What is acupuncture?
Whenever we experience pain, we immediately jump to the painkillers. A lot of us do not know that excessive consumption of pain-relieving drugs has an adverse impact on health. Millions of people are turning to traditional practices like acupuncture these days.
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicinal practice performed by a professional acupuncturist. The procedure involves sticking microneedles into the skin. It may sound a little weird, but that is how acupuncture therapy relieves pain. Read on to learn about acupuncturists, how the technique works, and what to expect from the treatment.
Who is an acupuncturist?
Acupuncture, originally from China, is a traditional healing technique that dates back thousands of years. It is based on the belief that energy, known as qi, flows through the body along pathways or meridians. When this energy gets blocked, it may cause illness and disease. This method of healing involves inserting thin needles into the body at specific points along the meridians.
The primary essence behind acupuncture is to restore balance to the body by unblocking the flow of qi. This practice is often used to treat a wide variety of conditions. It is also employed as a preventative measure to help maintain health and well-being.
An acupuncturist is a trained professional who administers acupuncture treatments. They are responsible for assessing a person's health and creating a customized treatment plan. An acupuncturist assesses the patient's pulse and tongue and any other signs or symptoms to identify imbalances in qi. They then use needles to stimulate specific points on the body to restore balance.
Acupuncturists often use various other techniques in addition to needling, such as cupping and moxibustion. Cupping can involve placing heated cups on the skin to increase blood flow and eliminate tension. Moxibustion involves burning a substance called moxa near the skin to help boost circulation and reduce pain.
Acupuncture can be an excellent tool for improving our overall health and well-being. This is why it is necessary to find a qualified acupuncturist who is experienced and knowledgeable about the practice. Acupuncturists should be able to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your individual needs.
What conditions are commonly treated by acupuncturists?
Here are some common conditions an acupuncturist can treat:
- Digestive disorders: These include gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hepatitis, and hemorrhoids.
- Mental health conditions: Acupuncture can help manage anxiety, depression, insomnia, nervousness, and neurosis.
- Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions: People with rhinitis, sinusitis, sore throat, and other related infections may find relief with acupuncture.
- Gynecological conditions: Women who experience menstrual pain, infertility, etc., can consider acupuncture for treatment.
- Musculoskeletal issues: Many people with arthritis, back pain, muscle cramping, muscle pain and weakness, neck pain, and sciatica find acupuncture very helpful.
- Neurological conditions: Patients with consistent headaches, migraines, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, Parkinson's disease, postoperative pain, and stroke find it easier to deal with their conditions with acupuncture therapy.
- Respiratory issues: Allergic rhinitis, bronchitis, and other related issues make it difficult for the patients to perform even daily tasks. However, with acupuncture, their life becomes more manageable.
- Other conditions: Acupuncture is great for other conditions as well. These include irritable bladder, prostatitis, male infertility, some forms of impotence, and addiction.
Always remember that acupuncture may not be suitable for every person. Hence, before undergoing the therapy, it is crucial to inform the practitioner about the following:
- If you have a bleeding disorder: Having a bleeding disorder or taking blood thinners may increase the likelihood of bleeding or bruising from the needles.
- If you have a pacemaker: Acupuncture methods that employ mild electrical pulses on the needles may have the potential to disrupt the functioning of a pacemaker.
- If you are pregnant: Certain acupuncture points are believed to have labor-inducing effects, which could lead to a premature delivery.
Moreover, it is advisable to consult with your primary care doctor before seeking treatment from an acupuncturist.
What happens during the acupuncture procedure?
The acupuncture procedure typically begins with the patient lying down on a comfortable bed. The acupuncturist will then assess the patient's health and determine the best course of action. This can include taking the patient's pulse, examining their tongue, and discussing their medical history and current symptoms.
Once the acupuncturist has a better understanding of the patient's needs, they will then begin the insertion of the needles. Generally, the needles are inserted into the skin at various points on the body, depending on the specific issue being treated. The acupuncturist will use multiple techniques to manipulate the needles, including twirling, tapping, and inserting them at different depths.
After the needles are in place, the patient may feel a tingling sensation or a slight, dull ache. This is normal and is often a sign that the needles are stimulating the qi, or energy, within the body. The needles are then typically left in place for 10 to 30 minutes. During this time, the patient may experience feelings of relaxation and a sense of well-being.
Once the treatment is complete, the acupuncturist will remove the needles and offer advice on self-care and lifestyle improvements to help the patient maintain their health and well-being.
