It’s estimated that as much as 16% of Spain’s population may be suffering from chronic pain. And now more than ever, more people are turning to alternative medicine for relief.
The underlying principle behind many forms of alternative medicine is balance. Acupuncture is based on the idea that healing and restoration come from within. It is one of the natural treatments used for ages in Chinese medicine to heal imbalances in the body.
It can seem a little terrifying if you’re new to this holistic form of therapy. You may wonder how pressing needles into the skin can make you heal without feeling painful. Well, acupuncture is a painless procedure known to treat various conditions.
Today, acupuncture is used in pain management and stress management. If you are new to this form of alternative medicine, here’s everything you should know:
What is Acupuncture?
As an ancient Chinese medicine-based approach, acupuncture triggers specific points on the skin. It uses needles in a less invasive way to activate nerve-rich areas on your skin. When done well, it can influence organs, glands, tissues, and different body functions.
When getting acupuncture, each acupuncture needle causes a tiny injury. The insertion is impactful enough to get a response from the body.
The body responds by stimulating the immune system during the procedure. It also boosts blood circulation in the insertion area. As a result, it induces pain modulation and wound healing.
Philosophy Behind Acupuncture
Acupuncture doesn’t have any foundation in medicine or science. It is based on the notion that the human body is driven by and filled with an invisible life-giving force.
In Chinese culture, this life-giving force is also known as qi (pronounced “chee”). It flows throughout the body and carries healing properties.
When the life-giving force flows to all the right places, it is beneficial. You are likely to experience a great state of physical and mental health. If the qi is deficient or blocked, you are more likely to fall ill.
Think of qi as your body’s inner workings that control your physical and mental state. Acupuncture seeks to help you achieve balance and offer relief for several conditions.
Your body has hundreds of acupuncture points lying along 14 major meridians. Acupuncture needles stimulate these energy-carrying channels for various reasons.
These channels may rebalance the body or respond to an illness. They may also release various chemicals/hormones when stimulated.
Choosing an Acupuncturist
Choosing an acupuncturist is a lot the same as choosing a doctor. You have to ask your trusted contacts for recommendations. Verify the practitioner’s licenses or certifications issued by relevant authorized bodies.
Interview prospective acupuncturists before agreeing to sign up as a client. Ask what’s involved in their work and how the treatment can help your specific condition. You should also find out more about the costs and insurance coverage.
Remember to inform your personal doctor once you consider acupuncture. The physician can guide you on the success rate of the practice in treating your condition. They may also recommend you to a reputable acupuncturist.
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Appointment
Your acupuncturist will insert a set of very thin needles into specific parts of your body. The process may cause a little discomfort.
Each acupuncturist has their own treatment style. Some use methods such as electroacupuncture, while others combine different methods.
Your practitioner will ask about your lifestyle, behaviours, and symptoms. This information helps determine the right type of homeopathic treatment. They may also examine your pulse (on the wrist), face colour, tongue colour and shapes, and ailing body parts.
A typical acupuncture session takes about 60 minutes. The treatment plan may span one or two weeks.
Your practitioner will inform you about the needle insertion areas. They will also ask you to lie on a padded table during the procedure. Expect to feel energised or relaxed after the treatment.
Conditions that Acupuncture Treats
You can count on acupuncture as a treatment for many types of health conditions or issues. It can help relieve chronic pain such as arthritis, knee pain, and migraine. The therapy also relieves sports injuries, menstrual cramps, back pain, and muscle pain.
Acupuncture can help you cope with conditions like cancer, and nerve discomfort. It is also a treatment for repetitive strain disorders, infertility, and facial pain.
Even more, acupuncture is a great treatment for conditions related to the central nervous system. It forces the central nervous system to release chemicals into the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. These biochemical changes stimulate your body’s natural healing properties to promote well-being.
Benefits of Acupuncture You Don’t Want to Forego
Unlike drug-based treatments that have negative side effects, acupuncture is considered safe. It has to be carried out by a qualified acupuncturist for the best outcomes.
Acupuncture offers drug-free pain relief with minimal risks. You won’t have to worry about developing dependencies or addictions to the therapy. Acupuncture can help treat allergies to specific types of medication.
Most acupuncturists combine the practice with different forms of therapies for holistic healing. The treatment blends well with Chinese herbal medicine to help cognitive-impaired patients.
Acupuncture promotes holistic wellness since it addresses the underlying cause of a condition. Unlike modern treatments designed to treat symptoms, the practice does the opposite. It considers the body as a unit that can help with the healing process.
If you suffer from sporadic or chronic insomnia, acupuncture can help you find relief. You can also count on it to strengthen the immune system and help your body build disease resistance. With regular visits to an acupuncturist’s clinic, you can recover from an injury or illness.
Acupuncture helps build self-awareness in a world where it’s easy to lose meaning. The practice broadens your view of mental, physical, and spiritual forces that affect your daily life.
You may also feel energised hours, days, or weeks after seeking this treatment. Acupuncture can increase patience, too, and help you in self-development.
Schedule an Acupuncture Session Today
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicinal practice used to treat imbalances in the body. It involves the insertion of fine needs at specific points on the skin. The treatment helps restore the energy order of the body spiritually, emotionally, and emotionally.
Count on Acu-Max for different forms of traditional Chinese medicine treatments. Our specialists will analyse your health issue or condition before recommending relevant treatment. For more information or bookings, leave a message on our Contact Us page.