The modern world of wellness has come a long way, including some very new procedures and other ancient ones that have resurfaced. Out of the numerous alternatives you can choose from, research is very important. You need to know everything there is to these procedures to ensure that you get the best results.
However, while searching about the same, you might find some procedures which are tried and tested, while others are rather gimmicky. Acupuncture, nevertheless, is one such procedure that has stood the test of time and is preferred by many. Popularly known as an ancient Chinese medicinal practice, acupuncture, when done right, can offer you a number of benefits.
If you are just learning about this procedure or are considering implementing it, this blog is a great read. Here you will learn everything there is to acupuncture, its benefits, and certain reasons why it is a better alternative than other similar treatment options.
What Exactly Is Acupuncture?
The practice of acupuncture goes back several centuries. It is a very old practice that has its roots in China but has come a long way since then. This process uses thin and small needles that get inserted into your body with the aim of reducing stress, relieving pain, and certain other applications.
While you might not find many studies backing this practice, the majority of people using it have witnessed benefits. This is especially true for people who have to deal with stress, pain, migraines, hormonal imbalances, and other similar issues.
In spite of the many newer kinds of pain treatment methods invented since then, people often keep coming back to acupuncture Honolulu for its effectiveness. More so, it has quickly gained immense popularity in today’s medical world.
How Does It Work?
As mentioned earlier, in this process, slim needles are inserted into your body. However, it is not just on random parts of the body, there are specific areas that help with the kinds of symptoms you might be facing.
These specific points are laid around the energy flow of your body, colloquially known as ‘Qi’ in the industry. The common belief is that Qi flows in particular meridians or paths in the body. The acupuncture points used sit right along these lines, and stimulating them can help maintain balance in their flow.
While western medicine does not usually recognize this form of treatment, there are many practitioners who still advise it. Scientifically, acupuncture points can be seriously effective in helping with certain ailments. This is mainly because it uses points that are proven to stimulate muscles, nerves, or connective tissues.
Others believe that it allows the body to enhance the release of endorphins, which are hormones known to help with the pain. Since it is a very precise procedure, it is best you only choose certified and licensed professionals for it. This will further ensure you more prominent and long-lasting effects.
Who Should Consider Acupuncture?
Now that you know the history, procedure, and science behind acupuncture, you might be wondering if it is right for you. Well, there are typically certain ailments that have better results than others. Commonly pain relief is the most popular reason why people choose acupuncture.
However, it can also help with certain other health concerns. In theory, it can help with overall wellness, including depression, asthma, headaches, stress management, fertility issues, regulating hormones, and gastrointestinal disorders.
What Can You Expect From An Acupuncture Session?
If this is your first time sitting for an acupuncture session, you will want to know what you should expect in a session. While it is true that your experience will significantly vary, depending on your practitioner and where you go, there is a common routine every session works in.
Every session will always start with a quick consultation. This will help the practitioner get a good idea of what the problem is and find the best treatment for you. This part of the process mainly deals with the practitioner finding the right acupuncture points they need to stimulate.
Once that gets figured out, you will be asked to lie on a comfortable massage table in a private room. The practitioner will pierce anywhere from 10 to 20 needles at the decision points in your body.
You will be left like that for about 25 minutes, but a helper will always be there to supervise the situation. If you have experience kind of discomfort, you can always ask them for assistance. Once done, you can either feel total relief in one session or need a few more.
Will It Hurt You?
Probably the most common question any person sitting for an acupuncture session will ask is ‘if it hurts.’ To answer it simply, it totally depends on you. While it will not hurt more than a mosquito bite when inserting the needles, however, that quickly goes away.
If you are not a fan of needles, you might feel stressed. Depending on your health condition, one session can also require the practitioner to insert as many as a hundred needles.
However, these needles are strategically small and very thin, so you will hardly feel them on you. That said, you have to be very, very still during and after the needle insertion. Being so still for half an hour or so can sometimes be uncomfortable for some.
How to Know If You Have Found the Right Practitioner?
Since a lot of how successful your acupuncture session and experience is dependent on who your practitioner is, you need to be very careful with making that choice. Luckily, there are some fundamental steps that can help you find the best Acupuncturist Honolulu.
- Preliminary Steps To Treatment:
Firstly, you must ensure that the practitioner you choose takes the necessary time and steps to evaluate your situation. This will help them come up with a more effective and efficient treatment plan. Contrary to western medicine, acupuncture often relies on understanding and pinpointing the problem points. Without that information, you are more likely to require more sessions.
Any capable acupuncturist will set up a rigorous interview that can help them get a better idea of the situation. However, this will not just be focused on our physical health, but also your mental health. In addition to that, your diet, periods of sleep, lifestyle, and exercise habits, if any. All such factors can play an integral role in developing your treatment plan.
- Certifications And Licensing:
Secondly, you will have to pay attention to the kind of licenses and certifications they have. You should look at any acupuncturist as a professional and not go by word of mouth. Like before choosing a doctor, you would want them to have the right degrees; this works the same way.
Make sure you check all the right requirements necessary for them to practice. While every state can have different licensing programs, starting at the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine might be a good idea.
- Experience In The Industry:
Lastly, you must consider how well-experienced the practitioner is. Not only should they have industry experience, but they should also be well-trained. More so, if they have more experience in the field, they will better know how to treat you better.
With more clients, you can also find more reviews on the internet, giving you a better idea of their facility. Try checking how good their customer service is and the patient’s overall experience they had at the facility.
With the information present in this blog, you will surely not have a problem with your acupuncture session. Rest assured, you will surely see the results quickly enough with a good and capable service. They will take care of all your needs and ensure you leave there feeling fresh and healthy.