Have you heard about acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that has become widely popular in the United States for its ability to stimulate the body’s natural healing process.
This treatment can be used for a number of ailments by stimulating acupoints in the body using very fine sterile needles. The word needle may make you a bit unsettled, but these needles are so fine you don’t feel them. The treatment is actually very relaxing and there is no pain when receiving this treatment.
Acupuncture is based on a philosophy that the body has a flowing energy running through it. This energy is called “qi”(pronounced chee). When that energy is in balance the body is considered healthy. When a person’s qi is imbalanced, or blocked it can cause a number of different issues, including pain in the body. Acupuncture helps to open up your meridians, or pathways in the body so the energy can flow freely, which helps to reduce chronic conditions or ailments.
How does Acupuncture help chronic pain?
Many studies have found that acupuncture can be very beneficial for patients suffering from chronic pain. Specific studies done by the National Institute of Health (NIH) found that these treatments can target the source of your pain to increase endorphins to ease the severity of your pain symptoms. Doing these treatments on a regular basis may help to continue your general well-being.
Some of the pain conditions that acupuncture treats are:
- osteoarthritis
- neck/back pain
- headaches/migraines
During an acupuncture treatment
When you arrive for your acupuncture appointment your acupuncturist will bring you in to his/her office. More than likely you will fill out some paperwork detailing your medical history. Your acupuncturist will go over this information with you and find out the reason for your visit. All of these details allow the acupuncturists to come up with a plan of treatment for your pain. He/she will go over their recommendations before starting treatment.
Once the treatments starts, your acupuncturist will have you lay on a table. They will then clean the areas being treated and gently place very thin, sterile needles in those points. You won’t feel most of the points being placed. Every now and then you may feel a slight pinch, but that’s rare.
After all of the points are placed, you will lay in relaxation for about 30 minutes. During this time you can sleep, meditate or just lay with your thoughts. Once the treatment has finished, your acupuncturist will come back and remove the needles. He/she will go over a continued follow up plan and discuss self-care protocol at home.
If you’re experiencing severe chronic pain symptoms, the acupuncturist may recommend having a weekly treatment. For others you may just need 1x per month or as needed.
Is acupuncture right for me?
Acupuncture can be a very effective treatment for many conditions. Pain is one of them. Typically acupuncture will not heal your pain on its own. This treatment is best used in conjunction with other pain treatments. It is best to speak with your doctor to find out if acupuncture is right for you and if it could help your symptoms.
Finally
When looking for an acupuncturist it is best to get a referral from your physician. He/she will usually have a list of people that they recommend. Make sure to do your research before deciding if acupuncture is a treatment you want to try.
I am a believer in the benefits of this treatment and how it can help a number of conditions. It’s important to know that acupuncture takes time and you won’t see a fix overnight. Going regularly may help relieve severe chronic
For further questions regarding this treatment, please schedule a visit at our clinic.
You can also check us out on our Integrated Spine, Pain and Wellness Facebook page, or connect with us on Instagram @drashugoyle.
Here’s to good health and less pain,
Dr. Goyle
