Debunking the Biggest “Myths” About Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been used as a medicinal treatment by the Chinese since 100 BC. Despite medical advances throughout the years, medical professionals claim that traditional procedures are just as effective as modern ones.

In Canada for instance, doctors, dentists, and physiotherapists may use acupuncture to help ease pain and resolve some health issues.

How Does Acupuncture Really Work?

Acupuncture treatments entail the insertion of extremely fine needles into specific locations on your skin in order to stimulate certain areas. All of the energy that goes through your body, according to the Chinese, is referred to as qi. The body’s energy becomes unbalanced when a person’s qi is disrupted, resulting in a variety of diseases and conditions.

To rebalance the qi inside these sites, needles are put into approximately 100 acupoints on the body. Your acupuncturist will request a comprehensive medical history at your first appointment. They will next test small sections of your body before proceeding with the treatment. They do this to check if any sections of the body react to the needles. A typical appointment lasts roughly 20 minutes.

What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has several benefits. The following is a list of some of the advantages of acupuncture.

• Reduce Stress

People are affected by stress in a variety of ways, which includes physical symptoms like muscle pain. Acupuncture aids in the reduction of stress hormones which helps in the regulation of a person’s mood and the reduction of anxiety and depression.

• Reduce back and neck strain

Acupuncture is a painless treatment that can be used by people with chronic neck and back pain to alleviate their discomfort.

• Headache relief

Acupuncture has the ability to relax a person and release euphoria as one of its benefits. This is why some migraine sufferers choose the drug-free treatment of acupuncture.

• Reduce eye strain

Eye strain can be caused by a variety of factors including the use of phones and computers. Acupuncture moves and stimulates blood and oxygen to the tissues, allowing them to recover more quickly. Acupuncture can enhance visual acuity, minimize light sensitivity, reduce the occurrence of blurred vision and dry eyes, and alleviate reddened, swollen, and/or painful eyes.

• Improve mental focus

Acupuncture assists the body in self-repair, which is one of its key purposes. Acupuncture can help you sleep better and improve your entire body’s performance. The mind instantly clears up with increased body function. You’ll be able to concentrate more.

• Reducing the need for a cigarette

The liver is stimulated by acupuncture. It works by restoring energy to a regular level, making it simpler for the person to quit smoking and using tobacco.

What Are the Risks of Acupuncture?

Acupuncture carries the same hazards as any other medical treatment. Acupuncture can be risky for people who have certain medical conditions or those who are using certain drugs. Before you go to see an acupuncturist, there are a few things you should know.

• Bleeding disorders, or taking blood thinners

Acupuncture involves pricking the skin. While these pricks are miniscule, it still penetrates the skin. So patients with clotting disorders or those who are using blood thinners should consult their doctors before scheduling an acupuncture appointment.

• Bleeding or bruising at the site

A trained acupuncturist will rarely cause bleeding or bruising at the acupuncture site. If blood is drawn and there is unusual bruising in the area, contact the doctor right away. It’s always better to err on the side of caution.

• Unsanitary clinics

Needles are inserted into the skin during acupuncture. As a result, it is critical that you seek out the cleanest and most professional acupuncturists in order to avoid unwanted infections.

If you decide to try acupuncture, make sure you go to a place where the practitioners are accredited and well-trained.

What Are Common Myths?

Even though acupuncture treatments have been around for thousands of years, there are still many misconceptions about them. By dispelling these beliefs, we may all obtain a better understanding of the benefits of athe practice.

• It’s not effective because the procedure is very old

We think it’s a touch antiquated because it’s been around for thousands of years. While it is a very old tradition, it is not out of date. In fact, so many people are now seeking acupuncture treatments that it is now covered by several insurance policies. Because it is a drug-free option and causes only minor discomfort, it is gaining in popularity.

• It’s a painful procedure

Acupuncture needles are extremely tiny and pointed and only as thick as a strand of hair, so they easily penetrate the skin. The majority of persons who have had this therapy claim to have experienced little or no discomfort at all. While the acupuncture points may become a little sore afterward, the soreness will disappear on its own.

• It usually causes scarring

Acupuncture treatments, when done correctly, leave no scars. However, if you have scarring, it’s probable that you were treated with the wrong needle size. Acupuncturists trained by the Acupuncture Canada Association, for example, have been taught precise needle methods to avoid causing discomfort and scarring on patients.

• Needles are about the same size as medical-grade needles

You may be thinking about the standard needles used in hospitals. Hypodermic needles are what they’re called. It transfers medicine, blood, or liquid from the cartridge to the patient or the other way around. Acupuncture needles are not like other needles. It’s not hollow, and there’s no way for liquid to pass through. Acupuncture needles used in professional acupuncture practices in Canada are so fine that they feel like a hair pick.

• It’s expensive

Initial sessions can cost anywhere from $100 to $300. While succeeding sessions costs often range from $75 to $100. The initial session is more expensive since you’ll have to go through a few interviews and tests to make sure you don’t have any negative reactions to the acupuncture treatments.

• It’s a form of voodoo

No, it most definitely is not. Many medical professionals from around the world have endorsed this technique. It has been shown to improve the physical health of the body and relieve pain. Even though it is a thousand-year-old custom, it was once employed for medical purposes.

• Not eating before the treatment

A small breakfast should be consumed at least 2 hours prior to your session, according to acupuncturists. Just make sure it’s not a large dinner so you don’t feel uncomfortable throughout the process. You must also refrain from not eating. It affects your body in the same way that any other activity or operation does, so it’s better to avoid becoming lightheaded. Always grab a bite before the procedure.

• It’s dirty because the needles are used again and again

Acupuncture operations were fairly risky during its early years This was because needles were being used repeatedly without being sanitized. However, needles are now disposable. You don’t have to be worried about catching any diseases due to acupuncture.

• It’s dangerous for pregnant women

As their bodies adjust to the growing baby, pregnant women suffer a variety of pains. Acupuncture is frequently requested by pregnant women seeking pain relief. Firstly, because it is drug-free and all-natural, it causes no harm to the infant. The concern is, however, whether it is truly safe.

Yes. According to studies, it is used not only to ease the discomfort but also for a variety of illnesses associated with pregnancy, such as hyperemesis gravidarum, which is similar to extremely serious morning sickness. It’s also been proved to be extremely effective at inducing labour.

Just make sure you’ve consulted your OB-GYN beforehand and that he or she has given you the green light before going in for an acupuncture session. Also, tell your acupuncturist how you’re actually feeling and what you’d like acupuncture to do for you.

• Acupuncturists do not undergo training

Certified acupuncturists go through a ton of training. Acupuncture is also a regulated field, so not just anyone can call themselves an acupuncturist. Most jurisdictions in Canada, for example, require acupuncturists to have a specific amount of study and certification before they may use it in their practice.

Don’t hesitate to type in that search for “acupuncture near me”. Rest assured that acupuncturists are available to assist you. They are experts who have completed the appropriate training in order to give you the best possible care.

Just remember to always seek the advice of your medical doctor if you’re undergoing other treatments and tell your acupuncturist every little detail about your condition before the acupuncture session. Always, seek an established and licensed acupuncturist for your safety.

If you’re in need of acupuncture services in Oshawa, get in touch with The Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centres (PARC) of Ontario. Call us at 905.579.9938 for inquiries or to book an appointment.