Acupuncture often seems like a strange alternative to getting a masseuse, visiting a chiropractor or taking pain relief medication. However, it can be a relaxing, new experience for people that are willing to give it a shot. Read the tips in this article so you can get a better idea about it!
Be prepared for a few needles. There are no two ways around it, acupuncture means needles. They will always be around when you are considering this treatment. Get yourself used to the idea prior to going in for a treatment, otherwise you may find yourself more stressed out than you’d like.
You should not let your acupuncturist reuse the same needles. If you do not see your acupuncturist get some brand new needles out of a sealed pack, you should ask him or her where the needles came from. It is very unprofessional and even dangerous for a doctor to reuse needles.
There is no need to be afraid of acupuncture, because the pins that are used are not usually painful. Instead of using traditional needles, acupuncture is done with thin pins that are the same width as a strand of human hair. This means that you will not have to worry about the pain.
If you’d like to use acupuncture for relief from aches and pains, but have a fear of needles, consider doing what you can to overcome those reservations. Acupuncture is a proven way to alleviate pain and make life more enjoyable. Don’t let a little anxiety get in the way of living with less pain!
Understand what acupuncture is all about before you head to your appointment. You will have to deal with needles. It is simply part of the process. If you get nervous around them, the best thing to do is face your fears head on. If you need to, seek out others who have gone through acupuncture before and have them tell you about their experience to help you feel better.
While you may appreciate the work your acupuncturist is doing, don’t feel the need to tip. An acupuncturist is more akin to a doctor or nurse, not a server or a beauty practitioner. They are in the health care field, and tips are not something normally given in that field.
If you are taking any medications that were prescribed to you by a medical doctor, it is important to make a list of them before going to see an acupuncturist. This will give them a better idea of how to personalize your treatment to meet all of your specific needs.
Schedule a little rest and relaxation for yourself both before and after your appointment with an acupuncture professional. Your body will respond better to treatment if you are not taught with stress, and it will be easier for the acupuncturist to perform his or her craft. To fully appreciate the value of the experience, enjoy and relax!
Fitting Clothes
Do not wear tight fitting clothes to your appointment. Wearing loose fitting clothes will make the session go easier for you and the practitioner. Loose clothing will provide easier access for placing the needles. Some sessions are also done in a group environment where all clothes remain on so make sure to keep those clothes nice and loose.
Though you may expect to feel a lot of pain, you won’t. Acupuncture is almost pain free. The needles are so tiny that they are difficult to see from a few feet away. There may be a slight pinch to let you know one has been inserted, if you feel anything at all.
When looking for an acupuncturist, check online. You can type “acupuncturist” and your state, city, or zip into a search engine and check out the results. You can also check out websites like www.acufinder.com and www.NCCAOM.org to find local acupuncturists. The NCCAOM is the acupuncturist licensing agency in the U.S., so it can help you find licensed practitioners near you.
Many people report feeling blissed out after an acupuncture session. If you’d like to keep that feeling going for longer, stay away from the TV and other overstimulating forms of entertainment. Acupuncture makes you feel good because it clears your mind. When you turn on the TV, your brain will be bombarded all over again.
Acupuncture Treatments
Some acupuncture patients have reported feeling worse after receiving a few acupuncture treatments. This is usually the sign of a healing crisis. The symptoms will worsen but eventually get better. Talk to your acupuncturist if your symptoms are worse and consider continuing your acupuncture treatments to see if you can go through the rest of your healing circle and get better.
If your company’s insurance plan does not have acupuncture benefits, start a letter writing campaign. If some of your coworkers are also interested in acupuncture, have everyone write a letter to the Human Resources department. It is possible that the company will put it on your insurance plan if there is enough interest.
Add a heat treatment to your daily routine following your acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture helps to keep everything moving as it should throughout your body. If you apply ice to painful areas later on, you are not doing your treatment any favors. Heat, in comparison, will work well with treatment you just had.
Instead of avoiding acupuncture because you think it will do more harm than good, continue to educate yourself on the subject. You may find that it helps you with pain and stress immensely! Remember the tips in this article so you can get the potential benefits from undergoing this process.