What Happens During an Acupuncture Session?
Acupuncture, the controversial Chinese traditional technique of treating pain, most people know it just involves the insertion of specialized needles through the skin at strategic points of the body to target ‘chi’ points, and that is about the limit of their knowledge.
Some of you are even convinced the technique does nothing. Well, you couldn’t be further from the truth. A recent trial published in the Journal of Evidence-Based and Alternative Medicine reveals that, at the very least, acupuncture is therapeutical. While there’s no evidence of the existence of ‘chi’ and ‘chi points,’ the research reveals that needles can be used to stimulate connective tissues, muscles, and nerves to trigger the release of natural painkillers.
In the study, 25 people were treated to the acupuncture technique, and the biological effect of the procedure was measured. The results were that at the pints where needles were inserted, more nitric oxide was released into the bloodstream increasing blood flow and stimulating the production of natural anesthetics, which lead to either cooling or warm sensations.
These warm or cooling sensations must be the reason some holistic medicine enthusiasts swear by acupuncture that it allows the ‘chi’ to flow well to the right places leading to desirable physical and psychological health.
Increasingly, acupuncture is used to treat migraines and tension headaches. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), acupuncture can be used to manage the following:
- Neck pain
- Knee pain
- Low back pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Migraines
- Low and high blood pressure
- Cramps
- Facial pain
- Nausea and vomiting
The efficacy of acupuncture depends on how the procedure is performed. During an acupuncture session, a combination of very thin, disposable, sterile needles are used. You want to work with the best healer for your own safety.
The acupuncturist will first examine and assess your condition then safely insert very thin, sterile needles to stimulate connective tissues, nerves, and muscles. To enhance the effects of the procedure, pressure, electrical, or heat stimulation may be used.
Don’t be scared by the mention of needles. Acupuncture is a relatively painless procedure. The only sensations are the brief tingling or stinging feeling as the needles get inserted and a dissipating dull ache once the needle is in position. And that is all about acupuncture.
The needles are left in place for 5 to 30 minutes to stimulate blood flow and the release of natural anesthetics. The number of acupuncture sessions needed depends on how chronic the condition is. You may need one to three treatment sessions for positive results.
Before booking an acupuncture treatment, though, keep in mind that like all therapies, acupuncture, too, has risks. Acupuncture may be dangerous to patients with bleeding disorders, other dangers may arise in case unsterile needles are used, or insertion is not done correctly. Always ensure your acupuncturists is a licensed professional who knows what they are doing.
For your safe and healing acupuncture procedures, visit Acupuncture Continuum. We are a fully insured and licensed team of experienced holistic healers in Encinitas and San Diego. In just under 3 sessions, you are going to be reeling from how powerful and healing our acupuncture procedures are. Feel free to check past client testimonials on our website.