Whenever people suffer from headaches or muscle pain, they either look for home remedies or visit a doctor to prescribe pills that can relieve their pain. What if you find out that your muscle discomfort and aches can be treated by inserting needles into your body, would you go for it? Before you judge, this is a well-known technique called acupuncture that originated in China a long time ago. It is meant to treat various diseases such as depression, allergies, and cramps. The idea of having needles penetrating your body may seem terrifying. However, the needles used in this practice are very thin and are placed in certain areas in your body to a specific depth, so they don’t hurt. On that note, read on to learn more about acupuncture, how it works, and whether it is effective.

What It Does

Acupuncture is a popular treatment that has successfully treated thousands of people from chronic pains and discomfort. For example, if you suffer from constant headaches, you can try acupuncture as it may alleviate the pain. Several studies conducted on 18,000 patients assure that acupuncture was able to treat insomnia and chronic pain in the back, knees, neck, and head. Moreover, acupuncture gurus claim that acupuncture can treat anxiety, depression, and even cancer. However, scientists are still conducting research and studies to determine whether acupuncture is truly effective in treating these symptoms. There isn’t enough evidence up till now that proves acupuncture’s ability to treat conditions like acne, obesity, diabetes, or schizophrenia. However, it’s proven to treat a variety of other conditions and diseases.

What Happens in An Acupuncture Session?

If you suffer from a condition that is proven to be treatable by acupuncture, you should book an acupuncture session. The session may last anywhere between 60 to 90 minutes, where the practitioner will be asking questions about your condition, symptoms, and how long you’ve been suffering from it. However, the treatment may last only for 30 minutes, so don’t worry; you won’t have needles penetrating your skin for an entire hour! Before you book an acupuncture appointment, you should look for a skilled clinic that hires experienced practitioners. If you’re located in Canada, look for a physical therapy clinic that offers at-home service. This way, you don’t have to go through the trouble of heading to their office, especially if you’re in too much pain.

What to Expect from A Session?

When it comes to acupuncture results, there isn’t a definite answer. Everyone responds to acupuncture treatments differently. Some people may feel energized and motivated, while others may feel relaxed and a bit drowsy. Additionally, it may take some people longer than others to notice positive improvements. Although some may experience an immediate response to the treatment, others may require a few sessions before they feel any difference. However, if you’re looking for the most common response, researchers confirm that people mostly feel happy and pleased after every session. Acupuncture seems to have a harmonious effect on patients, in which they feel good and satisfied. Even though you may feel a bit tired after the treatment, the general mood is mainly contentment.

Possible Risks

No matter how beneficial a specific therapy is, it may incorporate some possible risk factors. Patients who take blood thinners or suffer from a bleeding disorder need to avoid acupuncture as it can be very dangerous to them. If you visit an incompetent clinic, you may end up with bruises, soreness, or bleeding after a session. Furthermore, unsanitized needles may cause infections as well, therefore, you should choose a proficient as well as hygienic clinic beforehand. In very rare situations, a needle may be inserted too deep into the body, which can cause a collapsed lung or internal organ damages. A rule of thumb is to carefully choose a licensed practitioner who uses sterilized and nontoxic needles.

If you’re curious about finding a different method to treat a specific condition, you may want to try acupuncture. The thought of needles penetrating your skin may be intimidating at first, but once you’re familiar with the process and results, you may want to give it a chance. Acupuncture is known for its ability to alleviate aches and treat chronic pain. It has been practiced for over 2,500 years, which makes it an impressive treatment method. Moreover, you may want to try it, especially if you don’t like medicines or you’re in too much pain to visit a doctor. Some physical therapy clinics offer at-home service, so make sure you check them out.