What is Acupuncture?

Have you heard of acupuncture in the loop chicago and you are not sure what it is? Have you wondered what is happening when you’ve seen photos of individuals with needles inserted in their forehead or in their knee? You are not alone! Many people in western cultures are not familiar with acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is a natural treatment therapy using small hair-like needles inserted into specific points in the body. The treatment originated in China thousands of years ago and is central to ancient Chinese medicinal practices.

Despite what is believed in western societies, acupuncture treatment is used for much more than just the treatment of chronic pain. Today acupuncture is used in treating pain, depression, anxiety, and a variety physical symptoms and conditions.

How Does Acupuncture Treatment Work

According to traditional beliefs in Chinese medicine, acupuncture practice targets and changes the flow of energy throughout the body. When energy is blocked, by what is called a qi, a disease or condition may develop. Today, in western cultures, the use of acupuncture, and understanding of how it is effective, has less to do with energy balance and is more focused on nerve stimulation. It is believed that the specific locations of the needle placement stimulate the nervous system and send signals to the brain to stimulate the release hormones and proteins throughout the body, or specifically to the location being targeted.

What Is Acupuncture Used For?

Today, acupuncture is used for an increasingly wide variety of health conditions and physical ailments including:

• Emotional disorders such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, through the stimulation of endorphins
• Digestive and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, or irritable bowel syndrome
• Chronic pain disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis through targeted decreases in proinflammatory markers
• Neurological problems such as chronic migraine headaches or rehabilitation from stroke
• Improvements in general health has become a common reason to seek out acupuncture therapy as it has been linked to weight loss, improvements in sleep, and reducing of tension and fatigue

What To Expect On A Visit

Are you are interested in seeking out acupuncture treatment, but not quite sure what to expect from a visit to a practitioner? Usually, just like a visit to a medical doctor, your first acupuncture visit will start with a comprehensive health assessment. Some of this exam may be a little different than you expect and include trying to assess the was your body is functioning and displaying symptoms of issues with function. What does this mean? For example, your practitioner may ask to see your tongue or ask questions about your intestinal and digestive system, or your diet.

Next, your acupuncturist will walk you through the treatment approach they have selected for you, including a discussion of the specific placement of needles. Once you are ready, your first treatment will start and the first needles will be placed. Initially you may feel a quick sharp or stinging sensation, however many patients say they do not feel any pain, or barely feel the needles being inserted at all. After the needles are placed your practitioner may want to manipulate the placement or use additional therapy techniques such as heat or electricity. You may experience a deeper feeling of ache after the needles have set in. In general, the needs are left in place anywhere from five to 20 minutes, but no longer than an hour.

After your treatment is complete your practitioner will discuss in-home follow-up care, as well as the their plan for follow-up visits.

More on Acupuncture : Benefits of Acupuncture