Wondering: Does Acupuncture Hurt?

The body is truly a wonderful engine. It is full of balanced gears, parts, and connections that need to be maintained to experience the best quality of life. But, just like an engine, the human body succumbs to diseases and deterioration which can cause pain and discomfort. The integration of western methods like Chinese medicine, herbal medications and more have been a prominent player in curing various medical concerns. One popular option that medical professionals and researchers monitor is the wonder of acupuncture. Some use acupuncture to relieve pain and they say it’s beneficial, while others would claim to experience no effect at all. But, if you’re like one of those that want to give acupuncture a try, we compiled the most questions an individual could have.

What is Acupuncture?

In Chinese medicine, this option utilizes hair-thin needles inserted to specific acupuncture points in the body to relieve pain, balance life’s energy and restore the individual’s flow of qi. The acupuncture treatment is utilized by the people with the belief that it relieves disturbances or blockages in a person’s life.

When acupuncture treatment is done right, the body’s natural capacity to heal is stimulated and it induces rejuvenation. It is also said that the body has more than 1000 acupuncture points each indicating a different organ. These acupuncture points lie on what acupuncturists call as the “meridian.”

How Does Acupuncture Affect the Body?

Up to date, researches painstakingly admit that it isn’t clear how acupuncture influences the body to relieve pain and how it relaxes a person. In relation to the earlier mentioned meridian, these needles are inserted to a specific region of pain and as for the explanation of acupuncturists restores the body’s natural flow of qi.

Although this is not backed by science, the good sensation must be the result of stimulating endorphins. Moreover, the combination of accurate needles on acupuncture points do more than just providing relaxation. It is also said to alleviate discomfort and pain.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Since this Chinese medicine option seems unverified, a lot of individuals find themselves asking the same question before finally trying it out for themselves. According to acupuncturists, once the needles are inserted into the body’s acupuncture point, most people that fear it find themselves in utter comfort for they feel nothing. There’s a minimal sting or an ant-like bite but nothing that a full-grown adult can’t handle.

In addition, most patients that experience full acupuncture treatment simply fall asleep during the procedure. Of course, this varies as some individuals may have lower pain tolerance. At the same time, some say that their acupuncturists don’t treat them gently as opposing to professionals. If possible, get acupuncture treatment from professional acupuncturists to avoid discomfort and unsatisfactory experience.

What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?

The acupuncture treatment is beneficial for the following medical concerns. If you think conventional medical approaches don’t provide you with any relief, here are the reasons you need to give acupuncture a try.

• Ideal for Back Pain

Are you tired of dealing with back pains that don’t go away with pain relievers and massages? Is it hindering you from doing tasks like household chores and other responsibilities? If it does, try acupuncture treatment for back pains! You’ll be surprised at how this traditional Chinese medicine relieves you from the discomfort and provide you long-lasting comfort.

In research, acupuncture was discovered to minimize pain intensity especially in the lower back regions and better back functions. You can tell the acupuncturist to focus the acupuncture points in the lower back if you feel persistent pain in that area.

• Minimize Migraines

Migraines are nasty and hard to deal with especially when you’re in the middle of work, of a class or doing something important. Acupuncture treatments minimize the migraine’s intensity, lessens the number of painful episodes and gives you a good sleep after.

• Injury or Knee Pain

Physical therapy has been a common option for people suffering from mobility concerns and those that are injured. Although acupuncture is not a physical therapy option and more of Chinese medicine, it was discovered in 2016 that old individuals who had acupuncture points focused on their knees experienced improved physical function and mobility even for a period of thirteen weeks.

Aside from this, those that rely on medicines for pain relief find comfort from relying on acupuncture. This leads to the delay of opioid medication since acupuncture is a better solution for these individuals.

In addition to these major benefits, the Medical News Today also cited that acupuncture helps in the following medical issues.

• Low and high blood pressure
• Peptic ulcer and other gastric conditions
• Dysmenorrhea
• Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
• Morning sickness
• Allergic rhinitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Muscle sprains
• Minimizes the effect of stroke

What Can You Expect from Your First Acupuncture Experience?

Before you get inserted with needles on various acupuncture points, get ready to have your daily routine and medical history assessed. The acupuncturist will ask you various questions ranging from your age, typical food choices, lifestyle habits, and stress level. In addition, you’ll be asked to talk about your emotions, how your appetite changes, and how you react to cold and warm weather.

Once you’re cleared and good for acupuncture, you’ll have to wait for the appointment date and be wary of the instructions the acupuncturist may have of you before you get ready for the experience. When you’re all set, the acupuncturist takes note of your voice, tongue color, and complexion. Aside from this, he will examine your pulse on various body points. In Chinese medicine, the quality, rhythm, and strength of one’s pulse define the health of the meridians and body organs. When done, the acupuncturist will determine acupuncture points and will insert a minimum of six and a maximum of fifteen needles per session. An average session lasts for about 20 minutes. Plus, these needles are left on for a maximum of 20 minutes. The acupuncturist, upon assessment of your condition, may twist the needles for added stimulation and effect.

There are also cases when the needles are stimulated or heated with electricity. These additional methods are usually done in agreement with the patient’s wish and medical condition. In addition, the number of treatments will be determined by the acupuncturist with the discretion of the patient.

Are there Risks with Acupuncture?

Much like medical methods, acupuncture comes with its own set of risks. For example, acupuncture is not recommended for patients that suffer from a bleeding disorder. The same goes for individuals that take blood thinners. Instances of bruising, bleeding and soreness happen at the acupuncture points or insertion areas. For clinics that don’t practice safety and hygiene, unsterilized needles can infect an individual with a disease. Therefore, you need to look for a reputable clinic that utilizes single-use and sterile needles.  On more rare occurrences, a needle can break and result in a damaged internal organ.

There’s nothing wrong with trying out traditional Chinese medicine if all other methods fail in providing you the medical condition you desire. With acupuncture, you may experience the good, the bad and in-between. Just make sure that you’re booking an appointment with a reputable clinic or acupuncturist for a hassle-free experience.