Most people think that acupuncture is daunting because the thought of being pricked by numerous needles is anything but normal. It can even be terrifying for some. But is acupuncture truly scary? Is it really all that people ought it to be? Acupuncture is anything but what most people think it is. Recent studies even reveal that it is so much more than what is already known by practitioners. Evidence shows that it greatly helps in healing in so many more ways than expected.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is not the overly painful procedure that you think it is. It is an ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine procedure that has been practiced for over 2,500 years. It is deemed as a miracle procedure by many because it can greatly improve one’s quality of life.
Acupuncture treats physical ailments by activating specific body points with needles. This is done by placing needles onto one’s skin. Though it looks intimidating, the process is non-invasive and not overly painful. The needle placement is done to simply stimulate areas of the skin with rich nerves. When specific nerves are triggered and activated, glands, tissues, organs, and numerous functions of the body are activated as well.
Every needle insertion creates a tiny injury that can cause little to no discomfort. Every insertion signals the body that it needs to respond. This is where healing takes place because the immune system is stimulated. Proper circulation takes place which leads to wound healing and pain modulation.
The Philosophy Behind Acupuncture
The philosophy behind acupuncture is the belief of the Chinese that the human body is filled with ‘qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) or an invisible life-giving force. Acupuncture operates by making one’s qi flow harmoniously. Good physical and mental health is achieved when one’s qi flows smoothly. Blocked or deficient qi can make a person ill.
This concept is not alien to all. Everyone knows that well-balanced health is the secret to wellness. Just that to the Chinese, such life-giving force involved in the balancing of one’s wellness is one’s energy or life force that can be blocked or deficient.
Ailments Acupuncture can Remedy
Studies show that acupuncture can remedy the following ailments:
• anxiety and depression
• allergies
• chronic neck pain
• chronic back pain
• chronic pain in the knees
• chronic head pain
• sinus pressure
• insomnia
• hypertension
• migraines
• menstrual cramps
• PMS
• sprains
• stroke
• morning sickness
Some researchers suggest that acupuncture can also help with multiple sclerosis and cancer treatment. Just that, a larger study is needed to prove such claims.
To date, there is limited evidence that supports claims that acupuncture can provide a remedy for the following as well:
• abdominal pain
• acne
• obesity
• cancer pain
• infertility
• insomnia
• diabetes
• alcohol dependence
• stiff neck
• schizophrenia
No clear evidence can be provided to the claim that acupuncture is a miracle cure. However, many studies show that it can help people with multiple physical complications and illnesses. It’s the main reason why it’s still being practiced after thousands of years.
Acupuncture Sessions
If you’re going to give acupuncture a try, you have to know that it involves numerous sessions. One session is usually an hour to an hour and a half long. The actual treatment will only last for half an hour. And no, the needles won’t be in your skin for that long.
To date, the is no unified response from people who undergo acupuncture. Some people feel tired while some people feel relaxed and energized after one session. Some can feel cured right away while some may need several more sessions before experiencing any significant change.
What is fairly common though is the fact that any person that goes through one session always feels happy and content right after. Everyone feels harmonious and balanced after going through just one session. After treatment, don’t be shocked if you see changes in your sleeping, eating, and bowel habits.
How to look for an acupuncturist?
To look for a certified acupuncturist, it’s best to check with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHRPA). If you can’t have access to their site and records, you can always check the official website of your preferred acupuncture clinic to see if their practitioners are registered and certified by the AHRPA. If you’re from Perth, you can check out TCM Centre acupuncturists. TCM Centre has master acupuncturists with over three decades of practice in the field. All its acupuncturists and herbalists are AHRPA-certified and AHRPA-registered.
How much will an acupuncture session cost?
Fees will vary from one clinic to another. But for you to be able to estimate, you can refer to TCM Centre’s affordable fees. With TCM Centre, an acupuncture session with 10 minutes of remedial massage costs $80.00. Subsequent acupuncture sessions cost $60.00. An initial acupuncture session with a consultation will only cost $75.00.
What if there is no acupuncturist in your area?
You can still apply acupuncture concepts to yourself if there are no certified acupuncturists in your area. You can activate these particular acupuncture points without the need for needles:
• If you’re experiencing menstrual cramps, you could massage your inner ankle. Target its inner hollow with little pressure.
• If you can’t sleep, rub the spot between your eyebrows in circular motions. Do it first clockwise then counter-clockwise.
• If you’re experiencing back pain, put little pressure on the space between your upper lip and your nose by lightly pressing the area.
• If you have headaches, put a little pressure on the muscle between your index finger and thumb.
Check With Your Doctor
If you really want to give acupuncture a try and you’re still on the fence, you can consult with your doctor. Your doctor will assess your physical state and medical records and tell you if acupuncture will work for you.