What Acupuncture Is For And How It Can Help
Have you ever heard of acupuncture? Sure you’ve heard of it, but many people don’t know the many awesome benefits it can provide. It can be used in a variety of ways for healing along with numerous other benefits. Keep reading to find out more about how acupuncture can help you.
You should drink plenty of water before you attend your scheduled acupuncture session. It has been shown that people who are well-hydrated respond better to treatments. While you should not consume a lot of food before a session, it is a great idea for you to drink a good amount of water.
Make sure you don’t rush off to your appointments. When you’re having an acupuncture session, you want to be in a relaxed state of mind. Aim to get to your appointment about 15 to 20 minutes early. This way, if any last minute delays crop up, they won’t be a big source of stress.
Some people might feel pain at the acupuncturist, but you won’t know until you try it. While most people experience little to no pain whatsoever, some people can be bothered by it. Everyone is different, so do not go on the advice of only one person. Talk to the acupuncturist if you think the pain is unusual.
If you’re feeling a little sore after an acupuncture session, the best way to treat that soreness is with heat. Post-session pain is usually caused by blockages, and ice may only exacerbate the problem. Most soreness is gone within 24 hours, so a hot bath and a good night’s sleep should do the trick.
If you notice small, red dots on the skin following an acupuncture treatment, this is not cause for concern. Many times, the needles will leave behind a small mark. The mark is harmless, and it will typically disappear over time. If it makes you feel better, you can place a little bit of oil or cream on your skin to offer a bit of relief.
Try to have some food in your stomach to prevent nausea or possible dizziness. Eating a large meal is not a good idea though. You will want to feel comfortable during your session. This means eating a reasonable snack a couple of hours beforehand. When you finish, follow up with another light snack or meal when you feel comfortable eating.
All acupuncture needles should be labeled for single use only. Make sure this is the case in your acupuncturists office. Ask to see the needles, and make sure they are bagged appropriately and labeled for single use. If this is not the case, you could risk exposure to dangerous diseases.
Acupuncture rarely is painful in any way. The needles used in acupuncture are very thin. You can barely see them with the naked eye. Because of their small size, they often do not hit nerve endings and you will feel no pain. Even when they do hit a nerve, they are so small you barely feel it.
Give seasonal treatments of acupuncture a try. As the seasons past, your body becomes unbalanced due to the changes. For example, starting in the fall, colds could become a problem. The lungs are the focus of fall treatment. Ask if your acupuncturist can recommend anything or add them to your session.
Some patients experience a runny nose or slight flu like symptoms following an acupuncture treatment. In Chinese medicine, it is believed that colds and flus are at the root of many ailments within the body. These symptoms are just the body’s way of releasing toxins, and they typically do not last for long. Do your best to keep yourself comfortable during this time, and you will soon return to optimum health.
Get a full description of what your treatment will be like. Treatments differ based off of what a person is going through, so don’t expect your treatment to mirror what your friend received. Your acupuncturist, though, should be able to describe what to expect as you go through the sessions.
If your insurance doesn’t cover acupuncture and you aren’t sure you can afford it, ask about community sessions. These sessions are performed in a common room with about 3 to 7 other people. Recliners are provided. Most acupuncturists charge a sliding fee for these sessions, which makes them extremely affordable.
Your acupuncturist may ask you to stick your tongue out. The pulse in your tongue helps your acupuncturist measure the way in which your body energy (qi) is flowing. Also, your heart rate will be a factor that the acupuncturist checks. All of this data helps build your treatment plan.
When you have a chronic condition, an acupuncturist will recommend daily treatments for a month to see good results. Sadly, most of us can’t afford to see them that frequently, so two or three sessions a week will be the maximum. In that case, results will still appear, but it will take longer.
Traditional Chinese medicine is a very interesting topic and you should learn more about different traditional home remedies. However, do not let an acupuncturist convince you to set up an appointment by referring to traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is a science and you need to find someone who will use their medical degree to convince you they are a good acupuncturist.
Make sure you schedule your acupuncture appointment at a point in the day that is relatively calm for you. For instance, if you know you have a big work presentation, don’t set up your appointment for right before or right after that, as you will likely be stressed out for your treatment.
Get yourself into a relaxed state before beginning your acupuncture treatment. Life is full of tensions, from work assignments to family arguments. Leave those behind when you get on the acupuncture table. The more you’re able to relax, the better you’ll respond to the treatments given. That’s where you want to be.
Now that you’ve read more about acupuncture, you might just go in for your first session. Use the tips that have been presented to you here so that you can benefit from this wonderful technique. You will be glad that you did, and you’re sure to find out that it is very beneficial.
