Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a uniquely Chinese method of treating disease. It is used to treat systemic diseases through the conduction of meridians and acupoints and the application of certain manipulation methods.

In clinical practice, Chinese medicine diagnoses the cause of the disease, identifies the key, distinguishes the nature of the disease, clarifies which meridian and which organ Then the corresponding prescription of acupuncture points is prescribed for treatment. In order to open the meridians, regulate the qi and blood, so that the yin and yang are in relative balance and the functions of the internal organs tend to be harmonized, thus achieving the purpose of disease prevention.

The skin is sterilized and needles are inserted, frequently with a plastic guide tube. Needles may be manipulated in various ways, including spinning, flicking, or moving up and down relative to the skin. Often the needles are stimulated by hand in order to cause a dull, localized, aching sensation that is called de qi, as well as “needle grasp,” a tugging feeling felt by the acupuncturist and generated by a mechanical interaction between the needle and skin. Acupuncture can be painful. The skill level of the acupuncturist may influence how painful the needle insertion is, and a sufficiently skilled practitioner may be able to insert the needles without causing any pain.

What conditions can acupuncture treat?

Acupuncture therapy is primarily used to relieve discomfort associated with a wide range of diseases and conditions, including:

  • Diseases of the respiratory system, such as allergic rheumatism
  • Ophthalmic diseases
  • Diseases of the body
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Sciatica
  • Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and after surgery
  • Toothache
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines
  • Labor pains
  • Lower back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Menstrual cramps
  • Tennis elbow
  • Facial paralysis
  • Facial sagging and fine lines
Risks
The risks of needle therapy are low if it is performed by a qualified licensed practitioner using sterile needles. Common side effects include soreness at the needle insertion site, minor bleeding, or bruising. The use of disposable needles is now the standard of practice, so the risk of infection is minimal. Not everyone is a good candidate for acupuncture.
Before undergoing needling therapy, inform your doctor truthfully if you.
  • Suffers from a bleeding disorder. If you have a bleeding disorder or you are taking blood thinners, the chances of bleeding or bruising from the needle may be increased.
  • Have a pacemaker installed. Needle therapy that applies mild electrical impulses to the needle may interfere with the operation of the pacemaker.
  • Pregnant. Certain acupuncture points are thought to stimulate labor and may cause premature birth.
Possible scenarios

Acupuncture Therapy

In acupuncture therapy, an acupuncturist inserts very fine needles into specific points on the body. The needles usually cause mild soreness, numbness, swelling and pain.
Technicians who perform acupuncture treatments are unique and often combine Eastern and Western medicine. To determine the type of acupuncture treatment that will be most helpful to you, the technician will ask you a few questions and examine you:

  • Visualization: look at the appearance, color, features, body, tongue, etc.
  • Smell: listen to the sound, smell the odor, etc.
  • Questioning: asking about past medical history, symptoms, behavior, lifestyle, etc.
  • Palpation: strength, rhythm, and quality of pulse

Acupuncture treatments can last anywhere from 40-60 minutes per session, and a typical treatment plan for a single condition is usually one or two treatments per week. The number of treatments depends on the condition being treated and its severity. Usually 6 sessions is a course of treatment.

During the procedure
Acupuncture treatments are performed at points throughout the body, and the appropriate points are sometimes not located in your area of pain. The acupuncture technician will advise you of the general location of the planned treatment and whether you need to remove any clothing. You will lie on a treatment bed covered with disposable sheets and the procedure will include.
  • Insertion of needles. The needles are inserted at different depths into points on the body. The needles are very thin, so the patient usually does not feel them being inserted. When the needle is inserted at the proper depth, you may feel slight soreness, numbness, swelling, and pain.
  • Needle manipulation. After the needle is inserted, the technician may gently move or rotate the needle, or apply heat or mild electrical impulses to the needle. Needle transport will be performed every 20-25 minutes.
  • Needle removal. In most cases, the needle will be left in the acupuncture point for 40 to 45 minutes, please inform the technician of any discomfort during the process, and there is usually no discomfort when the needle is removed, but in the case of areas with strong capillary distribution, bruising may occur, which usually disappears on its own after a few days.
After the procedure

After acupuncture treatment, some people will feel a lot of relief from their symptoms. However, acupuncture does not work for everyone. If your symptoms do not improve within a few treatments, acupuncture may not be right for you. Ask your technician about other complementary treatment options.