For some patients, multiple visits may be required to achieve the desired results. However, after just one session, many people report significant improvements in their overall health.
What to do and avoid after acupuncture?
After an acupuncture treatment, it's important to follow specific aftercare steps to maximize the benefits of your session. Here are some key things to avoid and actions to take to ensure optimal results:
- Hydration is key: One of the most critical steps post-acupuncture is to drink plenty of water. The treatment itself helps release toxins from your body, and staying hydrated assists in flushing these toxins out. Drinking water before and after your session can enhance the detoxification process and make you feel more rejuvenated.
- Nourish with healthy foods: Acupuncture promotes overall well-being, so it is beneficial to support this process by consuming healthy foods. Avoid indulging in your favorite junk foods immediately after the session. Instead, opt for nutrient-rich options that can aid in continuing the detox process initiated by the acupuncture treatment.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, but keep moving: While it is suggested to steer clear of intense physical activities post-acupuncture, light movement can be very beneficial. Gentle exercises like walking or yoga can prevent soreness and stiffness, especially when using acupuncture for pain relief. Keeping your body active without overexerting helps maintain the benefits of the treatment and keeps your muscles relaxed.
- Enhance your treatment plan: Consider complementing your acupuncture with other therapeutic practices like massage or chiropractic care. Massages can help relax your muscles, while chiropractic treatments can have a therapeutic effect on your nervous system. A combination of these practices can enhance the overall benefits and contribute to a more comprehensive wellness plan.
- Keep consistency in sessions: Acupuncture often works best when performed consistently. If it's your first session, discuss scheduling follow-up appointments with your practitioner. Regular sessions help regulate your body and ensure the lasting effects of the treatment. A personalized acupuncture treatment plan can be developed based on your health needs and goals.
How do you choose the best acupuncturist?
If you are planning to go for an acupuncture session, here are a few tips to find the best acupuncturist for your needs:
- Ask friends, colleagues, and others for recommendations.
- Try to book appointments with acupuncturists nearby. It can make things like traveling and follow-ups easier.
- Check the qualifications, training, and years of expertise of the acupuncturist.
- Once you find the best specialist, ask them specific questions such as what type of treatment or approach they follow, how it helps to manage your condition, how many sessions you would need, whether you would require complementary therapies, and the overall cost of the treatment.
- Remember to check whether the treatment is covered by insurance.
- You can also ask your doctor about the success rate of treatment.
Find the best acupuncturists near you in Kissimmee, Florida
The acupuncture procedure has to be done under a certified practitioner only. Therefore, choosing the best acupuncturists nearby with ample expertise in particular disciplines is essential. We can help you select a professional acupuncturist. Zocdoc is a reliable platform where you can find thousands of certified doctors based on their experience, location, and specialty.
To find the ideal acupuncturist, fill in all the details in the search bar and tap "find." Within seconds, you will receive a customized list based on your requirements and other information. The doctors' profiles provide information regarding their expertise, location, specialty, and number of patients they have treated.
Zocdoc also provides you with a list of practitioners who accept your insurance plan. Uploading a photo of your medical insurance card on Zocdoc can simplify the process of selecting the right insurance plan, but it's not mandatory. If you prefer not to upload an image, you can still add your insurance details manually by choosing your plan from the provided list. Visit the Zocdoc patient help center for more information. Apart from this, we provide reviews and ratings from verified clients to help you make informed decisions.
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Statistics on pain and acupuncturists in Florida and the U.S.
According to a 2021 report by the Florida Department of Health, around 2,75,433 people in Florida suffered from chronic diseases that lead to unbearable pain. Also, as per a 2022 report from the National Center of Biology Information, nearly 50 million Americans suffered from incapacitating chronic pain, and more than 20 million said it conflicted with their everyday life. Chronic regional pain affects around 11.1% of chronic pain sufferers, with chronic back pain accounting for approximately 10.1%, leg and foot pain accounting for 7.1%, forearm and hand pain accounting for about 4.1%, and headaches accounting for nearly 3.5%.
According to the 2019 Florida State Oriental Medical Association report, acupuncture saved around 27% of the cost of general treatment. Visits to the emergency room were reduced by around 61%, and overall drug prescriptions were reduced by nearly 63%. The report also states that acupuncture treatments are about 25% more effective when treating pain.
Sources
Florida Department of Health
National Center of Biology Information
Mayo Clinic
Healthline
Cleveland Clinic
Aligned Modern Health
Florida State Oriental Medical Association
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Meridian HealthCare
