Acupuncture- Information and Benefits
Acupuncture originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine. TCM suggests that our energy flows along meridian pathways. The pathways link to specific organs and organ systems within the body. According to TCM, uninterrupted energy flow within our body keeps us alive and healthy. In turn, a kink in this flow can cause pain and problems.
The therapist using this tool will insert thin needles into specific points along our energy pathways. The therapist will insert the needles at different depths and at different points in order to achieve specific goals. This will help even out the flow of energy, as a result reducing pain and discomfort. Furthermore, acupuncture is used with different manual therapies as an additional modality. It can encourage natural healing, reduce and/or relieve pain, and to improve function of affected areas of the body.
This modality holds many benefits in combination with manual therapy:
- Pain Relief
- Increased relaxation
- Increase body and blood flow
- Reduce swelling
Many people may feel nervous to use this tool as part of their regular treatment. The stigma is , is that this process can be painful. The first step is to have this conversation with your therapist. They will be able to walk you step-by-step through the process to ensure your comfort. Upon needle placement you will feel little to no pain, similar to a mosquito bite. The sensation you feel once the needle is in place will vary. They can range from a heavy feeling to numbness and tingling, this feeling can also move within the body.
This therapy treats a variety of muscular problems such as muscle strains, sprains, bruising, and others. It is important to speak with your therapist regarding your goals for the acupuncture treatment. This is done in order to develop an efficient plan of care. Lastly, the number of treatments vary with each person and the condition being treated. Treatments usually last between 15-30 minutes. You may feel relief right away or within a few hours or a few days of treatment. Most patients notice an improvement after the first couple of treatments.
In conclusion, consider using this tool as part of your regular treatment- speak to your therapist today to see if it is right for you.
Another tip before making a decision is to do plenty of research. You will be able to find FAQ’s on our website beneath the services tool bar. Any of our staff will be able to answer any questions you may have. We put your comfort first and our main goal is to get all of our patients feeling better.