What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a system of medicine that has been practiced in the Orient for thousands of years. It works with the theory that discomfort, illness, or disease sets in when there is a blockage in the circulation of blood and Qi (life's essential energy) – or when the balance of Qi is off.
The acupuncturist conducts a diagnosis and seeks out the specific reactive/healing points in your body and then stimulates each point by inserting specific needles. By doing so, the acupuncturist helps to remove the blockage and re-balances your energy, which enables you to recover quicker.
Acupuncture is a very natural method of treating diseases because it is applied using very fine, stainless steel needles. These needles are disposable and only used once per client.
Using acupuncture needles is a very common and well-known treatment, but there are other methods acupuncturists use in order to enhance the result of their treatment. They include Moxibustion, Cupping, Tuina and Acupressure Massage.
Moxibustion uses burning herbal sticks; Cupping uses vacuum cups on the points to draw out toxins and increase circulation; Tuina and Acupressure Massage use finger points or hands and elbows in place of needles during a massage.
What symptoms does Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture is one of the most thoroughly researched and documented alternative medicine practices. According to records, acupuncture is particularly effective for pain relief, including migraine headaches, menstrual cramps, and osteoarthritis. It is also useful in the management of addiction.
Furthermore, both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health recognize that acupuncture can be a helpful part of treatments for many illnesses.
Common symptoms that Acupuncture treats include: addiction, asthma, bronchitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, facial tics, fibromyalgia, low back pain, menopausal symptoms, sinusitis, stroke rehabilitation, tendinitis, tennis elbow, and urinary problems such as incontinence.
The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture also lists a wide range of conditions for which acupuncture is appropriate. In addition to those listed above, they recommend acupuncture for sports injuries, sprains, strains, whiplash, neck pain, sciatica, nerve pain due to compression, overuse of muscles, pharyngitis, high blood pressure, heartburn, indigestion, PMS, infertility, memory problems, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders.
Are there risks of side effects to acupuncture?
Done properly by a licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture rarely causes any side effects. You can even safely combine acupuncture with prescription drugs and other conventional treatments. But it would be better to inform your other health practitioners because it could develop a synergy effect.
What can I expect after an acupuncture treatment?
After stimulating specific points on your body there are a variety of reactions. Some clients feel dizzy or sweaty, or feel the original symptom worsening for a day or so after the acupuncture treatment. Clients may also have changes in appetite, sleep, or in bowel movements. When these symptoms or any other symptoms occur, you have to let the acupuncturist know about it. However, these symptoms should not be cause for concern. In fact, these are indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. These symptoms should wear off within 24-48 hours. Positive side effects are also common and include a sensation of deep relaxation.
Regular Acupuncture for Well-Being:
As mentioned before, balance is very powerful both for the mind and the body. A balanced body has proper blood and Qi flow, which creates positive energy and works as a great prevention against illnesses.
Regular visits to an acupuncturist ensure that your body can be maintained at its optimum level at all times. Come and indulge in the treatments Leaside Massage Therapy offers for your mind and body.
