Comments

Archives

The Safety of Acupuncture


Many people go to an acupuncturist for help with specific symptoms or conditions. Others may feel doubtful about the process of having needles inserted into their body and the safety of Acupuncture, nevertheless millions of people all over the world believe in its effectiveness to relieve many types of ailments.

These might include:

An acupuncturist not only performs needling on his patient, but will often prescribe Chinese herbal medicine

Acupuncture Safety

Acupuncture is a safe treatment for all, although for babies and children, pressure rather than needles may be used. Acupuncture has proved to be effective in pregnancy management and for the relief of pain in childbirth. It is also helpful for people trying to overcome addictions such as those related to smoking, alcohol, food or drugs. Some people may have acupuncture as a preventive measure to strengthen their constitution, or because they feel unwell in themselves without being ‘ill’ in the Western sense. It can also be used alongside conventional medicine in the treatment of both acute and chronic disease. As with any therapy, the response to acupuncture can differ from one person to another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Acupuncture painful?

Most people relate needles to injections and blood tests; acupuncture is considerably different.

  • Acupuncture needles are much finer and are solid rather than hollow like injection needles. When the needle is inserted, the sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache. Needles are inserted either for a second or two, or may be left in place for 30 minutes or more, depending on the effect required. During treatment, patients commonly experience heaviness in the limbs or a pleasant feeling of relaxation. Occasionally people may experience drowsiness after treatment, in which case it is advisable not to drive or do anything that can put you at risk.

Any “Do’s” and “Don’ts”  prior to treatment?

To enhance the effectiveness of the treatment, the following should be observed:

  • Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.
  • Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.
  • Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.
  • Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.
  • Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem.

How many treatments will I need?

Each patient is unique. The number and frequency of treatments will vary from patient to patient. Some symptoms are relieved after the first treatment, while others may take four to ten treatments. While a specific problem is being worked on, you may visit your acupuncturist once or twice a week, and gradually reduce the frequency to once or twice a month. To simply maintain good health, you may limit your treatments to once every season – four times a year.

What can I expect during my treatment?

Acupuncture needles are very thin and not hollow like injection needles. They all should be pre-sterilized, individually packed, disposable and used once and discarded. Most people receive acupuncture treatment lying, down, although a seated position is sometimes used. Your acupuncturist will guide you and help you relax and receive the most benefit from treatment.The needles are as thin as human hair and are tapped in through a tiny tube. The needles are left in body for 25 to 30 minutes. Most patients go into a state of deep relaxation and some even fall asleep due to the endorphins which are released during the treatment. In areas where the muscles are especially tight, electrodes may be attached to the needles. The electrical current provides a steady vibration to the tight muscles which feels like a gentle massage.

Are there any side effects?

There are conditions for which acupuncture treatment is not recommended. The trained practitioner will advise the patient when this applies. See also section on contraindications below.
The benefits of acupuncture frequently include more than just relief from a particular condition. Many people find that it can also lead to increased energy levels, better appetite and sleep as well as an enhanced sense of overall well being.

Does Acupuncture work?

Millions of people all around the world are helped by acupuncture. It is mostly used in China, Japan Korea and other South East Asian countries; now its use is spreading throughout the world. Some medical insurance companies have listed acupuncture as a reimbursable medical treatment. Headline: 30 January 2009: US military approves use of acupuncture for pain relief. Acceptance by an (arguably) conservative organization !


Acupuncture
Uploaded by Macbeth. – Discover more life & style videos.health related websites

Related posts:

  1. Acupuncture Lowers High Blood pressure
  2. Creative Ways to Give Up Smoking
  3. Relief From Migraine Headaches Naturally

Comments are closed.