If the thought of getting stuck with needles on purpose makes you run for the hills, then this post about acupuncture is for you. An ancient form of holistic medicine, acupuncture has proven to have a positive impact on your mind and body. While its small and thin needles may be mildly prickly in some cases, most acupuncture devotees find the sessions to be very soothing. In fact, falling asleep during the treatment is very common. In line with this, below are some of the biggest misconceptions that surround this ancient art. Perhaps you will change your attitude about this healthful and invigorating treatment after reading this.
Acupuncture Myth #1: Acupuncture Is All In Your Head
If you think that everything is all talk, and then tells that to the medical practitioners who supplement traditional Western treatments with this alternative form of medicine for patients suffering from infertility, acute pain, and even cancer. Many new studies are also supporting that acupuncture can help with weight loss and alleviating menopause symptoms.
One of the biggest studies of acupuncture found that patients with chronic headaches experienced almost a 50% decrease in the occurrence of their condition after receiving acupuncture treatments. Those who did not receive such treatment found no relief. Another study determined that acupuncture relieved short and long term lower back pain.
Evidence also confirms that acupuncture has significant benefits for addressing infertility among women who are trying to conceive. It has shown to lower the stress hormone cortisol, increase blood flow to the ovaries and uterus, balance sex hormones estrogen and progesterone and support ovulation. In fact, there are now acupuncture programs designed for the very reason of helping women overcome the challenges of infertility.
Acupuncture Myth #2: Acupuncture Is Painful
The notion of needles being inserted under your skin might seem painful, and it indeed looks painful, but acupuncture is generally a very gentle process. The acupuncture needles are so much finer than the needles usually used in tetanus shots and blood tests. They are also solid, unlike the hollow medical needles. This means that they snugly fit into your skin without piercing it.
Ultimately, a certified practitioner should be able to perform this procedure with little to no discomfort, save for a light numbing or tingling sensation at the point of entry. Do not be alarmed, though, as this is just your qi (the esoteric energy that flows through your body, according to acupuncturists) moving from one meridian to another.
Choose The Right Acupuncture Treatment Center
So you do you already feel better after we have debunked these two very common myths? If you are considering going through an acupuncture treatment, make sure that you pick a reputable acupuncture clinic or acupuncturist to do the procedure on you. Otherwise, you might end up regretting of having to subject yourself to such a treatment in the end.