Acupuncture is one of the oldest healing modalities in the world. It was and still is used all throughout Asia and was even used in Mayan cultures! It works by balancing a person’s qi, or life force, and thereby eliminating pain and other symptoms the individual may be experiencing. The main tool used by acupuncturists is small, hair-thin needles inserted at different places throughout the body to address not only the symptoms the person is experiencing but also the root cause of those symptoms.
Sensations vary from none at all to an ache at the site of insertion but will typically dissipate very quickly. Now, I’m sure you’re wondering . . . what is acupuncture even used for exactly?
What Symptoms Does Acupuncture Treat?
Here is a common list of symptoms that acupuncture can be used to address:
- Pain (Acute and Chronic)
- Infertility
- Toxic Stress
- Obesity
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Strains & Sprains
- Herniated or bulging discs
- PMS
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Adrenal Exhaustion
- Stubborn Skin rashes
- Morning Sickness
- Difficult Pregnancy/Delivery
- Side effects of Chemotherapy
- Headaches
- Injuries from Car Accidents or sports
- Work Injuries
and more…
Unlike pharmaceuticals, there are no side effects associated with acupuncture! In fact, acupuncture can help support those who are interested in weaning off certain medications (as overseen by a primary healthcare practitioner) and allow your body to detoxify from the often harmful chemicals found in those drugs. Depending on what you are working on with your health and the severity of your symptoms, the number of treatments needed will vary from person to person. The great news is that most people report feeling better after their first treatment! And since each treatment builds on the next, your commitment to treatment can create immense change for you and your life.
Scared of needles? Not to worry. I have worked with a TON of people who say this! Let’s be honest, most of our adult associations with needles are terrible. Western medicine typically uses HUGE needles and we are often introduced to them within hours of entering this world, which leads to a big ouch! Acupuncture needles are so, so very tiny. I work with many people and children who start off terrified of treatment but eventually come to appreciate the sensations especially after they feel the wonderful effects of treatment.
If you simply can’t do the needle thing, you might want to try acupressure first. The philosophy and focus of treatment are the same as acupuncture but without the use of needles. Acupressure has proven effective with animals, children, and adults, too. Most acupuncturists also offer acupressure as an adjunctive therapy.