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Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
The practice of Acupuncture was developed thousands of years ago in Ancient China as one component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which also includes herbal and dietary remedies, tui na/massage, Qi Gong/breathing exercises, cupping etc. Acupuncture involves the insertion of disposable, very thin, solid needles at specific points on the body to effect some change on the system.
Ancient theories view Acupuncture as one method of correcting imbalances or blockages in the flow of Qi (loosely translated as vital energy) through channels or meridians that cover the body. With the advent of modern science, we are able to explain the changes that occur during and after an Acupuncture session including: increased immunity, endorphin theory serotonin and noradrenalin release), circulatory effects and the gate control theory.
Acupuncture should not be painful when performed by a qualified practitioner however; some patients do report sensations such as tingling, aching, heaviness etc. In fact, many patients become very relaxed and may even fall asleep with this form of healthcare frequently being described as a period of deep stillness in which nothing seems to be happening. As everyone responds differently to treatment, some patients may feel the relaxation described above, whereas others may feel energized.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
For your first visit, wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your knees and elbows. Alternatively, you can bring a pair of shorts or a tank top if the area needing treatment requires more direct access. It’s advisable not to undergo acupuncture on an empty stomach, so ensure you have a light snack beforehand. Many patients find themselves very relaxed during the session, and it’s normal to feel slightly disoriented or extremely calm afterward. This might include feeling dazed, peaceful, or having a temporary difficulty with focus or concentration.
If you're unsure how you'll react to the treatment, consider arranging for someone to drive you home. Sometimes, you might feel increased discomfort for a few hours or even one to two days after treatment, or you might sense a lingering feeling as if the needles are still in place; both reactions are quite common. Post-treatment, it’s crucial to listen to your body. Rest as needed, increase your intake of water or herbal teas, and keep active with gentle stretching exercises.
Frequency of Treatment
Chronic conditions often develop over time, so expecting them to resolve after just one or two sessions is unrealistic. Typically, most ailments benefit from frequent initial treatments, such as twice per week. More severe issues may need more frequent attention. A major advantage of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is its focus on illness prevention. Many patients opt for monthly "tune-ups" to maintain their body’s peak performance and prevent future health issues.
Conditions
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been proved-through controlled trials-to be an effective treatment includes:
- Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
- Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)
- Depression
- Dysmenorrhoea
- Facial pain
- Headache
- Hypertension
- Induction of labour
- Knee pain
- Low back pain
- Malposition of fetus, correction of
- Morning sickness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck pain
- Periarthritis of shoulder
- Postoperative pain
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sciatica
- Sprain
- Stroke
- Tennis elbow
In addition, WHO notes diseases, symptoms or conditions for which the therapeutic effect of acupuncture has been shown but for which further proof is needed:
- Abdominal pain (in acute gastroenteritis or due to gastrointestinal spasm)
- Bells palsy
- Bronchial asthma
- Cancer pain
- Cholecystitis, chronic, with acute exacerbation
- Cholelithiasis
- Female infertility
- Facial spasm
- Fibromyalgia and fasciitis
- Gouty arthritis
- Herpes zoster
- Insomnia
- Labour pain
- Ménière disease
- Neuralgia, post-herpetic
- Obesity Osteoarthritis
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Raynaud syndrome
- Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
- Spine pain, acute
- Stiff neck
- Temporomandibular joint dysfunction