Acupuncture Treatment

 

Acupuncture treatment has been used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including pain, fibromyalgia and nausea from chemotherapy and surgery. It may also help ease a headache, lower blood pressure, treat anxiety and depression and reduce the side effects of some medicines, such as hormone therapy for menopause symptoms.

Acupoints are points on the body where there are natural energy channels that run through and connect different parts of the body. During acupuncture, thin needles are inserted into these acupoints. Many patients report feeling little or no pain during the treatment. Some feel only a slight prick, like the feeling when you get a vaccine or blood drawn. Others say they feel a deep heaviness or tingling sensations, which means that the needle is working.

Before you have an acupuncture session, your practitioner will ask about your medical history and symptoms. They'll then perform an exam, such as checking for a pulse in your wrist or looking at the color of your tongue. This helps them decide where to put the needles. Acupuncture points often lie on the body's surface, but sometimes are deep inside the muscles or bones. Once the acupuncturist places the needles, they're left in place for about 20 minutes. You should relax during this time.

Some studies have shown that acupuncture relieves back pain and migraines. It's not clear, though, whether acupuncture is effective for other conditions, such as fibromyalgia or knee pain from osteoarthritis. Other research has found that acupuncture can be helpful for people who have undergone chemotherapy or are experiencing side effects from cancer drugs, such as vomiting and nausea.

Acupuncture is safe for most people, but it's important to choose a licensed acupuncturist. Acupuncturists should use only sterile needles, which are labeled and disposed of after each use. Unsterilized needles can cause infections and other problems. Acupuncture shouldn't be done on people with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinners, such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Acupuncture has very few contraindications, but your acupuncturist might recommend that you avoid it if you have an implanted pacemaker, such as an artificial cardiac pacemaker (AICD), or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. It's also best not to undergo acupuncture while you have a fever or an infection. In addition, some people don't react well to the treatment if they have a metal implant in their body, such as a hip or knee replacement. Talk to your acupuncturist about what to expect and how long you might need to continue treatments. They might suggest you have 針治療  weekly at first and then space them out as you notice improvements. They might also tell you to make lifestyle changes to support your treatment and prolong its effect. For example, a practitioner might suggest you improve your posture or choose an ergonomic chair to help with back pain. They might also suggest herbal remedies or a special diet to improve your condition. You should discuss any supplements or herbs you're taking with your acupuncturist to make sure they won't interfere with the medications you take.