Here's Everything you Need to Know About Acupuncture

If it is your first time trying acupuncture, or if you’ve never tried it, it may seem a bit terrifying. Most people grow up steeped in the traditions of Western medicine, which is why holistic healing seems a bit too “out there.” However, acupuncture is a healing technique that has been practiced for more than two thousand years. It helps improve your quality of life and treat health issues such as allergies, depression and more. If you’re new to the practice, keep reading as we’re going to share with you everything you need to know about this holistic healing technique. 

Acupuncture is an ancient practice of inserting the end of a thin needle into your body to relieve your body from pain, reduce stress and provide other health benefits. There is more and more evidence coming out from studies produced by sources like Harvard University and The Archives of Internal Medicine that show that acupuncture is effective far beyond any placebo effect. It’s been clinically proven to be effective for treatment of chronic pain (including back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headaches, and shoulder pain). Many patients who receive acupuncture also site residual effects of better sleep, reduced stress, and a general feeling of well being.

Health Benefits of Acupuncture

If performed by a licensed acupuncturist and combined with multiple treatments, it can be very beneficial for treating:

- anxiety and depression 

- allergies 

- osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis 

- chronic pain in the neck, back, knees and head 

- hypertension 

- insomnia 

- menstrual cramps 

- migraines 

- morning sickness 

- sprains 

- high and blood pressure 

- reduces the risk of stroke 

-  facial pain 

- dysentery 

- dental pain 

- gastric problems 

- headache and migraine 

What to expect? 

A typical acupuncture session lasts about 40 to 60 minutes. Initially, you’ll have some sort of consultation where you discuss your health problems and the best course of treatment for your specific case. During treatment you lie on a comfortable massage-style table, listen to white noise or soothing music (similar to a massage) and have needles in for 20-30 minutes at a time. The needles used for the treatment are very thin, which is why you might not feel any pain but a slight pressure. 

While this is the normal procedure, it can be difficult to say how you would feel after the session. While some people feel content, others feel energized. Some people also feel relaxed and may even experience an improvement right away. For most people, especially if the condition has been going on for months or years (chronic), it may take several sessions to find relief.