Acupuncture is an old healing practice of traditional Chinese medicine dating back over 4,000 years. It still remains effective today as a way to strengthen the body rather than merely treating symptoms. It is primarily used to relieve pain as well as treat other conditions. More than 3 million Americans and 200,000 children in the U.S. have had acupuncture to help relieve a symptom or condition. Because of its minimal side effects, it has been the treatment of choice for many doctors across the country. It is even more popular in other countries.
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What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a means of balancing the body. It uses thin needles inserted at specific points in the body. Because the layer of pain receptors in the skin is relatively thin and acupuncture needles are so small, many of our patients are surprised at how painless acupuncture is.
Our doctors have been trained and certified to know where to locate the exact points to relieve your condition or symptom. When these points are stimulated, your body’s function improves and begins a self-healing process. An acupuncture session will typically last 20 minutes. Your doctor at Capitol Chiropractic Health Center will develop a personalized acupuncture protocol and treatment plan based on your unique needs. The number of treatments will vary among individuals and conditions. Many patients even report being more relaxed after receiving treatment. Acupuncture is a safe, alternative treatment for pain. It has fewer side effects than medications you may be taking to relieve your pain.
What does a typical session look like?
A typical session begins after your initial evaluation/consultation to assess your health condition and treatment goals with Capitol Chiropractic Health Center. Before you begin any treatment plan, it is important to know the benefits and risks to make sure it is the right choice for you. Your doctor will apply the sterile acupuncture needles to specific points of the body. The needles will be left in for a short period of time. This allows the body a chance to balance and start healing itself. The needles will then be removed, and you will be free to return to normal daily activities following your treatment session. It is recommended to drink plenty of water after each session to help in the detoxifying process.
When should you consider Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been steadily gaining popularity in the U.S. in recent times, even though it has been around for thousands of years. Acupuncture should be considered as a potential alternative to pain medications or steroid injections. It is also a “complementary” medicine, meaning it can be used alongside other treatments like spinal adjustments. What conditions can Acupuncture help treat? More and more people are turning to alternative care as the success of the industry grows. Acupuncture, when performed by a properly trained and certified professional, can successfully manage a wide variety of symptoms and problems. It has long been known to alleviate chronic pain, and it is especially beneficial for back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headaches and shoulder pain. Acupuncture has also been known to relieve other symptoms of other conditions including, but not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Digestion
- Infertility
- Low Back Pain
- Menstrual Cramps
- Neck Pain
- Smoking Cessation
- Stress
- Neuropathy
- Weight Loss
The World Health Organization also recognizes the following conditions
as having benefited from acupuncture treatments:
- High and low blood pressure
- Morning sickness
- Arthritis
- Dental pain
- Pregnancy continuing past healthy due date
- High stroke risk
Acupuncture has also been effective in reducing symptoms of nausea and vomiting due to cancer treatments. Many patients get acupuncture concurrently with their cancer treatments. With the growing opioid epidemic, more physicians are turning to a more natural approach for pain relief. Some physicians prefer acupuncture over prescription medicine due to the low risk of complications and adverse side effects.
What are the risks?
Although acupuncture is generally safe and serious problems are rare, there are some risks and concerns associated with the procedure. Acupuncture may not be right for you if you have a blood disorder or take blood thinners. It is crucial to visit licensed physicians when receiving acupuncture. Any non-licensed individual could be using needles that are not sterile or could puncture too far into your skin. That is why it is important to come to Capitol Chiropractic Health Center where our chiropractors are skilled and trained to give you the best acupuncture treatment with all the benefits you are seeking. Our chiropractors will develop a treatment plan specific to your needs. Some people find complete relief in just one visit while other individuals may need to be seen once or twice a week for several months. Treatment varies based on your condition, pain level, and how long you have been experiencing symptoms. Every patient has a unique experience with acupuncture due to duration, frequency and condition being treated. When we are balanced, health and well-being exists. When we are out of balance, illness and disease manifest. Let Capitol Chiropractic Health Center get you back on track to a healthier you.
Request Your Acupuncture Appointment Today
For more information on acupuncture or to request an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us today at (217) 391-5446!