For centuries, acupuncture has been something on which millions of individuals have relied in order to gain relief for a wide range of maladies and afflictions. They key to getting the absolute most out of the practice, however, is to learn everything possible about it before jumping in. The article that follows below is full of terrific information to help you do just that.
Stop your acupuncturist right away if he or she is reusing needles. If you were not in the room when the needles were obtained, ask the acupuncturist to show you the needle supply. Reusing needles is dangerous and unprofessional.
Since acupuncture is a form of alternative treatment, the cost is not likely to be covered by traditional insurance. Sometimes it only takes one treatment to get symptomatic relief, so the cost is not prohibitive. If several treatments are needed the cost of treatment may become too expensive to continue.
Avoid over-eating right before your acupuncture appointment. Although you should not go on an empty stomach, as this can lead to feeling dizzy, you can’t be too full either. Call and ask for guidance with the receptionist if you’re not sure, but don’t take any chances by indulging in a big meal a few hours prior to going.
Do not just go to one appointment and then stop. Generally, you will experience the best results if you go to several treatments. If you are not dedicated to the process, you are not going to benefit as much from it. Talk to your doctor about what you can realistically expect after the first appointment and then going forward.
Be sure the acupuncturist doing the procedure on you is experienced and knows what they are doing. Though rare, one wrong move and the needle could pierce through an organ, such as your lungs. Should this occur, you could end up suffering from internal bleeding. You are less likely to have to worry about this if your acupuncturist is experienced.
Contact your insurance provider before seeking acupuncture treatments. Some plans will cover most or all of the cost of this treatment, but you might need a referral from your general practitioner first. Take the time to make a call to your insurance company first so you are not left with surprise bills after treatment is received.
Although your life may be busy, it is important to relax after your acupuncture session. The restorative value of the treatment is maximized by the rest you give your body afterwards. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep the night after your session.
Some acupuncture professionals will use scraping tools, wood to bring warmth to an area or special magnifying glasses to enhance a session. While these are all normal tools of the trade, they are not ones that we are familiar with in Western medicine. If you are not comfortable with them, declining their use is perfectly fine.
Bring a pillow from home. Acupuncture is a very different experience than most people are used to. It’s nice to have something comforting and known with you, especially during the first few sessions. A favorite pillow (maybe your bed pillow) is a nice place to start. It’ll help you relax.
Many people fear acupuncture because it uses needles and by nature, many people are afraid of needles. Unlike when you have blood drawn or get a vaccine, acupuncture needles do not go very deep into the skin. Some people say that they feel a little pressure, but overall it is not a painful experience.
You might be more sensitive than usual after an acupuncture treatment. Do not worry if you experience mood swings or seem to cry very easily. This is a sign that your acupuncture treatment is working well. These symptoms should eventually disappear as you get used to receiving acupuncture treatments regularly.
There are also seasonal acupuncture treatments to try. When seasons change, our bodies do, too. This change can cause your body to become unbalanced and may cause illness. For example, during the fall, respiratory issues often arise. The lungs are the focus of fall treatment. Ask your acupuncturist to make some recommendations and incorporate them into your treatments.
If you have any family or friends who have obtained acupuncture treatment, talk to them about it. Find out what they thought about it and how it affected them. You may also be able to get a positive referral for a highly-qualified acupuncturist. By learning all you can about what a typical acupuncture appointment is like, you will not be as stressed. The more people who share their experiences with you, the more comfortable you will feel about it.
If you do not get good results with your first acupuncture treatments, you should consider going to see a different acupuncturist. An acupuncturist with more experience should be a better option if you felt pain during your first appointments. If you have a hard time relaxing during your treatment, find an acupuncturist who can make you comfortable.
If you experience any discomfort following an acupuncture treatment, call your practitioner and ask questions. While the discomfort might be completely normal, it will put your mind at ease to get your questions answered. Putting your mind at ease will enhance your healing process and make you more inclined to return for future sessions.
Be aware that an acupuncturist could have you stick your tongue out. The pulse of the tongue can tell the acupuncturist a lot about you. He will also check out your heart rate and your stress levels. This data is collected together so that they can make a treatment plan.
Do not worry if you are not comfortable with disrobing for your treatment. Most of the acupuncture points are located on your hands and feet. If a treatment requires your acupuncturist to place needles on other points of your body, make sure you wear very loose clothes so these points can easily be accessed.
