Acupuncture is a treatment approach rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with a history of more than 3,000 years. Acupuncture involves inserting very fine, sterile, single-use needles into specific acupuncture points.
Acupuncture may be used to address pain, muscle tension, stiffness, and restricted movement. When appropriate, acupuncture may be combined with other TCM techniques, such as moxibustion, acupressure, or cupping.
How does Acupuncture work?
Does it hurt?
Are there any side effects?
Research
What does WHO’s suggestion of Acupuncture treatment?
Frequency of visit
How does Acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that uses fine, sterile needles to stimulate specific points on the body.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is believed to help regulate the flow of Qi (vital energy) through pathways known as meridians and restore balance within the body.
Modern research suggests that acupuncture may interact with the nervous system and local tissues and may influence the body's natural mechanisms for regulating pain. Research has found that acupuncture may be helpful for certain types of pain, including back and neck pain, joint pain, and headaches. NNCCIH
At MO Acupuncture & Massage Center, we take a personalized approach to care. Each treatment is tailored to your individual needs, with a focus on pain relief, relaxation, mobility, and overall wellness.
Does it hurt?
Acupuncture is generally well tolerated, and everyone experiences it differently. Because acupuncture needles are extremely fine, many people feel little or no discomfort during insertion. You may notice a brief pinch, tingling, warmth, pressure, or heaviness around the treatment area.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, some of these sensations are described as “De Qi,” a traditional term associated with the acupuncture experience. Not everyone experiences De Qi, and it is not required for acupuncture to be effective.
After treatment, you may feel relaxed or notice mild, temporary soreness or sensitivity around some acupuncture points. If you have any concerns or unusual discomfort, please let your practitioner know.
Are there any side effects?
Acupuncture is a safe, effective, and drug-free therapy when practiced by a competent Acupuncturist. Many people often report the positive side effects of increased relaxation, improved sleep, and a general sense of well-being.
Research
Throughout the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine, extensive and thorough research has been done. This research has documented and verified the benefits of Acupuncture, herbal medicines and other related TCM therapies. In more recent years, research has been conducted in conjunction with modern Western Medicine. Numerous papers reporting experiments and clinical trials have been published internationally in medical journals, newspapers, and on the internet. Research continues today in China, as well as in many other countries around the world.
What does WHO’s suggestion for Acupuncture treatment?
The World Health Organization has identified a number of conditions that Acupuncture can benefit. Here are some of the conditions they have listed:
. Arthritis, neuralgia, sciatica, bursitis, tendonitis (Tennis elbow, golf elbow, frozen shoulders); carpal tunnel syndrome
. Sprains, strains; post-surgical recovery, rehabilitation acupuncture
. Neck and back pain
. Headaches, migraines
. Post-stroke (paralysis) recovery
. Bell’s palsy, trigeminal neuralgia
. Women’s conditions: infertility, PMS, painful period, irregular menstruation, menopause syndrome
. Men’s conditions: impotence, seminal emission; dripping of urine; frequent urination; enlarged prostate etc.
. Depression, anxiety, stress, insomnia; palpitation
. Colds and flu, sore throat, hay fever
. Constipation, abdominal pain; indigestion
. Tinnitus, deafness; toothache;
. Quit smoking, withdrawal syndrome from addictions;
. Lose weight
. Chronic fatigue; Ms; fibromyalgia;
. Enhancing immune system
. Skin problems
How Long of Each Session &
Frequency of Visit
The initial session will take to one hour, and a follow-up session will take around 40 to 45 minutes. The frequency of the visit depends on each individual's condition, usually 1-2 times per week. For some acute conditions, it’s crucial to get twice a week during the first month in order to get a consistent stimulation of the Acu-points to achieve a stable effect; after the symptoms are mostly relieved, the patient will come once a week until the patient feel more balanced or symptoms disappear completely; then the patient will come once every two weeks or once a month to maintain the treatment effect to achieve long term health.