Here’s What You Must Know About Acupuncture for Pain Relief
Acupuncture affects the part of the brain responsible for serotonin production. Serotonin is a brain chemical that is linked to mood. Acupuncture proponents believe that it can help relieve pain and other health problems. It is said to be beneficial for a variety of health conditions. There is also some evidence that acupuncture can help to improve overall health and well-being.
There are different types of acupuncture that come from different countries. Japanese acupuncture involves less deep needle insertion than Chinese acupuncture, and the needles are not usually manipulated. Korean acupuncture focuses on applying needles to points on just the hands and feet.
Keep reading and learn more about acupuncture for pain relief.
The Effectivity of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a relatively safe medical procedure. The most common complication is the accidental insertion of a needle into the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. However, this is rare.
The jury is still out on whether acupuncture is an effective pain reliever, as the evidence is mixed. Some studies suggest that it does help to relieve pain, while others show that it is no better than a sham acupuncture procedure. It can be challenging to compare these studies, as they often vary in size and design, and it is possible that acupuncture only works for some people.
What Acupuncture Relieves
Acupuncture is used mainly to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Dental pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Headache
- Labor pain
- Menstrual cramps
- Muscle pain
- Postoperative nausea
Some people should not have acupuncture because of certain health conditions. These include people who have a bleeding disorder, take blood-thinning medication, have a pacemaker, or are pregnant. If you are unsure if acupuncture is right for you, talk to your doctor or acupuncturist.
Acupuncture is generally considered to be safe. However, there are some risks associated with the procedure. These risks can be minimized by choosing a qualified practitioner and ensuring that all needles are sterile and disposable.
What to Expect
An acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of very thin needles into specific spots on the body. The needles are usually inserted with little discomfort. To determine the best acupuncture treatment, your practitioner may ask about your symptoms, behaviors, and lifestyle.
They may also closely examine:
- Your tongue (its color and coating)
- Your pulse on both wrists
- Your abdomen
- Your skin’s condition
If you're considering acupuncture, choosing a qualified practitioner is essential. Make sure to ask about their training and experience. Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner. However, there are some risks, such as pain and bruising at the needle site.
An acupuncture session typically lasts around 60 minutes, although some appointments may be shorter. A typical treatment plan for a single problem would involve one or two weekly treatments. The number of treatments needed depends on the condition being treated and how severe it is. In general, most people need 6 to 8 treatments.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is an effective form of pain relief used for centuries. It is a safe and natural form of therapy that can help relieve pain from various conditions. If you are suffering from pain, acupuncture may be a treatment option worth exploring.
Are you looking for the best acupuncture in San Francisco? Trust Redmint. We transform how you feel on the inside and look on the outside holistically and naturally–herbal skincare, wellness remedies, acupuncture, therapeutic massages, and herbal bars within the urban sanctuaries. Shop now!