Acupuncture is one of the many health practices that has been misunderstood in the context of Western medicine. Like chiropractic treatment and massage therapy, acupuncture is a holistic treatment that does not involve medication or any invasive procedures. It does not offer a painful or “barbaric” experience, as some people might think once they see dozens of needles sticking out of someone’s body.
As a matter of fact, acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of pain relief that has its roots in ancient Chinese medicine. If you are suffering from a chronic physical or mental condition, acupuncture can provide much-needed relief without the side effects of more “traditional” treatment methods. As such, you might want to consider acupuncture and all its benefits before opting for medication or invasive procedures.
Read on to learn more about acupuncture and how it could help you improve the state of your health.
What Is Acupuncture?
As noted above, acupuncture is a form of alternative pain relief rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. A certified acupuncturist will insert tiny, metallic needles into various acupuncture points on the body where the pressure of energy flow is felt the most. These points are known as “meridians,” and the insertion of the needles is meant to cleanse these pathways and reestablish a person’s energy flow, also known as “Qi.”
According to acupuncture doctrine, these meridians house about 350 acupuncture points where an acupuncturist can insert needles. Although sticking your skin with needles sounds horrible, acupuncture is relatively painless due to the thin nature of the needles. Many times, you will not even know there are needles stuck to your skin.
The needles themselves are thought to contribute to pain relief by stimulating the nervous system and encouraging the body to release certain chemicals. These chemicals accelerate healing, promote pain relief, and contribute to an improvement in well-being.
What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture?
There are numerous acupuncture benefits, the most prominent being pain management. Many people find that this practice helps them tremendously in managing several chronic conditions, ranging from arthritis to migraines. People who suffer from depression and other mental health issues have also found that acupuncture improves their quality of life and contributes to a healthier state of mind.
Additionally, acupuncture has likewise demonstrated effectiveness against several gynecological issues, such as menstrual cramps or infertility. There is also evidence that this practice can relieve symptoms associated with many respiratory conditions, including allergic rhinitis and bronchitis.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Depending on the condition you wish to treat and the severity of your pain, you may require as few as a single session to as many as several sessions a month. There is no standard rule on how many sessions you will need, as this is very dependent on how you respond to the treatment and whether or not you see immediate improvements.
However, it is recommended to schedule regular acupuncture appointments when you first start treatment. Doing so will ensure long-term relief from your pain.
Book Your First Acupuncture Appointment Today
Are you ready to try acupuncture now that you’re aware of the wide-ranging benefits this practice can offer? If so, then it’s time to seek out a trustworthy location where you can receive treatment from a trained and certified acupuncturist.
If you are specifically looking for acupuncture in Calgary, Active Back to Health should be your first call. Our health and wellness center is composed of professional acupuncturists who are ready to assess your pain and set up a treatment plan that meets your needs.
Give us a call at 403-252-3316 or visit our website and fill out our online contact form to make your first acupuncture appointment today.
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