ACUPUNCTURE IS A FORM OF Traditional Chinese Medicine believed to have been practiced for nearly 5,000 years. According to the World Health Organization, acupuncture is used in 103 of 129 countries that reported data.
Acupuncture can help the symptoms of many conditions, including back pain, arthritis, joint pain, neck pain, women’s health, headaches, migraines, digestive issues, anxiety, depression, and stress. This holistic therapy is also beneficial for supporting overall health and well-being.
During an acupuncture session, very thin, sterile, single- use needles are inserted into the skin at various points to help with symptom relief. A consult is done at the beginning of the session to let the client know what to expect and discuss their symptoms and health goals to customize the therapy to their specific needs. Details from each visit are added to the patient record and reviewed before treatment for safety and continuity of care.
The client is comfortably positioned on a heated treatment table for the session. There is very minimal sensation when the needles are inserted since, on average, they are about 10 times smaller than a standard injection needle. After needle insertion, the client rests with soothing music and dim lighting for about 25 minutes, allowing them to relax as they receive the benefits of the acupuncture visit. Most people find the experience to be very calming and feel rested at the end of the visit. Along with working on the main goals of therapy, the whole body and overall health are considered. Clients often find that when their main symptoms start to feel better, their sleep, stress, and energy also improve.
There are approximately 400 main acupuncture points located all over the body. Needles are inserted in different areas depending on the therapy goals, and the therapy is customized to the individual’s needs. It often surprises people that, for example, someone with back pain and digestive issues may have needles placed on the head, hands, and feet. While these may not seem connected, points on one area of the body can affect a different part of the body. The effects of acupuncture are cumulative, and it often takes several visits to see major changesinsymptomsandimprovement in well-being. It is recommended that clients start treatment weekly for three to five visits to gain maximum benefit. For chronic pain, clients may continue with maintenance visits once or twice a month to help alleviate recurring symptoms.
Anyone can participate in acupuncture; your doctor can refer you, or you can schedule an appointment on your own. If you want to add acupuncture to your care plan, discuss with your healthcare provider how complementary therapies, like acupuncture, may help bring relief.
Kylie Study, M.Sc, MSTOM, Dipl. OM, L.Ac, is a licensed acupuncturist at Natural Wellness at Icaria, Powered by ProMedica. ✲
