A form of complementary therapy called acupuncture uses very tiny needles to treat patients. To address various health concerns, practitioners place needles at various angles and depths.
What is Acupuncture?
In order to activate sensory nerves in the skin and muscles, acupuncture entails putting needles into the body. This might aid in the treatment of physical disorders like chronic pain.
The roots of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be found in acupuncture, a complementary therapy that is currently used widely throughout the world.
How Does It Work?
It’s theorized that acupuncture points stimulate the central nervous system. Chemicals are then released into the brain, spinal cord, and muscles as a result. These biochemical alterations may amplify the body’s inherent capacity for healing and improve both mental and physical health.
Several acupuncture points may be in locations where stimulation can influence the activity of numerous sensory neurons, according to a 2017 review. Receptive fields are another name for these locations.
The physical stimulation of inserting needles at certain places may alter how the central nervous system and muscles process pain while also increasing blood flow to specific regions of the body.
Risks
Some treatment has both risks and advantages. This is why before beginning any therapy, make sure you choose the licensed acupuncturist and a reliable clinic.
Acupuncture may have the following risks:
- Bleeding, bruising, and soreness may occur at the insertion sites.
- Unsterilized needles may lead to infection.
Acupuncture needles are governed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as medical devices. Their production and labeling must adhere to specified requirements. Needlesticks need to be sterile, non-toxic, and “for one use only” labeled by a qualified and licensed professional.
As with any complementary therapy, acupuncture should be used in conjunction with traditional therapies when a problem is chronic or severe.
Benefits of Acupuncture
A popular alternative therapy that can help patients manage a wide range of ailments is acupuncture.
Acupuncture has the following advantages:
- People can effectively combine acupuncture with other treatments.
- Effective acupuncture can help manage chronic pain, migraine, and headaches.
- Acupuncture carries a low risk of side effects.
- It is a flexible form of treatment that can target numerous health concerns at once.
What to Expect During Acupuncture Treatment
An acupuncturist will look over the patient, evaluate their condition, place one or more tiny, sterile needles, and give recommendations.
Usually, people would sit or lie down while having the treatment. Single-use, disposable, sterilized needles should be used by the acupuncturist. Upon needle insertion, some people may experience a very brief stinging or tingling sensation.
The needles will often remain in place for 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the operation.
The licensed acupuncturist at As Designed Wellness can assist you if you’re interested in considering acupuncture therapy for your health issue. Just visit the clinic at Dana Point, which is close to Laguna Beach. Making an appointment beforehand is even better, click here for schedule or call (949) 412-6815.