This thousands-year-old traditional Chinese medicine is gaining popularity in the modern medical world thanks to its effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions, from chronic pain to stress.
What Is Acupuncture and How Does It Work?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points . These points are located along energy pathways called meridians . According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, vital energy, or Qi, flows through these meridians. When the flow of Qi is disrupted or imbalanced, various health problems can arise.
By stimulating acupuncture points, acupuncturists aim to restore balance to the flow of Qi, relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve organ function, and stimulate the body's natural healing abilities.
Benefits of Acupuncture that You Need to Know
Traditional acupuncture treatment has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including:
- Chronic Pain: Headaches, migraines, back pain, neck pain, joint pain, fibromyalgia, and post-operative pain.
- Neurological Disorders: Bell's palsy, stroke (recovery), and neuropathy.
- Digestive Disorders: Nausea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and constipation.
- Respiratory Disorders: Asthma and allergies.
- Emotional and Mental Disorders: Stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
- Women's Health Problems: Menstrual cramps, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and menopausal symptoms.
- Chemotherapy Side Effects: Nausea and vomiting.
- Improve Quality of Life: Improve energy and overall well-being.
Preparation Before Acupuncture: Don't Make Mistakes!
Before you decide to undergo a traditional acupuncture treatment session, there are several things you need to prepare:
- Initial Consultation: The most important first step is to consult with an acupuncturist. At EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital, the doctor will perform a thorough examination, ask about your medical history, and understand your symptoms. This will help them determine if acupuncture is the right treatment for you and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Provide Complete Medical History: Be sure to provide honest and complete information about any existing medical conditions, medications you are currently taking (including supplements and herbs), allergies, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Avoid an Empty or Overly Full Stomach: It's best to eat a light meal 1-2 hours before your acupuncture session. An overly empty stomach can cause dizziness, while an overly full stomach can make you feel uncomfortable lying down.
- Wear Loose, Comfortable Clothing: Loose clothing will make it easier for the doctor to reach the acupuncture points and make you feel more relaxed during the procedure.
- Limit Caffeine and Alcohol Consumption: It is best to avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages before an acupuncture session as they can affect your body's response.
- Prepare Questions: Don't hesitate to ask anything you want to know about the procedure, duration, or possible side effects.
Acupuncture Procedure: What Will You Experience?
Acupuncture procedures are generally safe and painless. Here's a general overview of what you can expect during an acupuncture session:
- Comfortable Position: You will be asked to lie on your back, stomach, or sitting, depending on the area of the body to be pierced.
- Skin Area Cleaning: The skin area to be pierced will be cleaned with alcohol to ensure sterility.
- Needle Insertion: The doctor will carefully insert very thin, sterile acupuncture needles into the designated points. You may feel a slight tingling, tingling, or light pressure when the needles are inserted. This is normal and indicates that the needles have reached the correct points.
- Needle Retention: The needles will be left in place for 15-30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated. During this time, you can rest or meditate.
- Needle Stimulation (Optional): In some cases, the doctor may manipulate the needles by rotating them, moving them up and down, or applying mild electrical stimulation (electroacupuncture) to enhance the therapeutic effect.
- Needle Removal: After the specified time, the needle will be removed quickly and painlessly. The puncture site may be slightly red, but this will soon disappear.
After Acupuncture: What to Look Out For?
After an acupuncture session, some people may feel relaxed and sleepy, while others may feel more energetic. Serious side effects are rare. You may experience some bruising or mild pain at the injection site, but this is generally temporary.
It's important to follow your doctor's advice regarding session frequency and lifestyle changes to achieve optimal results. Acupuncture often requires a series of sessions to achieve significant therapeutic effects.
Don't Wait Until It Gets Serious!
If you're experiencing symptoms that are interfering with your quality of life and are looking for a safe and effective alternative treatment, don't hesitate to consider acupuncture. At EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital, our team of experienced acupuncture specialists is ready to provide you with the best possible care.
Don't let health problems hinder your activities! Schedule a consultation with an acupuncture specialist at EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital today and discover healthy solutions for you.
Article written by Dr. Anastasia Yoveline, Sp.Ak., AIFO-K (Acupuncture Specialist at EMC Grha Kedoya Hospital).