What Acupuncture Is For And How It Can Help

Acupuncture is an ancient therapy that is regaining popularity today. It is often used as a complimentary therapy for treating pain caused by anything from menstruation and arthritis to chemotherapy and fibromyalgia. If you or someone you know suffers from pain and would like to try acupuncture, keep reading to learn the risks and rewards that can come with acupuncture. What Acupuncture Is For
Talk to your health insurance company before scheduling treatments at an acupuncture office. You need to find out whether or not acupuncture is covered by your health insurance policy. Ask your provider which insurance companies they’re working with so that you don’t get surprised with a huge bill. What Acupuncture Is For
When determining which acupuncturist to use, make sure you find out whether the person is NCCAOM certified. This certification indicates that the doctor took an exam and finished a comprehensive program. While it is not a guarantee that the acupuncturist will be the right fit for you, it is a good start.
If you have some fear of acupuncture because you think that it is going to hurt, ask your acupuncturist about techniques in painless needling. Ask questions about where he learned that technique and how long he has been practicing it. Only go with practitioners who have had multiple years of experience. What Acupuncture Is For
You might acupuncture to be painful, but this is just a common misconception. You should experience little to no pain during an acupuncture session. The needles are extremely tiny, and are hard to see from even a few feet from the body. You might feel a small pinch at insertion, or you may not. What Acupuncture Is For
If your acupuncture therapist starts to place needles between your eyes, on your abdomen or in other unusual spots, do not be alarmed. Sometimes the pressure points he must reach are located in these areas, and it is quite normal to place needles there. An added bonus is that these areas typically hurt less than other areas where needles are placed, making the session a more pleasant one.
Do not workout before your acupuncture session. It’s acceptable to continue your workouts, but try to complete it with less intensity. Runners should take a walk instead. Don’t go trying anything new on session day.
As you would with many other services, schedule a consultation with any prospective acupuncturists. These generally last 10-15 minutes, but they can give you an idea of whether or not they are right for you. Ask them any questions that you have, talk about their experience and education, express any concerns, and pay attention to how they make you feel in their office. If you ever feel uncomfortable, try someone else.
If you’re intimidated by acupuncture, relax! Yes, big, scary needles are a part of it, but they aren’t as bad as they seem. The needles are completely sterile and disposed after each use. They’re also very thin, which means they won’t be painful like a shot or an IV might be.
It is not uncommon to experience muscle twitching during an acupuncture treatment. You should not worry about muscle twitching but let your acupuncturist know if you experience a muscle spasm. This can easily be treated in a few minutes at the end of your appointment. If you repeatedly get this problem, try a different treatment.
Ask a lot of questions prior to your acupuncture treatments. Asking questions is a great way to understand what to expect and how the treatments might be able to help you. Questions can also help to relieve stress that might hinder the healing process. Any reputable practitioner will be glad to answer your questions and put your mind at ease.
An emotional release while undergoing acupuncture is a common occurrence. Don’t be alarmed if your emotions take you by surprise during treatment. Keep in mind that your acupuncturist is used to seeing patients crying or laughing for no reasons. This release shows the treatment is actually effective. What Acupuncture Is For
Educate yourself on acupuncture before you go for a session. Read up on both Oriental acupuncture and modern practices. You may also want to speak to practitioners. When it comes to acupuncture, many people are skeptical. It’ll be easier to avoid that skepticism and trust in your acupuncturist when you know more about its history.
While it doesn’t happen often, you may experience bruising as a result of your acupuncture treatment. It is nothing to worry about, and there is no way to tell ahead of time if you are prone to bruising or not. It will happen to some patients regardless of how gentle the doctor is or how good their methods are.
If you are going to the acupuncturist for pain relief, be sure to apply heat after the session. Acupuncture gets the blood flowing in order to remove blockages to relieve pain. The use of ice will have the opposite effect and will negate the pain relief benefits you receive after a session.
Make your acupuncture sessions count. Go into them with an open mind and in a relaxed state. If you go in skeptical and tense, you’ll not be in the right place to really get maximum benefit. In fact, you may leave your initial sessions upset that you aren’t seeing immediate results. Relax, get in the right mood, and be patient.
As you choose an acupuncturist, research is key. Sadly, not every practitioner available to you will be the best choice. Start with a list of recommendations and contact each. Ask for references and follow up on them. Check out the cleanliness of their office and ask about their needle cleaning practices. What Acupuncture Is For
When selecting an acupuncturist, make sure you inquire as to the specialization of potential practitioners. Certain ones may concentrate on pain management, and others might focus on chronic illness. When you find a doctor who specializes in your health issue, they are likely to be the best choice. What Acupuncture Is For
As mentioned earlier, acupuncture can be used to treat pain stemming from any number of health issues. As you can now see, the ancient therapy is popular again today for good reason. You can now use the tips and information you’ve learned here to find a reputable practitioner and reap the many benefits of acupuncture for pain relief.