No, you are not a human pin cushion or in a hellraiser movie. That is not what acupuncture is all about. If you are new to this 3000-year-old therapy or just a needle phobic person, acupuncture can seem intimidating, weird, confusing, even stressful. You may be thinking, is this painful? What is in the needle? The short answer is No and Nothing but let’s take a closer look at this often-misunderstood therapy and its balanced approach to wellness.
When Did It Start?
Acupuncture has been around and documented for over 3000 years. The basis behind the therapy is opposing forces of nature called Yin and Yang. When Yin and Yang are out of balance the body is not in harmony. Bringing these forces into balance allows the body to be at optimal wellness. Energy called “Qi” flows through the body on pathways called Meridians. If this energy is blocked, the result is pain, illness, disease, and dysfunction. Acupuncture points along these pathways are used to unblock the flow of Qi and bring the body back into balance.
What Do The Needles Do?
To stimulate the body and remove blocks in the flow of Qi, thin needles are inserted at specific points along the body removing blocks and promoting the flow of Qi to promote healing. From a western medicine viewpoint, the points trigger biochemical and physiological changes in the body setting off a chain reaction between the brain, hormones and glands jump starting bodily processes involved in releasing endorphins and serotonin. All of these help deal with pain and induce the body’s healing ability.
Does It Hurt?
Although needle sizes and length vary depending on where and for what purpose they are being used, they are generally very small and thin. Nothing like the syringe needle used for injections. Depending on the experience level of the practitioner, the process is perfectly safe and pain free.
How Can Acupuncture Help Me?
The bigger question would be is there anything acupuncture can’t help me with. Remember, it has been the main form of medicine in China for thousands of years. There is really nothing that this system of medicine cannot address but some common conditions treated in Chiropractic clinics would be:
- Low back pain, Neck Pain, Knee or wrist pain
- Headaches
- Facial pain (like TMJ)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sciatica
- Sprains
Acupuncture is a minimally invasive treatment option for many people, consider talking to the acupuncturist to see if it is right for you. Acupuncture may not be a replacement for your current chiropractic treatment, and in many cases is considered complimentary to your current treatment plan. Be sure to talk to the doctor if you have any questions.