Acupuncture is often stigmatized as a painful experience that does very little for actually helping the people that undergo it. Rather than operating under these myths, learn more about the experience and the ways it can help! The tips in this article are a great place to start, especially if you aren’t sure if it’s right for you.
Keep in mind that it may take some time for you to feel the full benefits from your acupuncture treatments. It may take more than one or two visits to find relief from pain or improvement in your conditions. Make sure you are ready to commit to the full program recommended.
Some people find acupuncture treatments are quite effective for migraine headaches. One very positive aspect of this type of alternative treatment is the lack of any side effects. Even though very fine needles are inserted into the flesh at specific points, most people do not feel any pain at all from the procedure.
When you are looking for a qualified acupuncturist, make sure that he is certified by the NCCAOM. This organization ensures that the practitioner has completed the required coursework and internship, and that he has passed the exam. Without this certification, you cannot be sure of the practitioner’s level of training.
You should find out if your acupuncturist is NCCAOM certified before you set an appointment. This national board certifies practitioners that have completed a national exam and full program. It doesn’t say anything about whether their sessions are painful or not, but it does mention their educational level describing how many hours were spent in school and if they did any supervised internships at their school’s clinic.
Do not just go to one appointment and then stop. Generally, you will experience the best results if you go to several treatments. If you are not dedicated to the process, you are not going to benefit as much from it. Talk to your doctor about what you can realistically expect after the first appointment and then going forward.
When trying to find a good acupuncturist, it is always a good idea to ask around. Acupuncture uses small needles that go painlessly into your skin. For this reason, it is important that you visit a place that is clean. Visiting a dirty acupuncture office could result in you contracting an infection or disease.
Look into your insurance coverage before choosing acupuncture. While more and more insurance plans are covering alternative medicine and methodologies, not all do. It’s important for you to know what to expect financially so that you don’t have a sticker shock after your initial treatment. Look at your plan, or call your insurance company if you’re still unsure.
The best way to undergo an acupuncture treatment is to look at it as a time to rest. Close your eyes and simply zone out, or take the time to practice meditation and positive affirmations. Listening to soothing music can sometimes help. If you can relax, your session will be a pleasant and more effective one.
If you feel very tired after an acupuncture treatment, you should get some rest. Acupuncture is supposed to give you some energy but you will not get this positive effect if you need some sleep. It is important to get eight hours of sleep a night until your next treatment.
Even if you are a skeptic when it comes to acupuncture, do your best to keep an open mind. Scientific studies are ongoing regarding the effectiveness of such treatments, and there is new information being discovered all the time. Keep up to date on current research, discuss your findings with your doctor and consider acupuncture treatments for your health conditions. This just might help you to find the relief you have been looking for.
When you’re looking for an acupuncturist, make sure they’re NCCAOM certified. To get NCCAOM certification, a practitioner must receive a significant amount of training and pass a national exam. When you’re letting someone stick needles into your body, you want to be sure that they’re an expert on what they’re doing.
Make sure that you make your needs known to the acupuncturist. They are not mind-readers and will not know what is troubling you unless you tell them. If you let them know about the pain in your back, they can focus the acupuncture session on that area. This will ensure that you get the most benefit from your sessions.
Keep in mind that your practitioner may place needles in places you find unusual. A needle on your scalp or between their eyes may be the best way for them to treat your problems. You should emotionally prepare yourself for this and remember that it won’t be painful. That way, you won’t panic when the time comes.
Make sure you request to see official credentials prior to accepting any form of acupuncture treatment. Just like in other areas of heath care, there are some less than reputable forces at work that are just looking to take your money. If the practitioner has no credentials, look to someone else for your care.
Ask about vitamins, herbal remedies or medicines you may be taking. Your acupuncturist can help you determine if any of these need to be postponed before your treatment. Sometimes you may need to avoid taking them between sessions as well. Consult first and you will know exactly how to increase the benefits.
Acupuncture may require that needles be used in sites other than on your back. A lot of people think that acupuncture is something you do lying face down. This isn’t the case. The practitioner could have to place some needles in your face, ears, or abdomen. This is actually quite normal, and it is going to depend on your individual issues.
Discussion about this post