Are you one of those who flinch even at the thought of needles inserting your skin? Well,
acupuncture changes this whole scary perspective of needle penetration into the skin. The
procedure involves thin hair-like needles and releases tension from affected muscles and
soft tissues. It reduces your pain and brings you comfort. You may know what it is but not
sure if it is the right treatment for yourself. This blog sheds some light on the benefits and
risks of the treatment so you know if acupuncture is right for you.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a part of the traditional Eastern Chinese healing medicine. The healers then
believed that our body consists of energy also known as qi distributed throughout the body
through channels or pathways also known as meridians. The consistent flow of energy is
responsible for our well-being and good health.
The “qi” cannot flow normally if there are any obstructions in the meridians. The uneven flow
of this energy causes pain and discomfort.
There are specific points known as acupoints in our body connected by the meridians. In the
case of obstructions, the acupuncturist inserts needles into these acupoints to treat the
problem and get the energy flowing the way it should in your body.
Does Acupuncture Work?
According to the WHO, acupuncture is a common form of treatment in 103 of 129 countries
that recorded data. Research also suggests that acupuncture is effective for several painful
conditions like back, knee or neck pain. It has also been found to relieve joint pain or muscle
stiffness associated with post-surgeries and osteoarthritis.
A study of 6376 candidates with headaches, neck pain, back pain and osteoarthritis was
conducted. The results showed that the positive impacts of acupuncture remained effective
for a year following the end of their treatments.
So, yes, though a part of ancient medicine, acupuncture comes into play when other
treatment options seem to disappoint you. For instance, you may have been in chronic pain
for over 2 months. Physical therapy reduced it to an extent but the pain still bothers you. This
is when physical therapists recommend the patient get acupuncture and recover completely.
What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an effective treatment method for conditions that cause chronic pain and
discomfort. Here are some common ways it helps patients.
- Relieves muscle tension
- Improves joint mobility
- Boosts the natural healing process
- Reduces pain and inflammation
- Improves blood circulation
In other words, it is the right treatment for most musculoskeletal conditions such as sports
injuries, headaches, tennis elbow, etc.
What About the side effects?
Acupuncture side effects are very rare. Those include bruising or bleeding at the site where
the acupuncturist inserted the needle. This is temporary but gets better on its own. Some
people may also have low blood pressure, dizziness, lightheadedness, etc.
It is safe when you have an experienced acupuncturist by your side. They go through
rigorous training and education to acquire the skills of a professional acupuncturist. If you are in Brampton and skeptical about getting acupuncture, talk to our professional at
Physiotherapy First for a clearer idea.
