what is acupuncture treatment?

Full Answer

What are the risks and benefits of acupuncture therapy?

These include:

• high and low blood pressure
• chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
• some gastric conditions, including peptic ulcer
• painful periods
• dysentery
• allergic rhinitis
• facial pain
• morning sickness
• rheumatoid arthritis
• sprains

More items...

What is acupressure treatment and how it effects Your Body?

The Benefits and Uses of Acupressure

• Uses
• Benefits. There's currently a lack of studies exploring the effectiveness of acupressure. ...
• A Typical Acupressure Session. Acupressure is often administered by an acupuncturist, with the person receiving the acupressure sitting or lying down on a massage table.
• Side Effects and Safety. Acupressure should never be painful. ...

What health conditions can acupuncture treat?

What Can Acupuncture Treat?

• Pain
• Cancer
• Allergies
• Headache & Migraine
• Smoking Cessation
• Anxiety & Depression
• Gynecologic Disorders
• Insomnia
• Digestive Disorders

What does acupuncture really do?

What does acupuncture actually do?

Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

What are 3 benefits of acupuncture?

Top 10 Benefits of Acupuncture for Workplace Stress and PainReduced Back Pain, Neck Tension and Relieve Joint Pain in the Hands and Arms. ... Relief from Headaches. ... Reduced Eye Strain. ... Improved Immune System and Reduced Sick Days. ... Enhanced Mental Clarity and Increased Energy. ... Relief from Digestive Conditions. ... Allergy Relief.More items...

How painful is acupuncture?

Q: Does acupuncture hurt? A: You might be more sensitive in certain areas, but it shouldn't hurt. Acupuncture needles are usually not painful on areas of thicker skin and muscles. For example, your belly and back are less sensitive.

What are the side effects of acupuncture?

As with any treatment, acupuncture may cause side effects in some individuals....Side effects may include:Pain and bleeding from the needle insertion.Nausea.Infections.Skin rash.Allergic reaction.Bruising around the area the needles were placed.Dizziness17.

How long does acupuncture last?

An acupuncture session may take up to 60 minutes, although some appointments may be much shorter. A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one or two treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity.

How long does it take for acupuncture to work?

Acupuncture has a short term effect. The period of time you will feel its therapeutic benefits is around 3-4 days. If you are having it only and your problem isn't chronic, you can have it once a week.

Do people fall asleep during acupuncture?

Research backs me up: In a systematized review of 41 trials, acupuncture was shown to relieve insomnia just as effectively as Western medical treatments (think: Ambien). And as someone who has taken Ambien and done acupuncture, I can attest to the fact that both will help you snooze, but acupuncture works every time.

What should I avoid after acupuncture?

So, what should clients avoid after acupuncture? Clients should avoid strenuous exercise, caffeine, junk food, alcohol, cold temperatures, digital screens, and, where possible, stressful situations.

Can acupuncture damage a nerve?

Even a disposable needle can break. Acupuncture needles rarely break 7, but they may damage a spinal nerve root 8 , 9 or a peripheral nerve 10.

Why do acupuncturists look at your tongue?

Tongue Monitoring Acupuncturists check your tongue for color, texture and coating. In addition, the shape of your tongue can be an indicator of poor health.

How often should you get acupuncture?

Most patients have an appointment once a week. Others get treatment more or less often, depending on how long the effects last. Your acupuncturist will recommend a schedule that is right for you. You may not get the full benefits of acupuncture on the first or second treatment.

How do I know if acupuncture is working?

The following are the most common signs indicate your acupuncture treatment is working.Sign 1: Pain Relief. ... Sign 2: Improved Sleep Pattern. ... Sign 3: Eating Better. ... Sign 4: Circulating Well. ... Sign 5: Elimination Properly. ... Sign 6: Breathing Easy. ... Sign 7: A Sense of Emotional Wellbeing. ... Sign 8: Uneventful Menstruation.

Why do people do acupuncture?

Why it's done. Acupuncture is used mainly to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and conditions, including: Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Dental pain. Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines. Labor pain . Low back pain. Neck pain. Osteoarthritis.

How to determine acupuncture treatment?

To determine the type of acupuncture treatment that will help you the most, your practitioner may ask you about your symptoms, behaviors and lifestyle. He or she may also closely examine: The parts of your body that are painful. The shape, coating and color of your tongue. The color of your face.

