The legendary healing and therapeutic powers of acupuncture have been proclaimed by people throughout the history of time. The sad fact remains, though, that the practice of acupuncture remains a mystery to a vast segment of the population. Fortunately, the article below includes a wealth of useful information to help you better understand the benefits acupuncture can offer.

Remember that acupuncture does not use needles. Many people think that they are being stuck with small needles that hurt, but this isn’t the case. Tiny, solid and sterile little pins that are about the thickness of a strand of hair are what are used for acupuncture. Many of them are flexible, and since they aren’t hollow, they rarely cause pain.

If you’d like to use acupuncture for relief from aches and pains, but have a fear of needles, consider doing what you can to overcome those reservations. Acupuncture can help get rid of pain and make your life simpler. Don’t let a little anxiety get in the way of living with less pain!

For the best experience at your acupuncture treatment, wear comfortable clothing. This will allow the acupuncturist to access any pressure points that are important for your treatment. Also, it is a good idea to write down your symptoms and bring a list of problem areas so that you can give specific details for him to target.

Use caution if an acupuncturist tells you this treatment can cure major illnesses like AIDS or cancer. Acupuncture has been known to help relieve some issues naturally, but it is not something that can replace treatments by medical doctors for something as serious as cancer. Accept these treatments for being treatments, and don’t stop seeing your doctor if you’ve got a serious illness.

Make sure you don’t rush off to your appointments. When you’re having an acupuncture session, you want to be in a relaxed state of mind. Aim to get to your appointment about 15 to 20 minutes early. This way, if any last minute delays crop up, they won’t be a big source of stress.

If you are receiving an acupuncture treatment and notice that pain persists for more than two minutes after a needle is inserted, speak up. Sometimes a needle can hit a spot in the body called a nerve meridian. When this happens, the result is discomfort and pain. The practitioner might need to remove the needle and try again in a different spot.

All acupuncture needles should be labeled for single use only. Make sure this is the case in your acupuncturists office. Ask to see the needles, and make sure they are bagged appropriately and labeled for single use. If this is not the case, you could risk exposure to dangerous diseases.

Listen to music during your acupuncture session. Choose something that relaxes you completely, not something that well rev you up. Remember, it’s all about relaxing. Classical music is a great choice, or you could opt for a relaxing form of jazz. It’s ok if you’re relaxed to the point of near sleep. That will help your muscles respond to the treatment.

There is quite a bit of mystery surrounding the benefits of acupuncture. Medically speaking acupuncture may help your body produce natural pain-killing chemicals and possibly help your body release them when needed. Traditionally, acupuncture will help balance the way energy flows through your body. This energy flow is called your qi.

If the acupuncturist makes promises to cure you in a specific number of sessions, you might want to reconsider. It is a very individualized treatment, so there isn’t a typical course of treatment. Your practitioner should let you know what results you can reasonably expect to achieve with treatment.

Make sure you request to see official credentials prior to accepting any form of acupuncture treatment. Just like in other areas of heath care, there are some less than reputable forces at work that are just looking to take your money. If the practitioner has no credentials, look to someone else for your care.

If you cannot afford an acupuncture treatment, look into going to a community acupuncture session. These sessions take place in large and quiet rooms where several patients are treated at the same time. You will still get a chance to explain your problems and get a customized treatment from a qualified acupuncturist.

Do not worry if you are not comfortable with disrobing for your treatment. Most of the acupuncture points are located on your hands and feet. If a treatment requires your acupuncturist to place needles on other points of your body, make sure you wear very loose clothes so these points can easily be accessed.

Some acupuncturists offer nutrition therapy in addition to their regular services. Speak with your practitioner to comprehend the nutritional benefits of this approach. He or she can give you guidelines on what foods to eat in order to regenerate your qi.

Stress isn’t the only problem you will notice a reduction in over time: pain will also begin to lessen after each treatment. Pains may be as severe as menstrual pains or carpal tunnel, yet these thin needles will be enough to encourage a positive response from the body. Migraines and other similar conditions are also treatable through acupuncture.

Tell your regular doctor that you are considering acupuncture treatments. Your doctor will be able to inform you about his or her experience with acupuncture therapy and success rates for people with your condition. Your doctor will also help you understand what to expect and may even be able to recommend a practitioner.

You should talk to your usual doctor about acupuncture if you want to find out if this method is right for you. Acupuncture has been proven to be efficient for certain conditions, including chronic lower back pain, migraine and problems connected to stress. Talk to different medical professionals about acupuncture.

It is difficult to ignore the legions of acupuncture fans who regularly testify to the strength and effectiveness this unique method of healing has had for so many. By heeding the advice and guidance found above, you now have what it takes to optimize the impact acupuncture can have on your daily life. With any luck, the effects will be truly significant.