How Acupuncture Can Alleviate Most Kinds of Pain

Acupuncture originally came from China, having been practiced there for thousands of years. It wasn’t until the second half of the 20th century that it made its way over to Western Europe and the United States as well as Canada. There have been many different thoughts regarding acupuncture throughout the years, some positive and some negative. The most recent consensus is a lot more widely accepted although thought to be fairly new age regarding the spiritual side of the treatment. Many people will avoid the idea because of this, but for others, this is precisely the reason they want to try it out. Either way, whatever benefits you is what you should base your decision on. Let’s look a little deeper into what acupuncture actually is.

How it Works
Acupuncture is done by inserting extremely thin needles into a patient in very specific areas of the body. Different needles are inserted in a different depths. While there is some controversy regarding scientific results, it is commonly accepted that acupuncture does real relieve pain. Chinese theory also promotes the spiritual awareness of acupuncture as well as the physical needs.

If usually takes several treatments over a period of a couple of weeks, up to 12 sessions. You will first undergo an exam with the acupuncturist in order to assess your condition, after this will come the needles and advice on after care. You can except a session to last about 30 minutes.

You will be asked to lie down, sometimes face up or sometimes face down, depending on where the needles will be used. Acupuncture for back pain, for example, will have you laying face down on the tables. Initially there will be no pain as the needle is inserted but patients usually say there is a deep aching feeling once the needle reaches its intended depth. Needles can be heated or gently charged with electricity after being inserted, depending on the treatment. The needles will stay in for about 20 minutes.

The Benefits of Acupuncture

1. It is completely safe when being done properly but a licensed professional.
2. There are very few recorded side effects associated with acupuncture for back pain or any other kind.
3. It is a combination treatment that can be very effective and efficient.
4. It has been seen to be proficient in controlling certain types of pain.
5. If a patient is not responding to pain medication, this may be the answer.
6. It is a beneficial alternative to patients who are against using pain medication.

The Risks of Acupuncture

1. If the patient has a bleeding disorder it can be quite dangerous.
2. If the patient is taking blood thinners that can also be dangerous.
3. There is a chance of bleeding or bruising or soreness where the needles were inserted.
4. If done incorrectly, the needle can puncture an organ.
5. If done incorrectly, needles that have not been properly sterilized can cause infection

Where Needles Can Go to Help Alleviate Pain

1. Head- 20 sessions over a four week period can reduce migraines.
2. Nose- 12 sessions can reduce chronic allergies and reduce the need of antihistamines.
3. Heart- While the needles would not go directly into the heart, of course, correct placement can decrease stress and lower blood pressure.
4. Throat- 10 sessions over four weeks can treat acid re-flux and heartburn.
5. Back- acupuncture for back pain has been known to work after 10 sessions over 5 weeks.

Other Conditions it can Treat

1. Weight- can help shed up to nine pounds over 2 weekly sessions
2. Menopause- eases hot flashes by regulating body temperature
3. Depression- results compare to counseling because of stimulation neurotransmitters that carry ‘happy hormones.’
4. Insomnia- enhances the production of neurotransmitters linked with relaxing and sleeping.
5. Immune System- can boost the activity of white blood sells that fight infection.

So, whether you are looking into acupuncture for back pain, or another kind of physical ailment or a spiritual one or a clinical one, you may find that acupuncture holds the answers that you have been looking for in medication and counseling and many other solutions. Try and keep an open mind when looking into any kind of new treatment but always consult your doctor beforehand. They may have some thoughts on the matter than will help you make the correct decision. Involving professional advice especially when related to physical pain is very beneficial and will stop you from making any decision you may later come to regret.