What is ear acupuncture?

Ear acupuncture involves placing acupuncture needles into specific points around the ear. These points are believed to correspond with specific organs, emotions or sensory feelings.

How to become a non-physician acupuncturist?

Most states require that nonphysician acupuncturists pass an exam conducted by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Interview the practitioner.

What is the Chinese medicine called that focuses on balancing the flow of energy?

Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as chi or qi (chee) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.

Why do people use acupuncture points?

In contrast, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. Some believe that this stimulation boosts your body's natural painkillers.

Is acupuncture safe for everyone?

Single-use, disposable needles are now the practice standard, so the risk of infection is minimal. Not everyone is a good candidate for acupuncture. You may be at risk of complications if you:

What is the benefit of acupuncture?

Benefits. What to expect. Risks. Acupuncture is a form of treatment that involves inserting very thin needles through a person’s skin at specific points on the body, to various depths. Research suggests. Trusted Source. that it can help relieve pain, and it is used for a wide range of other complaints. However, according to the National Center ...

How does acupuncture work?

How acupuncture works scientifically remains unclear. Some people claim it works by balancing vital energy, while others believe it has a neurological effect.

What is the procedure of inserting needles at certain points of the body?

Acupuncture involves inserting needles at certain points of the body.

How much does acupuncture cost?

According to Costhelper Health, an acupuncture session and medical consultation will cost from $75 to $95, and a routine visit will cost between $50 and $70.

What side of the body do you lie down on for acupuncture?

The patient will be asked to lie down on their back, front, or one side, depending on where the needles are to be inserted. The acupuncturist should use single-use, disposable, sterile needles. As each needle is inserted, the patient may feel a very brief stinging or tingling sensation.

How to find a licensed acupuncturist?

To find a licensed practitioner, visit the website for the National Certification Commission in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCA OM). Most states require practitioners to be licensed by this board. People are advised to ask practitioners about their experience and training.

What is acupuncture point?

Some experts have used neuroscience to explain acupuncture. Acupuncture points are seen as places where nerves, muscles, and connective tissue can be stimulated. The stimulation increases blood flow, while at the same time triggering the activity of the body’s natural painkillers.

How Is Acupuncture Done?

Prior to getting acupuncture, your acupuncturist will ask about your health history and may give you a physical examination.

Why do people use acupuncture?

Some people use acupuncture to promote fertility. It is also used to quit smoking and as a component of the treatment for other addictions. Cosmetic acupuncture, also known as facial acupuncture, is used to improve the appearance of skin.

What Are the Health Benefits of Acupuncture?

The health benefits of acupuncture can vary depending on the individual. Keep in mind that it may take several acupuncture sessions before you notice any benefits. 5

Why do acupuncture needles work?

Acupuncturists insert hair-thin needles to specific acupuncture points throughout the body to restore the flow of qi, balance the body’s energy, stimulate healing, and promote relaxation.

How many needles are used in acupuncture?

Typically, acupuncture will use anywhere from six to more than 20 tiny need les per treatment (the number of needles doesn't indicate the intensity of the treatment). The needles are often left in for 10 to 20 minutes. The acupuncturist may gently twist the needles for added effect.

What is laser acupuncture?

Laser acupuncture: This method is said to stimulate acupuncture points without the use of needles. Ear acupuncture, also known as auricular acupuncture, is sometimes used during the treatment for weight loss, 2  smoking cessation, addictions, 3  and anxiety.

How long does acupuncture help with knee pain?

An analysis of previously published studies found that acupuncture improved physical function in the short and long term in people with chronic knee pain due to osteoarthritis, but it appeared to provide only short-term (up to 13 weeks) relief of pain.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner's hands or with electrical stimulation.

What conditions may benefit from acupuncture?

Many Americans seek acupuncture treatment for relief of chronic pain, such as arthritis or low back pain. Acupuncture, however, has expanded uses in other parts of the world. Before considering acupuncture, talk to your doctor. Conditions that may benefit from acupuncture include the following:

Why do needles hurt during acupuncture?

Improper placement of the needle can cause pain during treatment. Needles must be sterilized to prevent infection. That is why it is important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner. The FDA regulates acupuncture needles just as it does other medical devices under good manufacturing practices and single-use standards of sterility.

