What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient traditional Chinese treatment that involves insertion of extremely thin needles through the skin at strategic points on the body. Acupuncture is commonly used in treatment of pain, by balancing the flow of energy known as qi or Chee. It is believed that through needle insertion into specific point along the energy flow pathway (meridians), it will re-balance the energy flow of the body. Unlike the modern treatments, acupuncture treatment focuses in stimulating muscles, nerves and connecting tissues, by doing so the natural body pain killers are boosted through an increase in blood flow.
Common Uses of Acupuncture.
As mentioned above acupuncture is mainly used in relieving pain and body discomfort, but also in can be used to treat a variety of diseases and conditions. These conditions include Osteoarthritis, Neck pains, labor pains, Fibromyalgia, Dental pains, Chemotherapy, Menstrual cramps, migraine and Headaches. People with serious back disease such as spinal infection and cancer, are not advised to use this method
Risk and side effects
The risk involved are low if only a professional administers acupuncture, the possible side effects include:
Organ injury; sometimes the needle might be pushed too deep in the body, puncturing the internal organs such as the liver. This side effect is extremely rare when an experienced practitioner administers acupuncture.
Soreness, when the skin is punctured it will have soreness and minor bleeding, this is not a serious effect because it can be easily treated.
Infections; a side-effects only happens if the practitioner fails to use clean tools. This may expose you to infection such as hepatitis.
Safety.
Acupuncture is one of the safest way of treating pain, but if not administered by an experienced and trained practitioner it can cause potentially harmful effects. In order to reduce the risks involved it is always recommended that right tools should be used, the needles should be clean and sterilized.
How to prepare.
If you are considering acupuncture, it will be wise to prepare yourself. This preparation involves, choosing the right practitioner and checking your medical insurance cover.
Choosing the right practitioner- you should never be in a rush when looking for a practitioner, consider asking family and friends and note whom they recommend. Do a background check and know if the practitioner is nationally certified.
The second thing you might want to check is your medical insurance cover, it is vital to check if you are insurance covers your acupuncture treatment.
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