Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needs through specific points on the skin and in varying depths (with an aim to balance energy levels in the body). According to research, acupuncture is helpful in alleviating pain and in treating a number of ailments.
However, despite the breadth of its historical background, there are several misconceptions around acupuncture that are still being practiced up to this day. If you’re keen to try out this needle treatment, it pays to be knowledgeable about the wrong ideas associated with acupuncture so you can get the most out of your treatment.
Here are the top three 3 common acupuncture myths and we set out to debunk them:
Myth No. 3: Acupuncture is painful.
While it uses a lot of needles, acupuncture is totally painless since it uses fine, very slender needles almost the size of cat whiskers. People who have tried the treatment would describe the initial prick as a mosquito bite. If you feel a pang of discomfort, it’ll either ease up as the acupuncturist adjusts the needles or fade away in a few seconds. In fact, acupuncture relaxes the body so much that it induces sleep in patients during the session.
Myth No. 2: Acupuncture doesn’t work.
Contrary to popular belief, acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers). It also boosts the body’s immune system due to its anti-inflammatory effect. However, the healing effect and results vary from patient to patient. Some patients respond instantly to the treatment (within the first three sessions), while others need a full treatment of eight to ten sessions before they could experience the results. The effects of acupuncture compound over time, and acupuncturists will have to assess the effects on your body after a full series of treatments are completed. Treatment methods may also vary from one acupuncturist to another, so you may need to find other acupuncture clinics in Ajax.
Myth No. 3: Acupuncture only treats pain.
True, acupuncture is effective in the management of bodily pains including back pain, joint pain, knee pain, stomach pain, headache, as well as menstrual cramps. But unknown to many, the treatment is also beneficial in the treatment of various health issues like vomiting/nausea, hypertension, depression, morning sickness, and minimizing the side effects of chemotherapy.
In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed the following conditions in which acupuncture treatment has been proven to be effective:
- Gastric conditions like peptic ulcer
- Inducing labor
- Allergic rhinitis
- Dysentery
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Reducing the risk of stroke
- Facial pain
- Sprains
- Tennis elbow
- Moderate to severe back pain or Sciatica
- Dental pain
Planning to explore acupuncture treatment? It’s vital to choose a trained and experienced acupuncturist in your area to ensure your safety and the success of the treatment.