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| Health tips: Common questions about acupuncture | | | Dear Reader,
How acupuncture works in the body isn't fully understood. For pain control, the procedure likely stimulates pain fibers that close the “pain gates” in the central nervous system, weakening the pain signal transmitted to the brain. Evidence shows that acupuncture also increases the release of endorphins (your body’s natural painkillers), such as serotonin, dopamine, neurotrophins and nitric oxide. People experiencing chronic pain due to migraines, back problems, fibromyalgia and other conditions may benefit from acupuncture.
In addition to pain management, acupuncture is used to help treat other symptoms caused by a wide variety of conditions, including: Mental health disorders (anxiety, depression) Sleep disorders Neurological conditions (Parkinson’s disease, stroke) Digestive issues (nausea, vomiting, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome) Chronic inflammatory or degenerative disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis) Low white blood cell counts due to chemotherapy | Are there risks involved? Overall, the risks of acupuncture are very low if you are treated by a certified acupuncture practitioner. The needles are sterile and disposable to reduce infection risks. Possible side effects include minor issues, such as temporary bruising at the needle sites. Although extremely rare, injury may occur if the needles are pushed in too deeply (particularly around the chest area). However, this only occurs with the use of longer needles. The majority of treatments involve shallow needle insertion. Please let your practitioner know if you are pregnant, have a pacemaker or suffer from any bleeding disorders so your treatments may be designed to your specific needs.
Does acupuncture hurt? Acupuncture treatments should not be a painful experience. You may initially feel a small prick upon needle insertion. After that, you may feel a sensation of pressure, deep ache or warmth with the needle stimulation. This means that the needle has made contact with the energy, or qi. Typical treatments last from 20 to 30 minutes after all the needles are placed.
What should I expect afterward? People often report a general sensation of relaxation and rejuvenation after an acupuncture treatment. How frequent the treatment is and how long it lasts typically depends on your condition and the treatment plan agreed upon by you and your practitioner. Typically, chronic conditions may require more frequent treatments, longer courses of treatment or both.
As with any health decision, consider the risks and benefits of acupuncture to decide if it’s an appropriate option for you. Acupuncture is a practice that has been a part of many people’s healing journey, guided by trusted clinicians and growing evidence. The purpose of the treatment is to restore your health in a comprehensive fashion and stimulate the body’s own abilities to restore balance and harmony. Whether acupuncture is used on its own or along with conventional medicine, the ultimate goal is to promote and maintain your best self — physically, emotionally and mentally — throughout your health journey. |
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