Acupuncture – How it Works and the Benefits

Contrary to what some people may assume acupuncture is not limited to a system of inserting fine needles into certain body locations to ease pain. Acupuncture is a comprehensive medical procedure that deals with correcting energy imbalances in the body.

Since its advent in China several years ago, acupuncture is traditionally used for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases as well as improving general health. The traditional basis of the effectiveness of acupuncture is the way it modifies energy flow, also known as chi or qi, through the entire body.

Uses of Acupuncture

• With the objective of acupuncture being to restore and promote the energy balance that flows through the body, benefits of this form of medicine can be extended to a wide range of conditions. These include digestive complaints such as irritable bowel syndrome, nausea and vomiting and emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety.

• Acupuncture can be beneficial for addressing pain due to injury or chronic degenerative illnesses like rheumatoid arthritis. It is also helpful in the treatment of neurological problems such as Parkinson’s disease and migraines.

• Acupuncture is often considered as a rehabilitation method for people who may have had a stroke. It is used to relive various respiratory conditions that include asthma and sinusitis. It has also proven to be beneficial for gynecologic disorders, reducing addictions, minimizing fatigue and promoting general wellbeing.

Visiting an Acupuncture Practitioner

The first thing to do if you’re interested is to find a professional who specialises in acupuncture near me and book in an appointment at their clinic. The initial acupuncture visit will typically involve a complete medical history assessment. Some of the questions may seem unusual but traditional Chinese medicine encompasses acupuncture, massage, herbal medicine and various modalities that are necessary for diagnosing different physical conditions.

A practitioner may request to take a look at your tongue, determine energy flow by feeling your pulse, or ask a number of questions about diet and bowel habits even when they may not appear to be related to the primary health issue or complaint. By visiting an acupuncture clinic in Augusta, GA, or a more fitting location, you can experience a personalized care option that is catered to your specific needs and takes your overall well-being into account.

Needles and Insertion

After the first acupuncture consultation and evaluation, needles are placed in specified locations. A person may feel what can be described as a brief stinging or sharp sensation upon insertion but may people do not feel most of the insertions. The needles may be gently manipulated by the practitioner and in some instances electricity and heat are used with the needles.

The depth of insertion varies depending on the practitioner and treatment. Needles are never positioned deeply enough to reach the organs apart from the skin. They are left in for some minutes and then they are removed.

Ongoing and Preventative Care

After an acupuncture treatment, the patient is usually reassessed by the practitioner and suggestions are provided for home care. Chinese herbal supplements are often suggested for the purpose of enhancing energetic balance. Depending on the severity of symptoms, more treatments may be required over a number of weeks or months.

Regular visits are recommended as a preventative measure to improve energy, strengthen the immune system and reduce stress. When acupuncture is performed appropriately, it is safe, side effects are minimal, it can be combined effectively with other treatments and it controls pain and helps patients who are averse to pain medications.