Understanding Acupuncture
Acupuncture has existed for the last 3000 years and is an ancient Chinese medical practice that has been proven to be very effective. It helps to cure and prevent certain conditions and diseases by inserting needles or using electrical stimulation on acupuncture points in the body.
How Does It Work?
Acupuncture corrects the imbalances within the body by stimulating its ability to overcome or resist adverse conditions and illnesses. Acupuncture can also encourage the production of chemicals that will help to eliminate or decrease sensations of pain. Your body has hundreds of points used for acupuncture located on channels conduct energy. With acupuncture, the belief is that a disruption of energy leads to an imbalanced state.
Acupuncture Can Alleviate This Disruption of Energy
Once an acupuncture point gets stimulated, a response is felt in the muscle in the form of a dull ache. The sensory neurons and stimulated muscle tell the nervous system about this ache, which activates a release of endorphins that are natural pain killers. The whole effect of acupuncture is to get the body back in balance which will naturally alleviate pain signals.
What Acupuncture Can Effectively Handle
- Pain relief
- Provide better health and well-being
- Illness prevention
- Treatment of medical, neurological and muscular conditions
Although acupuncture is often considered to be a form of pain control, it has other broader applications as well. It can be used as a stand-alone medical treatment or be used in conjunction with modern surgical and medical procedures.
Acupuncture has been recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective treatment for many different conditions including:
- Neurological and muscular disorders such as facial tics, headaches, rib neuritis, neck pain, tennis elbow, frozen shoulder, lower back pain, tendinitis, osteoarthritis, sciatica etc.
- Digestive disorders such as hyperacidity, gastritis, constipation, spastic colon, diarrhea etc.
- Respiratory disorders such as sore throat, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, chest infections etc.
- Reproductive, menstrual and urinary problems
Acupuncture is one of the first treatments that should be thought of when stress and tension may be the cause of the physical disorder.
What Can You Expect During An Acupuncture Treatment?
A Brampton acupuncturist will first look for reactive areas to determine the points she will use. She will use an acupuncture needle, which is quite different from the needles that you are probably used to seeing. These are hair-thin and really don’t hurt when they are inserted. You’ll be asked to wear clothing that fits loosely to the appointment and may be asked to put on a gown for the procedure. The needles will be inserted and will be kept in place for up to 20 minutes at a time.
The acupuncturist uses different points along your body during the process as well as various techniques for needling. Adjustments will be made during the procedure according to your reaction to the process.
What Types Of Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture has been found to treat the following conditions and diseases effectively:
- Headaches
- Chronic pain
- Neck and back muscle pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Osteoarthritis
- Spastic colon
- Tired immune system
- Facial pain
- Repetitive strains
For complicated and severe conditions like cancer it is best to use acupuncture in conjunction with other recommended treatments.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
For the most part, no. You might feel a small prick during insertion of the needle but it is a lot less painful than the feeling you get when you are receiving an injection. These needles are very thin and have a smooth point on them. It is common to feel some tingling or numbness, but this is a sure indication that the process is working.
How Safe Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is completely safe and delivered in sterile conditions. It is rare for anybody to experience any type of complications at all.
How Often Should I Receive Treatments?
This all depends on your illness or condition and how you respond to treatment. In most cases it will take 1-2 months of weekly treatments that are scheduled once or twice per week to see results.
What Does The Medical Establishment Think Of Acupuncture?
There are thousands of acupuncturists in North America and they are well recognized as professionals in their field. The World Health Organization also recognizes acupuncture as an effective form of treatment for approximately 40 different medical problems.
Is Acupuncture Treatment Covered By My Insurance?
In most cases it will be. You can give us a quick call at Brampton Acupuncture and we will let you know what coverage may be provided depending on your insurance provider.
