Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that uses an approach of treating different types of pain by triggering specific points on the skin with needles. During the treatment, thin needles are inserted through your skin at strategic points, to various depths. Acupuncture is considered to be a key component in traditional Chinese medicine and have been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years.
According to Chinese medicine, acupuncture is a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force known as “qi,” pronounced “chi.” Energy flows through pathways (meridians). These meridians are accessible through 350 acupuncture points in the body. By inserting needles into them, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance and the pain will slowly go away. Others believe that neuroscience is the best explanation of acupuncture. Insertion places stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissues, which results in relieving discomfort caused by various conditions.
Acupuncture points are located in all areas of the body but sometimes, the appropriate points are situated far away from the discomfort area. The treatment itself involves the following:
- Needle insertion. Generally, our patients describe this procedure as “more terrifying in thought, than it actually is in practice”. You may feel mild discomfort as the needles will be inserted and an aching sensation when inserted deeper.
- Needle manipulation. After the placement, the needles can be moved or twirled.
- Needle removal. Once removed, you will feel energized or relaxed after the treatment. It is also possible for needles to cause temporary soreness, however, most of our patients do not feel any discomfort after their removal.
This procedure might sound scary but remember, you are in safe hands! Our specialists will make sure that your experience is great and effective from the beginning to the end!