When you have a cold, you likely have a bowl of chicken soup to make you feel better. When your throat is sore, you may drink a mug of tea with honey to soothe it. You don’t realize it, but these are alternative treatments which work, just like acupuncture, so read on to find out more.
Relax if you do not feel relief from the acupuncture right away. Tough certain folks notice a major difference after a single session, others need several visits in order to see real results. Don’t allow an unresponsive first visit to dishearten your efforts. Improvement will come with the passage of time. Have patience and let the treatment do its work.
If you are nervous about acupuncture, and you are not sure if it is right for you, do not be afraid to ask questions. Believe it or not, one of the most common inquiries is whether or not the acupuncturist practices a painless style of treatment. Your fears may be eased when you hear some of the answers.
It is always best to ask a few questions to the acupuncturists you are interested in before scheduling an appointment. You need to ask if the acupuncturist is certified by the NCCAOM. The only way to get this certification is to earn a medical degree and do an acupuncture internship.
Look into your insurance coverage before choosing acupuncture. While more and more insurance plans are covering alternative medicine and methodologies, not all do. It’s important for you to know what to expect financially so that you don’t have a sticker shock after your initial treatment. Look at your plan, or call your insurance company if you’re still unsure.
When looking for an acupuncture professional to treat your aches, pains and ailments, be sure to ask if they are nationally certified. Although this will not guarantee that your sessions are perfect and painless, it will guarantee that the specialist you visit has had a lot of formal education and is well qualified to perform the service. You should see the certificates on the wall.
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.
You should drink plenty of water before you attend your scheduled acupuncture session. It has been shown that people who are well hydrated respond better to treatments. While you should not consume a lot of food before a session, it is a great idea for you to drink a good amount of water.
Ask your acupuncturist about the style they use. Acupuncture is a very complex discipline and there are several methods acupuncturists can use to relieve pain or stress. Make sure the methods your acupuncturist uses are painless. If you are new to acupuncture, ask if you can get a very simple treatment to get used to the sensatin.
Wear loose or easily removable clothing for your acupuncture appointment. This will help your acupuncturist reach the areas necessary for your treatment. While you can generally remove clothes if you want to, if your wardrobe is flexible, that would be beneficial, too.
Don’t expect to 100% understand what an acupuncturist is talking about, but do ask for explanations when you are lost. Acupuncture is an Eastern style holistic approach to medicine. It’s quite different from what Westerners are used to, and the lingo can be a lot to take in. If you’re lost, stop and ask questions.
To prevent yourself from being distracted during acupuncture treatments, be sure to turn off your electronics or leave them at home or in the car. When you have your devices with you, they will tempt you to use them. A phone ringing or a message alert can make your muscles tense and make the session uncomfortable. Best to keep them all out of sight.
Acupuncturists often ask you to take herbs before your appointment. While the herbs are recommended with the best of intention, they may not react well with any current medication or herbal supplements you are already taking. Before you take any herbal supplements, consult your primary care doctor about possible interactions.
Always go to your acupuncture appointment early. You should not feel rushed when going to your appointment or relaxing will be difficult. Leave a few minutes early and take the time to walk slowly. Read a magazine in the waiting room for a few minutes or listen to some relaxing music.
Do not get an acupuncture treatment from someone who is not properly licensed. You don’t know what kind of experience they have or what their knowledge is about acupuncture unless they have some kind of a degree or a license from an institution that is accredited. Don’t hesitate about doing research on any doctor you have reservations about.
In most areas, Licensed Acupuncturists have to have thousands of hours of education along with certification from the NCCAOM. On top of that, they receive a license from their local medical board to ensure they are still practicing correctly and receiving additional training as they need to in order to stay on top of their game.
Before choosing an acupuncturist, ask for references. While this is an alternative treatment type, it’s also still a business. The office should be able to give you a few references to check or, at the very least, somewhere to go online to see performance reviews of the acupuncturists under their roof.
