It's time to get all the facts on acupuncture (Get it? You see how I did a play on... never mind) and find out if its right for you. There are a number of studies that have shown this ancient healing art to be effective for pain, addiction, nausea, and even rehabilitation after a stroke!
According to traditional Chinese medicine, health is explained as a state of balance between the yin and yang. Disease affliction is associated with either of these forces being unbalanced, blocked, or stagnant. The yang force is the immaterial qi (pronounced chee, roughly translated as "vital energy") and the yin force is linked with the blood.
Chinese medical theory claims that acupuncture works by correcting the balance of qi in the body. This qi flows through 59 invisible channels called meridians. Here in the west, we've shone that acupuncture boosts production of endorphins, which helps explain the temporary pain relief one might feel, but not the effects acupuncture has on other conditions.
Not chomping at the bit to call your local acupuncturist yet? Oh, your concerned about the whole needle in the skin thing (I completely understand, BUT!...). Acupuncture needles are nothing like hypodermic needles (the needles that doctors use to take your blood). They are actually as thin as the hairs on your head (if you have thick hair I'm sorry for ya... just kidding). There are areas of the body that are going to be more tender than others like the backs of your hands, your fingertips, or your feet, but the pain you feel will be no more than that of a mosquito bite.
If you really just can't get over the fear of needles, you do have the option of acupressure. Acupressure follows that same model as acupuncture, only pressure is applied in the place of a needle. Acupressure is not as effective as acupuncture, but it does work.
Even though acupuncture is safe, precautions must be taken to keep it that way. Negative side effects are rare and internal injuries are almost unheard of, although bruising in not uncommon. Hepatitis, other blood-borne diseases, and infections can be spread through dirty needles, so make sure your acupuncturist uses disposable needles and cleans your skin before needle insertion. Also, for that extra feeling of comfort, make sure your acupuncturist is certified. Typically certification is national (NCCAOM) and those who have it have acquired a formal education and have met all accreditation requirements.
An average acupuncture session runs about $40-$90 and lasts about half an hour. Some insurance companies cover it and some don't. You may not have realized it but there are plenty of pain centers, clinics, and wellness centers in your local area that offer acupuncture therapy. So if you have a nagging condition that traditional Western medicine has not been able to treat, or if you are not satisfied with the type of treatment you are on, check them out and get your puncture on!~
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