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is done using hair-thin needles. Most people report feeling minimal pain as the needle is inserted. The needle is inserted to a point that produces a sensation of pressure or ache. Needles may be heated during the treatment or mild electric current may be applied to them. Some people report acupuncture makes them feel energized. Others say they feel relaxed.

Why is acupuncture controversial?

Because scientific studies have not fully explained how acupuncture works within the framework of Western medicine, acupuncture remains a source of controversy. It is important to take precautions when deciding about acupuncture.

What is the purpose of acupuncture points?

Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

How many acupuncture points are there in the human body?

Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee") through the body that is responsible for overall health.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a technique in which practitioners stimulate specific points on the body—most often by inserting thin needles through the skin. It is one of the practices used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Why is acupuncture so challenging?

Studying acupuncture is challenging because: Clinical trials often differ in terms of technique, the number of acupuncture points, the number of sessions, and the duration of those sessions.

What is simulated acupuncture?

Many acupuncture trials rely on a technique called simulated acupuncture, which may use blunt-tipped retractable needles that touch the skin but do not penetrate (in real acupuncture, needles penetrate the skin). Researchers also may simulate acupuncture in other ways.

What is FDA acupuncture needle?

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices for use by licensed practitioners and requires that needles be manufactured and labeled according to certain standards. For example, the FDA requires that needles be sterile, nontoxic, and labeled for single use by qualified practitioners only.

What is PubMed in medical terms?

A service of the National Library of Medicine, PubMed® contains publication information and (in most cases) brief summaries of articles from scientific and medical journals. For guidance from NCCIH on using PubMed, see How To Find Information About Complementary Health Approaches on PubMed.

Is acupuncture better than sham?

A 2014 Australian clinical study involving 282 men and women showed that needle and laser acupuncture were modestly better at relieving knee pain from osteoarthritis than no treatment, but not better than simulated (sham) laser acupuncture. Participants received 8 to 12 actual and simulated acupuncture treatments over 12 weeks. These results are generally consistent with previous studies, which showed that acupuncture is consistently better than no treatment but not necessarily better than simulated acupuncture at relieving osteoarthritis pain.

Is acupuncture good for chronic pain?

Therefore, acupuncture appears to be a reasonable option for people with chronic pain to consider. However, clinical practice guidelines are inconsistent in recommendations about acupuncture. The effects of acupuncture on the brain and body and how best to measure them are only beginning to be understood.

What is acupuncture used for?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine-based approach to treating a variety of conditions by triggering specific points on the skin with needles. Paul Kempisty, licensed acupuncturist with a MS in traditional Oriental medicine, explains, “ [Acupuncture is] a minimally invasive method to stimulate nerve-rich areas of the skin surface in order to influence tissues, gland, organs, and various functions of the body.”

Why do people use acupuncture?

Some people swear by acupuncture, citing it as a “miracle” to improving their quality of life because it’s said to be able to treat everything from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.

How much does it cost to get an acupuncturist?

The cost of an acupuncture session depends on where you live and on whether or not the practitioner takes your insurance. For example, The UC San Diego Center for Integrative Medicine charges $124 per session, without insurance. According to Thumbtack, a company that connects customers to professionals, the average cost for an acupuncturist in San Francisco, California is $85 per session. The average cost of an acupuncturist in Austin, Texas and Saint Louis, Missouri ranges from $60-85 per session.

What is the certification for acupuncture?

A licensed acupuncturist is required to pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exam or complete the NCCAOM program in the foundations of Oriental medicine, acupuncture, and biomedicine.

How long does acupuncture last?

The actual treatment portion of acupuncture may last around 30 minutes, though you don’t necessarily have needles in your skin for that long!

Why is acupuncture good for health?

Thus, acupuncture aims to assist people in achieving balance, or qi, and, as a result, provide relief for many ailments.

What is the Chinese philosophy of acupuncture?

“They believed that the human body was filled with and animated by an invisible life-giving force which they called ‘qi’ (pronounced ‘chee’) and when the qi was flowing well and going to all the right places, then a person would experience good mental and physical health. When the qi was flowing incorrectly (blocked or deficient) that would result in illness,” says Kempisty.

Overview

• Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management. Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a techniq...

See more on mayoclinic.org

Why It's Done

Risks

What You Can Expect

Results

Clinical Trials