Has a doctor or a friend recommended acupuncture to you for treatment? Would you like to find out more about it? Perhaps you have heard about it and would just like more information about its many benefits. Keep reading to find out just how acupuncture can help change your life.
A reputable acupuncturist would never reuse needles. If you do not see your acupuncturist get some brand new needles out of a sealed pack, you should ask him or her where the needles came from. It is not sanitary, nor professional for an acupuncturist to use needles over and over.
Some people find acupuncture treatments are quite effective for migraine headaches. One very positive aspect of this type of alternative treatment is the lack of any side effects. Even though very fine needles are inserted into the flesh at specific points, most people do not feel any pain at all from the procedure.
If you are preparing for an acupuncture treatment, make sure to talk to your doctor ahead of time and notify him or her about any medications you are taking. That includes vitamins as well. He or she may want you to stop using some of them while you are receiving treatment.
Acupuncture involves needles, there is no way to avoid this and it is a fear that you will need to overcome. The treatments are comfortable and administered by professionals. The needles aren’t there to inject medications or inflict pain. It may be a scary idea at first, but after your first visit, you’ll be ready for seconds.
Do not expect to leave your first appointment feeling one-hundred percent better. Like many treatments, it will take a few visits before you reach full levels of restoration. Be patient and give the treatment a chance before you call it quits. You will be happy you gave it enough time.
Talk to your acupuncturist to see if he takes your insurance. Many health insurance programs cover alternative medicine now. If they accept your insurance, you may save tons of money with your ongoing treatment. By not doing this, you must pay for the entire fees of treatment. These fees can become expensive over time.
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.
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.
When you schedule your session, mention any vitamins or supplements you’ve been taking. Your acupuncturist may want you to temporarily cease taking some of them. While providing your body with extra nutrients is always a good thing, some of the supplements may cause mild side effects when taken on the day of an acupuncture session.
Do not worry if you feel sore after a treatment. If your acupuncturist manages to release one of the triggers that was causing you to feel tense or stressed, you will probably feel sore in this area for at least a day after your appointment. Contact your acupuncturist if you feel sore for more than a day.
Oftentimes after your first acupuncture visit, you will feel some immediate pain relief. This is fairly common. Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years and these practitioners know what they are doing. Although acupuncture is not recognized as a medical treatment, for some people it can actually cure their chronic pain.
Make sure you request to see official credentials prior to accepting any form of acupuncture treatment. Just like in other areas of heath care, there are some less than reputable forces at work that are just looking to take your money. If the practitioner has no credentials, look to someone else for your care.
Your practitioner will help make the room relaxing, but consider bringing some things to help you calm down too. A CD of your favorite calming music, a comfortable pillow, or a soft blanket are all great things to bring along. You need to get the most from your sessions. Bring whatever you need to make that happen.
Beware of sticker shock. Call your insurance company before getting any treatments. Not every insurance company covers acupuncture. In fact, quite a few cover no forms of alternative medicine at all. Know if that’s the case for you before you step into your sessions. You may not like the bill at the end otherwise.
Make your acupuncture sessions count. Go into them with an open mind and in a relaxed state. If you go in skeptical and tense, you’ll not be in the right place to really get maximum benefit. In fact, you may leave your initial sessions upset that you aren’t seeing immediate results. Relax, get in the right mood, and be patient.
While you shouldn’t choose the cheapest acupuncturist available, you also shouldn’t believe that the most expensive will be the best option either. Rates range from $60 per hour all the way to $120 and above, so look for options in the middle and then trust your instinct and your research.
It is best to receive your acupuncture treatments on a regular basis. Schedule two weekly appointments for your first month and change the frequency of your appointments in function of how efficient they are. If your chronic pain or your stress is mostly gone, a monthly appointment might be enough.
