are experiencing persistent pain and are looking for non-medication approaches to managing your symptoms.
Acupuncture will restore your health and improve your well-being through advanced and reliable techniques. When used together, acupuncture and chiropractic care can help improve daily function and quality of life.
Acupuncture Benefits
Acupuncture is an excellent alternative to modern treatments because of the following reasons:
- Controls some types of pain naturally
- It helps patients who can’t use modern pain medications
- Safe with few side effects
- Works effectively with other treatments
- Cost-effective compared to other treatment options
- Effective at treating a variety of conditions
- It can treat multiple conditions simultaneously, for example, lower back pain and knee pain
Traditional Chinese Medicine
This method of medicine has been used for thousands of years. TCM works based on manipulating the body’s life force, also known as Qi. Traditional Chinese acupuncture is practiced worldwide and is used as a treatment option for various health concerns. Its effectiveness in helping patients manage certain health concerns has contributed to its continued use.
Chiropractic Adjustment
This is a procedure in which chiropractors use their hands or a small object to apply force to the spinal joints. Chiropractors are well-trained in the use of spinal manipulation to improve your spinal and physical motion. They use Chiropractic adjustments to relieve low back pain, neck pain, muscle aches, pinched nerves, and headaches. Patients who usually get the adjustments will get relief from pain and overall improved well-being.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a manual therapy technique that is usually used in massage. It is an effective way to release trigger points and improve blood circulation. Chiropractors utilize myofascial release to release tightness, and pain and improve the level of motion in the patient.
You need a myofascial release if you have persistent pain that does not seem to go away, even with remedies like the use of ice packs. Most people experience an immediate feeling of relief after their session.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy aims to relieve pain and improve mobility. Chiropractors also use it to help patients recover from sports-related injuries. It is used to promote, maintain, and restore the physical health of a patient.
Book an Appointment
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Acupuncture treat?
- Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Low back pain
- Dental pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines
- Labor pain
- Neck pain
- Menstrual cramps
Q: How long do the effects of treatment last?
The amount of time that an Acupuncture treatment will last depends on a few factors. Generally, the effects of Acupuncture can last for a week or longer. These sessions will effectively help you to feel less pain.
