One of the most interesting ways to deal with pain or stress is undergoing acupuncture, which focuses on different areas of the body and how they can influence you. Rather than assuming it’s a painful, pointless procedure, learn more about it! The tips in this article will give you a great place to start.
Don’t get into your car to visit an acupuncturist without knowing in advance what lies ahead of you
You’re going to have to work with needles. It is just part of the treatment. Confront your fear of needles before your appointment. Talk to friends and family who have had acupuncture treatments so that they can inform you of the process and relieve your fears.
When determining which acupuncturist to use, make sure you find out whether the person is NCCAOM certified. This certification indicates that the doctor took an exam and finished a comprehensive program. While it is not a guarantee that the acupuncturist will be the right fit for you, it is a good start.
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.
Ask your acupuncturist about the style they use
Acupuncture is a very complex discipline and there are several methods acupuncturists can use to relieve pain or stress. Make sure the methods your acupuncturist uses are painless. If you are new to acupuncture, ask if you can get a very simple treatment to get used to the sensatin.
Acupuncture is not a good option if you feel very stressed. Do not hesitate to cancel a treatment if you had an extremely stressful day. Acupuncture will not be very efficient if your muscles are tense and the toxins released during the treatment could actually make your stress even worse.
Find out the exact length of your session
If you have several conditions to treat it may lengthen the session, but it usually lasts around 30 minutes. You need to stay away from planning things after you have acupuncture done so you’re able to relax.
The first time you have an acupuncture session, you should watch out for fatigue. Some people get a burst of energy after an appointment, but others feel physically drained. Make sure you don’t have anything important scheduled after your appointment so that you can get rest if you need it.
If you notice small, red dots on the skin following an acupuncture treatment, this is not cause for concern. Many times, the needles will leave behind a small mark. The mark is harmless, and it will typically disappear over time. If it makes you feel better, you can place a little bit of oil or cream on your skin to offer a bit of relief.
If you are receiving an acupuncture treatment and notice that pain persists for more than two minutes after a needle is inserted, speak up. Sometimes a needle can hit a spot in the body called a nerve meridian. When this happens, the result is discomfort and pain. The practitioner might need to remove the needle and try again in a different spot.
When you schedule your session, mention any vitamins or supplements you’ve been taking. Your acupuncturist may want you to temporarily cease taking some of them. While providing your body with extra nutrients is always a good thing, some of the supplements may cause mild side effects when taken on the day of an acupuncture session.
If your acupuncture practitioner makes dietary and supplement suggestions following a treatment, try your best to abide by them. Sometimes treatments are enhanced when a person eats right and consumes certain supplements. This not only makes the treatment work better, but it can enhance recovery time too. Take this advice seriously whenever you receive it.
All reputable acupuncture providers use new needles for each session. New needles are the only way to ensure they are completely sterile. If you even think that needles are being reused, you need to leave immediately. It is not worth the risk and you can easily find a practitioner who uses clean needles.
As said in the beginning of this article, some people assume that acupuncture is pointless and consists of torture with needles. Don’t let this lie sway your opinion on the experience! Remember the tips in this article and continue learning more to make the best decision about trying acupuncture for yourself.