In recent times, alternative medicine practices have become popular. The reason is that they are relatively safer yet effective. A prime example is acupuncture. It is an ancient Chinese medicine technique. It entails the insertion of needles into the skin on specific parts of the body. The purpose is to treat various ailments by stimulating the pressure points. Practitioners who perform such therapy are called acupuncturists.
They are skilled healthcare professionals who hold extensive knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine. They mainly conduct sessions in special acupuncture clinics that have the necessary equipment. While this is a brief explanation, you can consider the following facts to learn more:
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Mechanism of action
As per Chinese medicine, the body has several receptive fields. When stimulated, they activate multiple sensory neurons. This further imparts deep healing and increases blood flow to the connected regions. Once an acupuncturist assesses your condition, they insert needles in the receptive fields associated with the concerned area.
For instance, if you suffer from chronic anxiety, the acupuncturist may place needles at the point near your nerves to promote a calming effect. Consult an acupuncturist near me for better guidance on the treatment course.
Session structure
The sessions involved in such therapy are simple. First, the acupuncturist examines you and assesses your condition. Upon proper diagnosis, they insert one or more fine, sterilised needles into the concerned pressure points. The insertion stays put for approximately 20-60 minutes, depending on the intensity of your ailment. You are also expected to lie down throughout this procedure.
During the process, you might feel a brief tingling or stinging sensation. This is quite normal and an indication that the treatment is working.
Usage
People usually opt for acupuncture therapy to relieve chronic pain and conditions. However, you can also seek it for simple relaxation purposes. The other ailments that it treats and manages are:
- Lower back and neck pain
- Chronic migraines and headaches
- Osteoarthritis
- Knee and joint pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Fatigue and lethargy
- Ovulatory issues
This therapy is highly effective when combined with other methods like an aromatherapy massage. But it is always good to consult a doctor if you have an ongoing procedure.
Benefits
Regular acupuncture therapy garners the following benefits for patients:
- Helps alleviate and manage chronic pain
- Improves the quality of sleep, thereby reducing symptoms of insomnia
- Relieves effects of stress and anxiety
- Boosts immune function
- Provides relief from seasonal allergies
- Increases energy levels and uplifts mood, like an aromatherapy massage near me
Efficacy
The time acupuncture takes to show results depends on two factors:
- The intensity of your condition
- The type of ailment you have
For example, those with chronic ailments might feel better after a few sessions. Also, people with acute health issues could take eight to 12 sessions to experience significant improvements.