Acupuncture is
- a centuries-old Chinese medicine believed to help regulate the flow of “qi” throughout the body and heal imbalances.
- the belief that there are 1,000+ acupuncture points on the body, each lying on an invisible energy channel or “meridian.” Each meridian is associated with a different organ system.
- based on the premise that a blockage or disturbance in the body’s life energy flow, or “qi,” can cause health issues. Acupuncture helps open up Qi’s flow and restore balance to the system.
The proof of acupuncture’s effectiveness is in its longevity. The earliest written record of acupuncture dates back to 200 BCE
Conditions commonly treated
Chiropractors and physical therapists often use acupuncture as an adjunct therapy to our comprehensive menu of chiropractic services.
- Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines
- Anxiety/depression
- Dental pain
- Chronic pain
- Low back pain
- Neck pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Menstrual cramps
- Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis
What to expect
Your acupuncture practitioner will tell you the general site of the planned treatment and whether you need to remove any clothing. Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body.
Needle insertion
- Needles are inserted into various depths at strategic points on your body.
Acupuncturists use as few as one needle to more than 20 hair-thin.
Needle manipulation
- After placement, the practitioner may gently twirl the needles and add additional therapies, such as microcurrent pulses to the needle or a heat lamp.
- When a needle reaches the correct depth, you may feel a slight sting, pinch, ache, or discomfort. Acupuncturists consider the sensation desirable in achieving the therapeutic effect, known as “de qi,” but patients don’t feel anything.
With the body stimulated at specific points, energy flow along those channels can be modified, rebalanced, and redirected to its healthy order.
Needle removal
Needles remain in place for 10 to 20 minutes while you lie still and relax.
After an acupuncture treatment
After an acupuncture treatment, patients report feeling relaxed, pain relief, a mood boost, or even energized. Some experience soreness at the insertion sites, light bleeding, or bruising. Patients also report short-term reactions such as emotional releases, elimination, and fatigue, so it is important to allow your body some time to rest after your visit. Drinking plenty of water, stretching, and taking it easy overall is recommended for the following 24 hours.
If you are having acupuncture treatments for pain relief, do not use ice for ice 24 hours after acupuncture. It is okay to use heat. Ice causes things to remain stagnant and slows down the healing process. Many pain conditions are caused by stagnation; things are not moving smoothly through the channels, causing blockages that lead to pain. Acupuncture helps to eliminate these blockages by restoring flow.
Possible side effects
As with any treatment, acupuncture does pose some risks, the most common being pain and bleeding from the insertion of acupuncture needles. Other adverse effects can include skin rashes, allergic reactions, bruising, nausea, dizziness, fainting, or infections.
Acupuncture should always be administered by a licensed and properly trained healthcare provider using sterile, disposable needles to reduce the risk of serious adverse effects.
Were you looking to relieve pain or improve your health using acupuncture?
Dr. Jim is a certified acupuncture practitioner. If you are looking for pain relief and healing in your joints, feet, wrists, elbows, or any soft tissues on your body, you have come to the right place. Restore Wellness Center is the premier healing clinic in the Brevard and Melbourne area. Click the link to schedule your appointment today or contact the office, and one of our friendly staff members will gladly assist you and go over any questions you might have.
Call today! 321-312-0585
We want to take this opportunity to thank you for choosing our practice for your acupuncture care.