Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique for treating all kinds of pain. It usually involves the insertion of very thin needles through the skin at strategic points on the body of the patient. However, it has evolved since then and is now being used for overall wellness and stress management.
According to Chinese medicine, Acupuncture is a method for balancing the flow of life force or energy, which is commonly known as qi or chi. It is believed to flow in various meridians or pathways in our bodies. This means inserting needles into specific points will stabilise our energy flow and re-balance our chi.
However, Western practitioners see Acupuncture as a way to stimulate muscles, nerves, and connective tissues, which in turn can boost our body’s natural painkillers.
How does it work?
Since Acupuncture points or meridians are in various areas in our body, a certified practitioner will provide you with a general plan for treatment and whether you are required to remove any of your clothing. A towel will be provided to you. You will then lie on a padded table for the treatment, and this will involve any of the following procedures.
- Needle insertion: The Acupuncturist will insert thin needles to various depths at the strategic points of your body.
- Needle manipulation: The practitioner will twirl or gently move the thin needles and apply mild electrical pulses or heat to the needles.
- Needle removal: The needles will be removed after a period of time, depending on the type of procedure being used by the practitioner.
What benefits can it bring?
Acupuncture is known to provide several benefits to our body, and one of the most significant benefits is to reduce stress. In fact, it is proven to lower stress hormones, reduce anxiety, and improve our mood, especially after a tiring day at work.
Another important benefit is its capability to reduce neck tension and back pain, as well as relieve joint pain in various parts of our body. Acupuncture can trigger our nerves so it can create pain-relieving hormones, which in turn can reduce the inflammation and swelling in the affected area.
Most importantly, Acupuncture can help fight off negative pathogens in our body and boost our immune system. Acupuncture is also known to treat colds and reduce their duration, so you will feel relieved of any debilitating symptoms that keep you feeling miserable.
Are there any side effects?
A lot of people are hesitant and anxious when it comes to needles, but Acupuncture is considered safe when done by a certified Acupuncturist. In fact, there are no major side effects, but you may feel some minor discomfort when the needles are inserted.
Although some may feel soreness and some minimal pain during treatment, this only happens when the patient moves during treatment or if the needle is improperly placed on the skin.
Overall, the best way to reduce the risk of complications is to choose only an experienced, certified, and competent practitioner like Belinda Tran because they know what they are doing, and they have the track record to back it up. So, be sure to check the credentials of a prospective practitioner before you make your final decision.