Acupuncture is an incredible alternative to medications that have adverse side effects. With minimal or no risks, it can treat various conditions and alleviate pain. That’s the reason people prefer getting acupuncture sessions instead of other treatment options.
However, there are some limitations of acupuncture; it can’t be used for all conditions and pains. In this article, we will discuss what acupuncture can treat so that you can have an idea of when to look for a licensed acupuncturist.
What is Acupuncture, and How Does it Work?
Acupuncture is an ancient practice in Chinese medicine therapy. It is a way of treating pain and various mental and physical conditions by inserting needles in specific pressure points.
According to Chinese medicine theory, there are over a couple thousand pressure points in the pathway of energy flow or Qi. When this energy flow in the body becomes disrupted, it can lead to various health issues.
By inserting small metal needles at these pressure points, the energy flow is improved. These small needles stimulate the nervous system and direct the blood flow and energy toward the affected area for quick healing.
The needles also help in the release of endorphins that act as pain relievers. It reduces pain and gives relief to the patient quicker than other treatment options. It also stimulates the immune system, which plays a vital role in improving overall health.
What Can Acupuncture Treat List
Acupuncture is beneficial in treating various health conditions and diseases. For some conditions, you will find clinical studies that back acupuncture, but in some cases, there are only experiences.
Some conditions that acupuncture can treat are:
Neck pain
Nerve pain
Knee pain
Headache and migraine
Allergies
Insomnia
Menstrual cramps
Arthritis
What to Expect in Acupuncture Sessions
You must consult your physician or licensed acupuncturist to know whether you should take acupuncture sessions or not. They decide on the condition, severity, and other factors.
You will lie down during the procedure, and the acupuncturist will insert needles at certain pressure points. You will feel minimal or no pain, like a pin prick or tingling. The metal needle is very thin, just like human hair, so you don’t feel much pain.
An acupuncture session typically takes 60 minutes, depending on the type of illness or pain, severity, and other things. Your acupuncturist will recommend the number of sessions you need to get rid of the health issue. Usually, we recommend 8-12 sessions for better results.
You may need to continue acupuncture along with other treatments in some cases. It helps in relieving pain and dealing with the severity of the issue.
Risks of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has minimal risk or no risk. Some of the common side effects and risks you should know of are:
Bleeding and bruising after the session is common. Your pressure points might become sore
Make sure the needles are disposable and new. Non-sterilized needles cause various diseases
The needle might break while inserting into a pressure point, but it is quite rare.
Visit Our Acupuncture Clinic in West Edmonton
If you want to get relief from any of the conditions listed, I would love to examine your condition and propose the best plan for quick healing.
I’m a licensed acupuncturist with more than a decade of experience where I’ve dealt with numerous conditions and patients. Visit our clinic to get a tailored acupuncture treatment plan according to the health condition you are suffering from. Book an appointment today or call (780) 224-7111.