Acupuncture is often described as being randomly poked with needles for a therapeutic benefit, but there is a lot more to it than that! Do not continue to be misinformed, educate yourself. Read the tips in this article to begin learning more about the process behind acupuncture and its potential benefits.
Do you suffer from chronic pain, but are leery about taking prescription medication to help it? If so, then acupuncture might be for you! Acupuncture targets pressure points in the body to relieve pain and stress. This medical practice is used all over the world and is a great alternative to prescription medications.
Although needles are involved, acupuncture should not be too painful. Keep in mind that the needles are generally a lot thinner than those you encounter in your doctor’s office. Therefore, if you are nervous about getting “stuck,” you really should not be. You will feel them, but you should not experience extreme pain.
Do not eat too much before you head in to your appointment. While you should not go in on an empty stomach, because you could experience nausea if you do, stuffing yourself will only make you feel bad. Instead, plan to have a snack about an hour or two before your appointment time.
To make your acupuncture benefits last longer, remember to eat before a treatment. Eating puts energy into your body, and your body will need that energy to reap all the benefits of your treatment. If you go to a session hungry, your body will utilize the stored energy it has, rather than saving that to facilitate your healing process.
Eating before your session will help so that you are not distracted by hunger. The session is about clearing the mind so that your body can relax and repair. This is difficult to do if you are distracted by outside concerns like hunger. An easy rule of thumb is to eat about two hours before a session for the optimal benefits.
Learn more about your local acupuncturists before you pick one. There are bad and good ones just as in any profession, so check them out carefully. Look at all of the reviews that are available to make the best decision possible. The more homework you do, the better off you’ll be.
Choose your wardrobe for your appointment carefully. Your acupuncturist will have an easier time treating you. Your acupuncturist will be able to insert needles far more easily. Some sessions are done with people in a group so that means that people have to wear clothes so that nobody get offended.
Taking good care of yourself after an acupuncture treatment is important to allow the treatment to work properly. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol. Acupuncture can help with releasing toxins and it is essential to flush them from your body by staying properly hydrated.
Know that acupuncture involves needles in many different areas, not just your back. Go in not being surprised if your acupuncturist needs to place needles in places like your hands, the abdomen, your scalp, or even around the ears. Remember, they know what they’re doing, and this is a new style of treatment for you. Relax and let the benefits come.
Do some research about the different kinds of acupuncture before you begin looking for an acupuncture practitioner. American acupuncturists can practice based on traditions from Korea, China or Japan. Always ask about your practitioner’s training and exactly what kind of procedures they use. It is also helpful to find out if one branch of acupuncture is more effective than another for your particular condition.
Acupuncture is recognized as an effective treatment for a lot of different ailments and diseases by the medical world. If you are considering having this type of treatment, you might want to check with your insurance company first. Many insurance companies will actually cover the cost of acupuncture treatments.
Avoid drinking alcohol for at least several days after having acupuncture treatments. When you have this type of procedure done, it releases a lot of toxins into your body. These toxins sometimes cause the body to become dehydrated, and having alcohol in your system will only make the situation worse.
All reputable acupuncture providers use new needles for each session. New needles are the only way to ensure they are completely sterile. If you even think that needles are being reused, you need to leave immediately. It is not worth the risk and you can easily find a practitioner who uses clean needles.
If you are looking for an acupuncturist near you, try asking around for recommendations. You can ask friends, family, coworkers, etc. If any of them get acupuncture treatments or have in the past, try asking them who did it, what it was like and if they would recommend them to you. It is usually better to get acupuncturist referrals from people you trust than calling about someone in a printed ad.
Take your time when getting up from the table after an acupuncture treatment. You should get up very carefully and move slowly as you leave. Take a few minutes to relax and sit before going home if you need to. Eat a healthy snack if you want to get rid of your dizziness.
Before accepting treatment, make sure you see the needles being used. All needles for acupuncture must be sterile and marked for one time use. This is an important aspect of your health safety. If you didn’t see the needles unwrapped in front of you, ask for a new set.
Keep in mind that your practitioner may place needles in places you find unusual. A needle on your scalp or between their eyes may be the best way for them to treat your problems. You should emotionally prepare yourself for this and remember that it won’t be painful. That way, you won’t panic when the time comes.
