What Are The Benefits Of Acupuncture Treatments?

For over 2500 years acupuncture has been utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a way to release blockages in the flow of your body’s energy. Acupuncture has been known to be used in the prevention and treatment of a wide variety of health conditions. It works by inserting extremely thin needles at various points on the body and with over 1000 acupuncture points on the body, there is no one standard set of points or cure all for needle placement. The points are chosen based on a variety of factors including the individual patient’s medical history, symptoms, heart rate, and even the colour of their tongue.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is believed that energy flows through your entire body, and acupuncture helps clear any blockages and promotes a more balanced flow of energy. For this reason, acupuncture can be used on an assortment of ailments ranging from pain due to injury or recurring syndromes, headaches and migraines, nausea and vomiting, anxiety, depression, stress, and even as a treatment to help break addictions.

Many people use acupuncture as part of their overarching wellness strategy in conjunction with a well-balanced diet, exercise, and massage therapy, your acupuncturist may suggest or use additional treatments such as cupping, moxibustions, and herbs to enhance your sessions.

It is typical for the acupuncturist to get to complete an assessment prior to your initial session. You will be asked about your health history, and health concerns, your levels of stress, your daily routines such as diet, sleep patterns, and even bowel movement frequency. They will then conduct a physical examination including feeling your pulse, examine the colour of your tongue and your general complexion. The assessment will help the acupuncturist determine where the needles should be placed based on your individual needs.

Anywhere from 6 to 15 needles are usually used during a session and the needles are left in for 15 to 20 minutes, but in some cases can be left for up to 60 minutes. Your acupuncturist may twist the needles, or even use heat or low levels of electricity to enhance the effects. You may feel a small pinch at the time of needle insertion, but many patients say they don’t feel the needles at all.

The most common side effects include slight bleeding and bruising at the site of insertion and some soreness. Even though the side effects are minor, it is always suggested to consult your physician prior to begging your first acupuncture session.

Acupuncture has been utilized as both prevention of and treatment for many health conditions for thousands of years. If you are not satisfied with the results you are getting from your current medication or looking for an alternative to pharmaceuticals, acupuncture may be a great addition to your wellness strategy.