Acupuncture can be a great experience for people that are informed about the process and the benefits that can result. Rather than assuming that acupuncture will be very uncomfortable or painful, keep reading on to find out the truth. The tips in this article should give you some clarity about the process!
Although needles are involved, acupuncture should not be too painful. Keep in mind that the needles are generally a lot thinner than those you encounter in your doctor’s office. Therefore, if you are nervous about getting “stuck,” you really should not be. You will feel them, but you should not experience extreme pain.
Remember that acupuncture effects take time to make a difference. You can’t expect you see results after a single acupuncture session. You generally have to attend several sessions before you start seeing the benefits. Make sure you stick with your scheduled sessions so that you can achieve those great results.
Make sure the acupuncturist you go to performs painless acupuncture. Painless treatments are very popular in the U.S. but pain can actually play a part in relieving your stress or treating your health problem. You should not try these treatments until you know more about acupuncture and are ready to try a more advanced treatment.
Talk to a doctor about anything you are taking if you plan on having acupuncture treatments. If you are currently taking medication, herbs, or supplements, you need to speak to your doctor about what you can continue to take. They may have to make changes to what you’re taking before or in between your acupuncture treatments.
Some people should not have acupuncture done. For example, pregnant women should avoid it because it can cause premature labor. Those with pacemakers should not have it done because electrical pulses may be applied to the needles, which may stop a pacemaker from functioning properly. Speak with your doctor before having acupuncture done to be sure it is safe for you.
If you feel pain during an acupuncture session, let your practitioner know. A small prick is normal when the needle is inserted, but you should not feel anything beyond that. More intense pain can mean that the practitioner hit a nerve, and this can cause you to experience adverse side effects if it is not immediately addressed.
Do some research about the different kinds of acupuncture before you begin looking for an acupuncture practitioner. American acupuncturists can practice based on traditions from Korea, China or Japan. Always ask about your practitioner’s training and exactly what kind of procedures they use. It is also helpful to find out if one branch of acupuncture is more effective than another for your particular condition.
Acupuncture can help you get more energy. If you have a hard time with going through your daily tasks and often feel drained, find an acupuncturist. You should explain them your problems and they will be able to help you thanks to a treatment designed to boost your energy level.
If a method is unpleasant to you, let your acupuncturist know. Acupuncture encompasses many types of techniques. This may involve heating up the needles while inserted to prompt stimulation. It it’s uncomfortable, let them know.
Even if you are a skeptic when it comes to acupuncture, do your best to keep an open mind. Scientific studies are ongoing regarding the effectiveness of such treatments, and there is new information being discovered all the time. Keep up to date on current research, discuss your findings with your doctor and consider acupuncture treatments for your health conditions. This just might help you to find the relief you have been looking for.
While acupuncture is considered a very safe procedure, there can be some minor side effects following treatment. It may cause a worsening of the original symptoms in some cases. This is usually temporary. The treatment may also bring on headaches, fatigue, lightheadedness or nausea. These side effects usually disappear quickly.
Use heat treatments after your acupuncture appointments to keep your muscles relaxed. Acupuncture helps to keep everything moving as it should throughout your body. If you try to ice the areas that are painful at a later time, you won’t be doing yourself any favors. Heat will complement your acupuncture treatment.
Require that you see any acupuncture needles unwrapped in front of you prior to usage. This is a big safety concern as these needles must be used one time only by the practitioners. Otherwise it can be of serious medical concern. If there’s an open package in front of you that you didn’t see open, request a new set of needles.
Take time to understand the different types of acupuncture before you book your first appointment. There are several different methods of acupuncture, and different acupuncturists are all trained a bit differently. When you call the office, ask what type of acupuncture they preform to make sure it is a method that you will be happy with.
It is best to receive your acupuncture treatments on a regular basis. Schedule two weekly appointments for your first month and change the frequency of your appointments in function of how efficient they are. If your chronic pain or your stress is mostly gone, a monthly appointment might be enough.
Only use a properly licensed acupuncturist. Find out their medical history and confirm that they have the right documentation. Research your practitioner thoroughly and contact your local health department to get specific information.
Get yourself into a relaxed state before beginning your acupuncture treatment. Life is full of tensions, from work assignments to family arguments. Leave those behind when you get on the acupuncture table. The more you’re able to relax, the better you’ll respond to the treatments given. That’s where you want to be.
If you want to try acupuncture and you have not heard that much about it, you can learn more about the process by reading about it or asking friends. However, the tips in this article should have given you some idea on how it works. Now you can make the decision about going through with it, if it’s right for you!
