Acupuncture is believed to have started in China. It has been used for hundreds of years to treat several diseases. The treatment is based on the theory that a human body is made up of meridians or channels through which QI or ‘life force’ flows. The use of acupuncture offers relief and vibrations the body requires. It allows positive energy to take over the body.
Acupuncture involves the use of thin but strong needles which are carefully inserted into the body. The insertion is done in a way that the needles unlock the channels. The objective is to release blocked meridians so as to allow Qi flow through the body.
The flow of energy serves as a communication network. It promotes healing as well as the normal function of the body. You also have to think about fascia systems which connect everything in the body. Connective tissues and fascia do conduct energy.
What Science Says About Acupuncture
Various studies have suggested that acupuncture can help relieve several types of chronic pain including neck pain, back pain, and knee pain/osteoarthritis. It has also been found to reduce the frequency of tension headaches and also prevents migraines. As a result, acupuncture is considered to be the best treatment option for persons who suffer chronic pain.
Acupuncture sessions are mostly targeted at getting rid of the causes of arthritis, lower back pain, and other pains or aches. All the same, it is good to note that the effects of acupuncture are not fully understood. Current findings have shown that the positive effects of acupuncture are due to a range of factors.
Common Types of Acupuncture
- Body acupuncture
This is the type of acupuncture most people are familiar with. Thin needles are inserted from the toes to the head in various parts of the body. This treatment helps treat many medical conditions.
- Electroacupuncture
With this treatment, needles are usually warped once they get into the body. They also triggered with a moderate electrical current. This leads to a tingling sensation. Some practitioners claim this sensation is what helps with healing.
- Auricular acupuncture
With this treatment, fine needles are inserted in the ear. The procedure helps treat addictions like smoking and alcoholism. When used together with body acupuncture, the treatment has been found to treat barrenness in women.
Does Acupuncture Really Work?
According to ‘The Acupuncture Evidence Project: A Comparative Literature Review’ published in 2017 by Stephen Janz and John McDonald, there are approximately 117 conditions with evident effect. The project reviews 112 conditions and featured acupuncture in treating more than musculoskeletal pain. 8 conditions were featured where acupuncture had positive effects.
Health Benefits
- Acupuncture relieves chronic back pain, musculoskeletal pains and arthritis
- It is beneficial for persons with sleep disorders and insomnia
- Helps with the control of addictions like drug addictions, smoking, and alcoholism
- It is a holistic treatment method that treats all health disorders and problems
- Replenishes energy levels that are declining due to stress, anxiety, or age
- Improves immunity and strengthens the circulatory system
- It is very effective for persons with regular headaches and migraines
Risks to Consider During Therapy
- Acupuncture is dangerous for anyone that has a bleached skin layer or a bleeding disorder.
- Unsterilized needles may cause infections. The therapy center has to clean and sterilize the needles as well as maintain proper hygiene.
- The needles can break. This can lead to a damaged internal organ.
- When inserted too deeply in the upper back or chest area, the needles can pierce the lung. While this is a rare occurrence, it happens.
Common Side Effects
While it is quite effective in treating various health issues, acupuncture has to be administered by an experienced professional. Some injuries that have been reported include:
- Accidental lung puncture, which can lead to a partial organ collapse
- Infection and viral hepatitis when reused or dirty needles are used
As you can see, the majority of acupuncture side effects result from insufficient training. It is very important that you be very careful when choosing a therapy center. While it is easy to assume that the needles hurt, the pain is only a fraction and not as severe as an injection. This is due to the fact that acupuncture needles are better than the ones used in a doctor’s syringe.
During and after the treatment, some people feel relaxed while others feel energized. After the needles are inserted, you may feel a slight tingling sensation, heaviness, or warmth in the area being treated. Some people feel absolutely nothing.
FAQ
How often do you need acupuncture treatments?
The number and frequency of treatment vary from one person to the other. Some patients experience great results after the first treatment. With long-term chronic diseases, one to two treatments a week may be required for a couple of months. Acute problems require fewer visits; usually 8 to 10 visits. A personalized treatment plan will be discussed on your first visit.
Does acupuncture treatment hurt?
The process is considered to be painless. However, the degree of discomfort varies from one person to the next. Some patients report little to no pain. Others describe the pain as being similar to the sensation you get when you pluck your hair. It is, however, important to note that the effectiveness and pain level of the treatment depends on the expertise of the acupuncturist. The treatment may also offer instant relief from diseases. All the same, you need more than one visit to the acupuncturist.
What conditions and illnesses can be treated using acupuncture therapy?
Acupuncture has had great results in treating various conditions. It is used in wellness programs to keep the body functioning optimally. Common diseases that can be treated using acupuncture include neck pain, back pain, headache, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, tennis elbow, radiculopathy and problems with intervertebral discs, insomnia, fertility, TMJ, and several other diseases.
Are you looking for a professional acupuncturist in Ajax or Pickering? CP Health offers a wide range of acupuncture treatments. We also offer physiotherapy to treat a wide range of conditions. Give us a call today to get your questions answered and to find out more about our services. CP Health is a sports medicine clinic, offering physiotherapy in Ajax and Pickering. To book an appointment CALL NOW at ? (905) 239-5001
