Needles and Healing: The Magic of Acupuncture
An ancient Chinese practice, acupuncture is a holistic form of medical treatment that can treat various health conditions. It has gained immense popularity in recent years in the Western world.
Although some people are skeptical about its effectiveness, many have experienced relief from chronic pain, anxiety, and other ailments through regular acupuncture sessions.
What does acupuncture do exactly?
In this blog, we will delve deeper into how acupuncture works. We will also discuss the potential benefits of acupuncture to your overall health and well-being and what factors to consider when incorporating it into your wellness routine.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, solid, metallic needles into the skin. An acupuncturist activates these acupuncture needles with specific movements of their hands or through electrical stimulation. It is an ancient practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, which believes the body has over 2,000 acupuncture points interconnected by meridians. These pathways conduct energy flow, known as “Qi,” responsible for overall health.
Any disruption of Qi can contribute to disease, and applying acupuncture to specific points is believed to restore this energy flow, improving health. Depending on the location of the point and the condition, the acupuncturist will insert the needles at a depth of a few millimetres to several centimetres. The needles will not cause pain but may cause a slight tingling sensation, warmth, or pressure.
Benefits of Incorporating Acupuncture into Your Wellness Routine
Adding acupuncture to your wellness routine may be worth considering if you want to enhance your overall health and well-being. Acupuncture can help ypu do the following:
Manage chronic pain, migraine, and headaches
Compared to normal therapy, acupuncture treatment is more effective at treating tension headaches, shoulder pain, and lower back pain, as well as carpal tunnel syndrome and osteoarthritis pain.
It carries a low risk of side effects
Another benefit of acupuncture is the low risk of side effects. Unlike many prescription medications, acupuncture is a natural therapy that does not involve drugs or invasive procedures. This makes it a safe and gentle treatment option for people of all ages.
Manage anxiety and depression
Acupuncture can also be an effective way to manage anxiety and depression. As acupuncture stimulates specific points in the body, it can help regulate the nervous system and reduce anxiety. Additionally, it has been shown to reduce the symptoms of depression as well.
Improve sleep
Many people struggle with sleep disorders, such as insomnia or sleep apnea, which can negatively impact their overall health and well-being. Acupuncture can improve sleep quality and duration, improving mental and physical health.
Regulate lood pressure
High blood pressure is one of the most common conditions that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. This is why your blood pressure must be properly regulated. Acupuncture is a complementary therapy that has been shown to help regulate blood pressure.
Furthermore, stimulating specific acupuncture points can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and lowering stress levels. As a result, acupuncture treatment can help some people lower their blood pressure.
Acupuncture has many benefits. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, and a qualified and it should only be performed by a licensed practitioner. If you are interested in trying acupuncture in North York, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider who can ensure that the treatment is safe and appropriate for your condition.
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session
During an acupuncture session, a qualified acupuncturist will ask about your medical history and any specific health concerns you have. The practitioner will then examine your pulse and tongue and palpate different areas of your body to identify any imbalances.
You will then be asked to lie down on a comfortable table, and they will insert the acupuncture needles. The needles will remain in place for 15 to 30 minutes, and the whole treatment can take up to an hour. During this time, you will be encouraged to relax and breathe deeply.
Some practitioners may also use heat therapy, electrical stimulation, or massage therapy during the session to enhance the effects of the treatment.
After an Acupuncture Session
It’s common to experience calmness and clarity of mind after an acupuncture session. You may even feel energized or sleepy.
However, some people may also feel bruising or soreness at the insertion sites. These mild side effects should disappear within a few hours or days.
The number of recommended sessions may vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual’s response to acupuncture. Some people may experience immediate relief after the first session, while others may need several sessions before noticing significant changes. Your acupuncturist will develop treatment plans based on your specific needs and goals.
What to Consider When Deciding About Acupuncture
Before trying acupuncture, there are key factors to consider to ensure that it’s a safe and effective option for you. Your doctor can help determine if acupuncture fits your health needs and refer you to a licensed practitioner after discussing acupuncture with you.
Speaking of licensed practitioners, choosing an acupuncture practitioner who is licensed and qualified to perform acupuncture in Canada is also imperative. This can help ensure that the treatment is both safe and effective. In addition to checking the practitioner’s credentials, consider their experience and reputation as well.
Another factor to consider is acupuncture cost and whether your insurance covers it. Acupuncture can be an investment when you incorporate it into your wellness routine, so weighing the potential benefits against the costs is essential. Many insurance plans now cover acupuncture, but you must check with your provider for clarification.
By considering these factors and researching ahead, you can decide whether acupuncture is the ideal treatment for you.
Adding acupuncture to your wellness routine provides a natural way to manage pain, anxiety, and other health conditions. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment. So, it’s essential to consult with a qualified healthcare provider before trying acupuncture and choose a licensed practitioner.
If you’re interested in trying acupuncture, talk to a licensed practitioner at Oriole Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation Centre. We are a North York physiotherapy clinic offering this service. To learn more about how acupuncture can benefit your overall health and well-being, book your appointment by calling 416-221-0772.