Acupuncture is the placement of thin needles into the skin to stimulate very specific points. Acupuncture is practiced in multiple ways by traditional Chinese medicine providers and Western practitioners. Acupuncture has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to improve the flow of energy by targeting meridians or pathways at specific points on your body. Western acupuncturists believe certain points can stimulate your body’s endorphins, which are internal painkillers. Acupuncture can be used for many different pain conditions including low back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, headaches and osteoarthritis. Other conditions include infertility, IBS, chemotherapy induced postoperative nausea and vomiting.
Minor risks are present such as soreness, bleeding, infections, nausea and light-headedness.
Let your acupuncturist know if you take blood thinners, have any bleeding disorders, active infections, a pacemaker or are pregnant.
The treatment may consist of 5-20 needles which are very thin and may cause slight discomfort. This can last 10-20 minutes as the needles stay in place. It may take multiple treatment sessions to start feeling better. If you are not feeling much better after a period of time, this may not be the right therapy for you.
