It seems a growing number of people in Edmonton are discovering acupuncture and want to know what they should expect after their appointment. While being hesitant about trying a new form of medicine is absolutely understandable, I am here to put your worries to rest.
As the third fastest-growing complementary therapy in Canada, acupuncture is being used to treat a wide variety of conditions and has several benefits post-treatment. I will dive into some of the most common side effects so you can know what to expect following your first acupuncture appointment.
But First… What Is Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine and has been around for thousands of years. Acupuncture posits that good health is the result of a balance of the energy force known as Qi (“chi”) in the body. When this Qi energy becomes unbalanced, a person can become unhealthy and sick.
Qi energy flows through pathways within the body and can be accessed through over 350 acupuncture points. During acupuncture, thin sterile needles are inserted into some of these points to redirect the energy and help the body achieve balance once again. Which points are accessed by the needles depends largely on the health condition or issues a patient is experiencing.
What Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture truly is all-encompassing and has been used to treat thousands of different health conditions. While there is still much research needed to prove which health conditions acupuncture is most successful in treating, some of the most common are immune disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, and musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. Acupuncture has also recently been used in the treatment of certain circulatory disorders such as high blood pressure, angina pectoris, arteriosclerosis, and anemia.
What To Expect After Your Acupuncture Appointment
So you have made your first acupuncture appointment and are wondering what to expect afterward. Will I be sore? Will I be tired? What type of side effects will I immediately feel? These are all perfectly fair questions to have. Here are some of the most common things you can expect.
Immediate Pain Relief
Because acupuncture treats specific points in the body, it works to clear blockages and pain points almost instantly. This means you can feel instant relief of pain and tightness following your appointment. How long the alleviation of pain lasts often depends on the severity of the condition.
If your health issues and pain are not too strong before acupuncture, you can expect your pain relief to last a long time. If you suffer from chronic pain issues, you will feel better after but it may not last as long as someone with more mild pain symptoms. Chronic pain conditions often require more consistent treatments to elongate pain relief post-appointment.
Total Relaxation
Acupuncture often releases natural morphine into the body causing patients to feel relaxed and sleepy. This is perfectly normal. In fact, some people describe the feeling as total relaxation. This feeling can last for hours or even days.
I typically recommend receiving acupuncture near the end of the day or making sure you have ample time afterwards to recharge your batteries. You can also expect a fantastic night of sleep post-appointment.
Emotional Release
Emotional release is less common among acupuncture patients but it still happens. Some patients report feeling an abundance of emotions which range from sadness to joy depending on the feelings that surface. While there are a few reasons acupuncture might help someone release pent-up emotions, one of the likeliest causes is the mental clarity you feel after. Your mind is clear and may begin processing or meditating on things it was avoiding prior. This is perfectly normal and releasing these emotions is all a part of the healing process.
Increased Urination and Bowel Movements
Throughout an acupuncture session, toxins are often released from various points in the body. This can lead to an increase in urination and bowel movements as the body begins to eliminate these toxins. If you find yourself peeing more or perhaps your bowel movements are more frequent in the days following your appointment — do not be alarmed. Remember to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
Also Read: Can Acupuncture Treat Migraines
Have More Questions About Acupuncture?
While acupuncture is certainly growing in popularity, especially here in Edmonton, it is still a relatively new practice to many starting their journey to a more holistic approach to their health. Questions are common and always welcomed.
As someone who has been practicing acupuncture for many years, I am well-versed in its usage for a variety of health conditions and chronic pain issues. If you are considering trying acupuncture for the first time, I encourage you to reach out today with any questions you may have. Together we construct a treatment plan that is specific to you. If you are searching for the best acupuncture in West Edmonton, come visit my clinic today.