What Is Acupuncture? How Does It Work? What Can It Be Used to Treat?
The miracles of modern science have revolutionized medical care. But acupuncture, one of the most effective remedies for injury and chronic pain, dates back about 3,000 years. This ancient practice, has become one of the most popular forms of integrative medical intervention in the United States, with more than 10 million patients undergoing some form of acupuncture every year.
What Is Acupuncture?
During acupuncture, a skilled practitioner inserts tiny needles through your skin at strategic locations. According to traditional Chinese practices, the function of acupuncture is to balance the life force, commonly referred to as the qi (or chi). Acupuncture is believed to put your life force back in balance.
Modern scientific research supports the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating different types of pain. Clinical studies have also shown that it helps alleviate the discomfort of seasonal allergies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classified acupuncture needles as a medical device in 1996 and continues to regulate them, essentially giving acupuncture the FDA stamp of approval.
What Is Acupuncture Commonly Used to Treat?
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide range of maladies:
- Headaches, including migraines and tension headaches
- Neck and back pain, including lower back pain and sciatica
- Different forms of arthritis and arthritic pain, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
- Nausea or vomiting caused by chemotherapy
- Labor pain and menstrual cramps
- Fibromyalgia
- Dental pain
- Tendonitis, including golfer’s and tennis elbow
- Stress management
What Can You Expect When You Go to an Acupuncturist?
Though an acupuncture treatment can take up to an hour, most are considerably shorter. Typically, when you receive acupuncture, you’ll have one or two appointments per week for about a month.
At the beginning of the procedure, the acupuncturist will ask questions about your pain or other medical concerns, as well as your lifestyle. The acupuncturist may also conduct a brief physical examination, assessing the color of your face, your pulse, and the shape, color, and coating of your tongue.
Once the acupuncturist has determined the necessary treatment points, small needles will be gently inserted. Today, licensed acupuncturists use single-use disposable needles. There is typically no sensation during the insertion, but you may experience aching when the needle reaches a certain depth. Most treatments involve the use of five to twenty needles.
Once the needle is inserted, it may or may not be gently moved or spun in place. The acupuncturist may also apply heat or low voltage electrical stimulation to the needles. The needles are commonly left in place for a period of 10 to 15 minutes before removal. Minor bleeding, bruising, or soreness may occur once the needles are removed.
Contact InjuredCare.com to Connect with a Skilled Acupuncturist
To learn more about how an acupuncturist can help you return to maximum health, contact us online or call our offices today at 866-952-7045.
