Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical technique for pain relief and improving general health. It consists of the insertion of one or several small metal needles into the skin and underlying tissues at precise points on the body. Traditional Chinese Medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force -referred to as chi or qi, believed to flow through pathways in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these pathways, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance. If the chi is balanced then the person has spiritual, physical and emotional health but when the chi isn’t balanced, disease may occur. Chi can be blocked, causing unbalance between yin and yang. This refers to two opposite but connected principles in Chinese philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine uses acupuncture as an approach to create harmony between yin and yang and restore correct energy through the pathways.
How does it feel?
Acupuncture is done using hair-thin needles. Most persons report feeling little pain as the needle is put into certain points. Needles are only inserted to a point that causes a feeling of ache or pressure, the needles may be heated during the treatment and mild electric current may also be applied to the the needles. Some persons say acupuncture makes them feel energized and others say they feel relaxed. But not everyone responds to acupuncture, if your symptoms don’t begin to improve within a few weeks then acupuncture may not be right for you.
Risks
The risks of acupuncture are low if you have a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner using sterile needles with great experience on correct needle placements. Common side effects include bruising or minor bleeding were needles are inserted and soreness. The FDA regulates acupuncture needles just as it does other medical devices and single use, disposable needles are now the practice standard, so the risks of infection is minimal.
One of the risks of acupuncture is the accidental insertion of needle into the space between the lung and chest wall which can lead to a collapsed lung or pneumothorax. However, this is rare. It is also possible to experience blood vessel and nerve injury, complications from the needle breaking during treatment, organ injuries and while uncommon, acupuncture complications can lead to death.
Acupuncture is not recommended for people who have a pacemaker. You should not have acupuncture if you are at high risk for infection or have chronic skin problems. People with bleeding disorders or who are taking a blood thinning medication should also avoid acupuncture. You should avoid getting acupuncture in areas where you had lymph nodes removed, as it would increase the risks of infection. Pregnant women or people who have cosmetic implants should ask a healthcare provider about any medications or dietary supplements you’re taking.
Benefits
Acupuncture’s benefits cover digestive, respiratory, musculoskeletal, neurological, gynecological and emotional conditions. It enhances immune functions, increases energy levels, helps restore hormonal balance, promotes digestive health, improves mental clarity and focus, boosts emotional wellbeing and provides a holistic approach to wellness.
Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective alone or when used with conditional therapies to treat these conditions:
- Tennis elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Low back pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Osteoarthritis
- Myofascial pain
- Headaches
- Depression
- Stress
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Postoperative nausea
- Rheumatoid
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders
Note
Acupuncture is a complementary therapy and should not take the place of doctor-recommended treatments. When choosing an acupuncturist. be sure to prioritize a reputable, licensed acupuncture practitioner with extensive experience. Before undergoing acupuncture to treat chronic pain or other conditions, a person should seek advice from a primary care physician.