Acupuncture is a popular treatment for many reasons. You need to become educated on acupuncture to make sure you’re properly using it. This piece is meant to give you terrific advice for your next session.
After having acupuncture, make sure you take it easy and rest. Go easy with exercise and other activities. Make sure any physical activity you do is gradual, light, and gentle. The reason why is because acupuncture gets things moving in your body so your body may respond in ways that you’re not expecting or prepared for.
Remember that acupuncture does not use needles. Many people think that they are being stuck with small needles that hurt, but this isn’t the case. Tiny, solid and sterile little pins that are about the thickness of a strand of hair are what are used for acupuncture. Many of them are flexible, and since they aren’t hollow, they rarely cause pain.
If your health insurance doesn’t currently cover acupuncture, write a letter to your insurance agency. Better yet, if you’re on a corporate insurance plan, ask your human resources director to write a letter stipulating the desire for acupuncture to be added. Many plants don’t currently cover it, but you can make a difference in working towards it.
If you are nervous about acupuncture, and you are not sure if it is right for you, do not be afraid to ask questions. Believe it or not, one of the most common inquiries is whether or not the acupuncturist practices a painless style of treatment. Your fears may be eased when you hear some of the answers.
For the best experience at your acupuncture treatment, wear comfortable clothing. This will allow the acupuncturist to access any pressure points that are important for your treatment. Also, it is a good idea to write down your symptoms and bring a list of problem areas so that you can give specific details for him to target.
Do you need your daily caffeine fix? If you have an acupuncture session scheduled, you may want to hold off on the coffee for a little while. Because coffee is a stimulant, it will raise sympathetic nerve activity. Acupuncture strives to do the opposite. You don’t want to work against yourself!
Steer clear of acupuncturists who make claims that sound just too good to be true, like having the ability to cure terminal illnesses. While acupuncture offers many benefits, it will not replace modern medicine for more severe illnesses. Even if you feel better after acupuncture, you should still have your illness treated by a doctor.
Make sure that the acupuncturist you choose is licensed through the health department of your state. Do your research to ensure your acupuncturist is licensed, experienced and in good standing. It is best to choose an acupuncturist who has a college degree and a lot of experience in this discipline.
If your acupuncture therapist starts to place needles between your eyes, on your abdomen or in other unusual spots, do not be alarmed. Sometimes the pressure points he must reach are located in these areas, and it is quite normal to place needles there. An added bonus is that these areas typically hurt less than other areas where needles are placed, making the session a more pleasant one.
Bring a pillow from home. Acupuncture is a very different experience than most people are used to. It’s nice to have something comforting and known with you, especially during the first few sessions. A favorite pillow (maybe your bed pillow) is a nice place to start. It’ll help you relax.
Eat something substantial before you have a treatment. You need to free all of your energy for healing, and if you are starving when you come in for your treatment, it’s like exercising on an empty stomach. You need to be well-fed and relaxed for the treatment to work its magic.
Acupuncture is not limited to use on humans. Many veterinarians are starting to offer this service, and it is benefiting dogs and cats alike. When issues such as arthritis or bone deterioration are present, acupuncture can ease a pet’s suffering and sometimes prolong their life. Ask about this if your pet is showing signs of concern.
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.
Before accepting treatment, make sure you see the needles being used. All needles for acupuncture must be sterile and marked for one time use. This is an important aspect of your health safety. If you didn’t see the needles unwrapped in front of you, ask for a new set.
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.
Bring things to your acupuncture session that relax your mind. Gentle music, a comfortable blanket or a fluffy pillow are great objects to bring with you. It is important to maximize every session. Bring any personal items that may make you feel more relaxed.
It is wise to schedule an acupuncture treatment on a day that does not include rushing, or heavy physical activity. Physical strain is known to weaken the body, so it is important that you will be able to have plenty of time to relax and rest both before and after your appointment.
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