Acupuncture, which uses needles to stimulate specific points on the skin to treat symptoms, may help with allergies, migraines, and insomnia. Acupuncture is an evidence-based medicine proven by literally thousands of studies.
For those who are not familiar with holistic healing as a type of treatment, acupuncture can seem a little scary. how When a needle is pushed into the skin, the following sensations may occur: Better? Isn’t that so? Will it hurt?
No, it’s definitely not the painful procedure you might imagine.under considerationIt has been studied and practiced for a long time.
Some people swear by acupuncture, calling it a “miracle” for improving their quality of life, as it is said to treat everything from depression and allergies to morning sickness and seizures.
Acupuncture is an approach based on ancient Chinese medicine that involves inserting needles into specific points on the skin to treat a variety of conditions.
Paul Kempisti, a licensed acupuncturist with a master’s degree in traditional oriental medicine, explains:[Acupuncture is] It is a minimally invasive method of stimulating nerve-rich areas on the surface of the skin to affect tissues, glands, organs, and various functions of the body. ”
“Each needle makes a small wound at the insertion site, mild enough to cause little to no discomfort, but enough to signal the body that it needs to respond,” Kempisti said. To tell.
“This response includes stimulating the immune system, increasing circulation to the area, wound healing, and modulating pain.” Modern research on acupuncture is largely based on this theory.
What is the philosophy behind acupuncture?
The Chinese philosophy behind acupuncture is a little more complex, as ancient acupuncture is not traditionally based on science or medicine.
“They believed that the human body was filled with and animated by an invisible life-giving force called qi (pronounced “chee”). When people go to all the right places, they become energized and experience good mental and physical health. When the flow of Qi is incorrect (blocked or deficient), disease occurs,” says Kempisti.
The concept of ki is not that unusual. Think of Qi as the natural internal workings of your body. Feeling stressed and anxious can make you more susceptible to illness.
When you are relaxed and healthy, your body will physically reflect that as well.After all, your mood, mental health, and overall well-being do Affects physical health. Therefore, acupuncture aims to help people achieve balance, or qi, and, as a result, alleviate many diseases.
You may be interested in acupuncture for a variety of reasons. For example, I sought treatment for chronic headaches and sinus pressure.
There are many conditions and conditions for which acupuncture has been shown to be effective. Here are just a few.
Research suggests that acupuncture can also help treat cancer.most cancer centers
limited evidence for
- acne
- abdominal pain
- cancer pain
- obesity
- insomnia
- infertility
- Diabetes
- schizophrenia
- Stiff shoulder
- alcoholism
Although there is no evidence that acupuncture is a miracle cure-all, there appears to be some evidence that it is a valuable treatment for people who may be suffering from multiple conditions or illnesses.
There’s a reason it’s been around for over 2,500 years, and as research continues, so does our knowledge of exactly what works and what works.
Acupuncture treatments last 60 to 90 minutes, but most of that time may be spent discussing your symptoms and concerns with your practitioner without using the needles.
The actual acupuncture treatment time is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. In reality, many people wish for a longer time. Dopamine is released during acupuncture, and many patients who prefer the relaxing experience of dopamine release prefer longer retention times.
It’s nearly impossible to tell you what to expect when it comes to results, as everyone reacts and experiences different things to acupuncture.
“There is no universal response to acupuncture. Some people feel relaxed and a little tired, while others feel energized and ready for anything,” Kempisti explains. “Some people experience immediate improvement, while others may need several treatments before noticing positive changes.”
mostBut what about the general response to acupuncture?
“People feel happy and satisfied,” Kempisti said. “It’s hard to explain in words, but there’s a uniquely balanced and harmonious feeling that acupuncture gives most people, and it just feels good!”
You may also feel tired and notice changes in your eating, sleeping, bowel habits, or no changes at all after treatment.
“If you know someone who has had a good experience meeting an acupuncturist, ask that person for a personal introduction or introduction. Like-minded people often continue to date each other, so is usually the best approach,” Kempisti says.
Be sure to see a qualified acupuncturist (they should have LAc after their name).
Qualified acupuncturists must pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exam or complete the NCCAOM program in East Asian Medicine, Acupuncture, and Biomedical Fundamentals.
However, some certification requirements vary slightly by state. For example, California has its own licensing exam. You can also search online for a certified acupuncturist in your area.
How much does an acupuncturist cost?
The cost of acupuncture varies depending on where you live and whether your practitioner has insurance. For example, the University of California San Diego Integrative Medicine Center charges him $85 per session without insurance.
As of 2023, the average cost for an acupuncturist in San Francisco, CA is $150 per session. The average cost for an acupuncturist in Seattle, Washington is $135 per treatment, and in St. Louis, Missouri, he charges $60 per treatment.
you should I never have Try acupuncture yourself. Acupuncture must be performed at a licensed medical facility. Failure to do so may worsen your symptoms or cause negative effects.
Instead, Kempisti recommends “tai chi, yoga, and meditation.” [and learning] If you’re looking for a similar effect at home, check out these simple self-massage techniques that promote aroma and the flow of energy to different parts of your body. Pressing these pressure points is called shiatsu.
LAc and certified reflexologist Lisa Chan provided insight into which points on your body you can massage yourself.
For example, if you have menstrual cramps, “press your thumb into the hollow of your inner malleolus, using very little pressure.” This covers points K 3, 4, and 5.
If you can’t sleep, rub the “Yinyu” between your eyebrows in a circular motion, clockwise and counterclockwise. Mr. Zhang recommends pressing the space “Du 26” between the center of the nose and the upper lip to relieve back pain.
The most popular pressure point is “LI 4” (large intestine 4), and there’s a reason for that. Pressing this pressure point on the muscle between your thumb and index finger can relieve headaches, toothaches, stress, and pain in your face and neck.
If you are pregnant, do not press this acupuncture point unless you are ready to give birth. If so, it may help induce labor.
pot
- For menstrual cramps, massage the hollow of your inner ankle with a little pressure.
- For insomnia, rub the area between your eyebrows clockwise, then counterclockwise in a circular motion.
- For lower back pain, press the space between the middle of your nose and your upper lip.
- For general headaches, try pressing on the muscle between your thumb and index finger.
If you’re not sure where or how to start, consult a certified reflexologist or acupuncturist. A professional can demonstrate where and how to properly apply pressure.
Although acupuncture is recognized as safe and beneficial for many conditions, it is not a panacea. You need to continue taking your medicine. However, although it may not eliminate the symptoms, it may still relieve them. So it might be worth a try, especially when it comes to chronic pain.
If you are still skeptical, discuss your concerns with your doctor. They will look at your symptoms, medical history, and overall health to determine if acupuncture is right for you.
Daniel Sinay is a writer, musician, and educator living in Brooklyn, New York.She writes for the Bushwick Daily She has served as a contributing editor for Teen Vogue, Huffington Post, Healthline, Man Repeller etc. Daniel holds a BA from Bard College and an MA in Nonfiction Creative Writing from The New School.you can Email Daniel.
