Modern acupuncture practices effectively treat many ailments. Read ahead for an informative guide on finding acupuncture services near you.
Acupuncture utilizes small, sterilized needles and occasional moxa sticks to stimulate the flow of healing energy to specified locations in your body. Some view acupuncture as a supplement or compliment to traditional medical practices. Others rely on it to treat anything from the common cold to depression, pain and serious illnesses. Regardless of perspective there is a lot to learn and know about modern acupuncture practices. Read ahead for an informative guide on finding acupuncture services near you.
Acupuncture 101
The origin of acupuncture begins in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) system. Spirituality and Eastern-based religions such as Taoism and Confucianism are associated with the practice, as its primary purpose is to increase the flow of the body’s natural healing energies to ailing areas. Qi (pronounced “CHē” or “chee”) refers to the balance of vital energies required for healthy living. Qi is also comprised of yin and yang, which are terms perhaps more familiar to U.S. residents and others living in the western hemisphere. Yin is considered a feminine energy and refers to stillness, contemplation, quiet and softness. Yang is considered a masculine energy, which refers to movement, action, growth, and heat. The balancing of one’s Qi also includes balancing lighter (yin) and darker (yang) energies to create an overall healthier flow of energy and lifestyle.
Studies show how legitimate acupuncture is effective at treating a wide variety of symptoms and issues. The process involves the insertion of small sterilized needles into pressure points and other pertinent areas of the body. Acupuncture also utilizes moxa sticks on the skin, which are comprised of the heated mugwort herb (artemisia vulgaris or Ai Ye) and sometimes placed on the same body points in lieu of needles.
Here’s How Acupuncture Works
Traditional flu shots inject miniscule amounts of the flu virus into one’s bloodstream so antibodies form and an immunity to the virus is developed. Acupuncture uses a similar concept only the practice relies on the human body’s self-healing abilities to accomplish its goals. When acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin, they are placed at key points in the body. These points include pressure points and areas where the blockage of energy, oxygen or blood flow leads to biological or physiological stagnation. This stagnation results in the onset of ailments and diseases.
Have you have ever received a massage? If you developed a runny nose or watery eyes during or immediately after the treatment, you experienced your body flushing out toxins, which are released by the breaking up and expansion of muscle fibers and clogged energy channels. Acupuncture needles and moxa sticks function in solidarity or in clusters to break up and free clogged energy passageways in a similar fashion. Slight pain is occasionally involved. Almost one-hundred percent of the time, any actual pain experienced is significantly over-anticipated based on inexperienced presumptions and the unfamiliar concept of needles sticking into one’s skin. Finally, acupuncture needles and moxa sticks alert the body to ailing areas, which triggers it to send more blood, oxygen and natural healing energies to areas in need of attention.
What Are the Risks?
Risks associated with professional acupuncture treatments are substantially low although some do exist. Some acupuncturists use needles induced with electrical pulses, which might interfere with proper pacemaker functionality. People with bleeding disorders who are on blood thinning medication have an increased risk of bruising or bleeding. Certain types of acupuncture are associated with inducing labor, which poses a risk of premature delivery to pregnant women. Mild soreness and nominal bruising or bleeding are occasionally experienced at the points of insertion. Finding a certified, professional acupuncturist who uses sterilized needles and takes time to consult with you about your issues and needs helps prevent infection and any additional risks.
Types of Symptoms and Issues Treated by Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used to treat a wide variety of symptoms and issues. While primarily used for pain relief from issues such as arthritis or lupus, the practice also works to reduce the symptoms of many other ailments. Acupuncture has been scientifically shown to relieve back, neck and knee pain, as well as headaches (including migraines). Because the acupuncture process releases natural healing properties in the body, some clients experience relief from emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression. This is also true for weight loss candidates who have thyroid issues and seek to supplant traditional western prescription medications with a natural healing alternative.
How Acupuncture Heals Emotional or Mental Disorders
Acupuncture has known healing effects on people suffering from a wide variety of mental and emotional disorders. The treatment is not a magic pill and does not work the same way for every person seeking relief from anxiety, depression, compulsive eating, or substance abuse problems. Because acupuncture does open oxygen, endorphin and blood flow passageways, some recipients do experience relief from alcohol or drug abuse tendencies. Acupuncture also relieves stress. Stress is a known health risk and cause of unclear thinking, which leads to unhealthy decisions. Therefore, even indirectly acupuncture has the potential of reducing symptoms of various emotional and mental issues. Additional symptoms and issues treated by acupuncture include:
- Neuralgia.
- Tourette syndrome.
- Morning sickness.
- Allergies.
- Certain gastric conditions.
- Blood pressure issues.
- Coughs, colds and fevers.
Learn How to Find Acupuncture Providers (and average treatment costs)
When searching for an acupuncturist it is vital to find a practitioner with whom you have a positive rapport and can easily build trust. Make certain the acupuncturist is also certified and do not hesitate to ask questions about his or her philosophies and years of experience. Average treatment costs range between $50 and $70 for each routine visit, although some practitioners charge as much as $125 per visit or more. Initial consultation visits take longer and therefore usually cost more, ranging between $75 and $100 on average but possibly more based on location and provider.
Utilize the convenient and resourceful National Certification Commission in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) website directory as addition to common resources such as Yelp and Google to locate acupuncturists near you. Ask about pricing, certifications and potential risks before booking an appointment. Additional resources for finding acupuncture providers near you include: