Many people are familiar with acupuncture and the health benefits it can provide us. They also know that this treatment involves the insertion of fine and sterile needles in various locations on the body in order to address the symptoms and health concerns of the patient.
Whether you’re new to the world of acupuncture or you’ve already used this alternative treatment before, here are some interesting facts to surprise and enlighten you.
- Our body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points
Practitioners of this ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine have plotted and identified more than 2,000 acupuncture points or commonly called meridians in western countries. Each of these points has its own specific use.
- Acupuncture doesn’t hurt
Most people dread being poked with needles, and they think that acupuncture hurts. In reality, acupuncture is a painless and even comforting procedure. However, it would be best if you chose the right practitioner with the qualification and experience to make the whole experience comfortable and relaxing.
- Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years
You may be surprised to know that this treatment has been around for thousands of years. In fact, some early documentation of acupuncture was published around 100 BC.
- Acupuncture is regulated in several countries including Australia
This alternative treatment is regulated in various countries like Japan, the U.S., U.K., Australia and several South Asian countries. The WHO even recommends practitioners to undergo at least 2,500 hours of training in a Chinese Medicine Master’s Degree program.
- It can be used with electricity
There are several variations of acupuncture, but one popular method involves the use of electricity to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment and improve the condition of the patient. In fact, it is commonly used to resolve muscle pain and neuropathies.
- Acupuncture can treat various conditions from pain to infertility
Acupuncture is a proven and versatile treatment that has been used to alleviate the symptoms of various diseases and adverse conditions—ranging from inflammation and chronic pain to heartburn, nausea, acid reflux and even infertility.
- Acupuncturists have a different way of diagnosing patients
Most practitioners will feel your pulse and even look at your tongue to gather the information they need about your health and plan a course of treatment based on your current condition.
- Acupuncture is highly individualised
Not all people who received an acupuncture treatment will have the same experience and results since practitioners will use different acupuncture points based on their treatment plan.
- WHO endorses the use of acupuncture for over 200 symptoms and diseases
The World Health Organisation had recently released a report which endorses the use of acupuncture to treat over 200 diseases and symptoms. From infertility to back pain, menopause to loud snoring, acupuncture can treat a wide range of conditions by enhancing your bodies ability to heal naturally. They also propose this treatment as a therapeutic intervention for complementary medicine.
- Licensed acupuncturists are required to attend a rigorous 4-year graduate program
Before a practitioner becomes a licensed acupuncturist, he or she must attend a 4-year graduate program which includes a 2,000+ clinical internship to ensure that they have the experience and knowledge in administering an acupuncture treatment.
- Acupuncture has many styles and substyles
This may seem odd, but Chinese medicine has evolved for thousands of years and has been used in various geographical areas, which have influenced the style and method of one practitioner over their counterparts in another country. In Australia, acupuncture is still based on traditional principles of Chinese Medicine.