This article answers frequently asked questions regarding acupuncture treatments.
Does acupuncture hurt?
When people think of acupuncture, they tend to think of the needles used in blood tests or vaccinations. Acupuncture does not use the same kind of needles. Acupuncture needles are very thin, comparable to the width of a hair. Most people find that acupuncture is relaxing and is not a painful treatment.
How does it work?
Acupuncturist are trained to feel a patient’s pulse in order to evaluate where to place the needles. Then, they will place needles on specific “meridian” points on that person’s body. In Chinese medicine, meridians are channels of Qi, which loosely translates to “life energy.” Qi is believed to connect the body at a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. Acupuncture points stimulate ‘Qi.’To explain acupuncture in a western medical way, the acupuncture needles stimulate the central nervous system, which in turn, stimulates the body’s natural healing abilities to promote physical and emotional well-being. Western medicine portrays the body as a machine that has moving parts. Traditional Chinese medicine views a person’s health as a trifecta- mind, body and spirit. Acupuncture works on all three factors. There have been hundreds of medical studies that have shown the efficacy of acupuncture to manage and treat a myriad of conditions.
What are the benefits?
- Decreased Anxiety
- Enhanced Mental Clarity
- Increased Energy
- Improved Immune System
- Reduced Stress
- Reduced Pain
- Relief from Headaches
- Healing after Grief
- Effective and natural treatments for pregnancy
What problems does it treat?
- Acute pain from any accident (car accidents, sports injuries, falls)
- Chronic pain from conditions such as MS, arthritis and fibromyalgia.
- Fertility: Women are often advised to start acupuncture 3 months before they start treatments such as invitro fertilization (IVF) Acupuncture research has proved that it can increase the success rate of women trying to conceive.
- Strokes- Reversal of damaging effects
- Bell’s Palsy
- Breech babies & Labor induction
- Insomnia
- Anxiety & Stress related conditions
- Trauma, PTSD
- Digestive Issues
- Trouble healing from surgery
Is acupuncture safe for everyone?
People with bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or patients who are on blood thinning medications need to approach acupuncture with caution and let the acupuncturist know their health history before receiving treatment.
Patients with active skin infections such as MRSA are not candidates for acupuncture until their infection as healed, for the safety of the patient and the practitioner.
If pregnant, acupuncture can be done, but must avoid any acupuncture points that might stimulate premature labor. Please ensure your acupuncturist is aware you are pregnant before you receive a treatment.
Where can I get an acupuncture treatment?
If you are located in Southwest Florida, we invite you to come see us at Lotus Blossom Clinic 6710 Winkler Rd, Suite #2, Fort Myers, FL 33919. Give us a call at (239) 277-1399 to book your session.
If you are not in our area, there are thousands of acupuncturists available in the United States. You can find a directory of licensed acupuncturists here.
Feel free to listen to the video recording of our Weekday Wellness episode on acupuncture below.