Article by Nanette Wiser
Traditional Chinese medicine is introducing millions of Americans to some good news for anxiety, pain and treatment for certain conditions. By applying acupuncture to certain points on the body, it is thought to improve the flow of energy known as Qi, which improves energy flow between the 2,000+ acupuncture points along pathways or meridians, which disease often blocks.
If you choose to see an acupuncturist, discuss it with your doctor first and find a practitioner who is licensed as having proper training and credentials, such as Ancient Healing.
What does acupuncture feel like? Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner’s hands or with electrical stimulation. Most people report feeling minimal pain as the needle is inserted. Needles may be heated during the treatment or mild electric current may be applied to them.
How does acupuncture affect the body? Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies to treat anxiety, IBS, nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy, dental pain after surgery, addiction, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma and may help with stroke rehabilitation.
Fur babies benefit too: Vets use acupuncture on animals with increasing success, calming them before a procedure or relieving pain or helping deal with certain conditions, including Dr. Green at Medicine River Animal Hospital and Dr. Tiffany Rimer on Corey Ave., in St. Pete Beach.
Getting started: Discuss acupuncture with your doctor first. Acupuncture is not for everyone. Discuss all the treatments and medicines (dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter) you are taking. If you have a pacemaker, are at risk for infection, have chronic skin problems, are pregnant, or have breast or other implants, be sure to tell your doctor. Acupuncture may be risky to your health if you fail to mention these matters.
Do not rely on a diagnosis of disease by an acupuncture practitioner. If you have received a diagnosis from a doctor, you may wish to ask him or her whether acupuncture might help.
Consider costs and insurance coverage. Before starting treatment, ask the acupuncturist about the number of treatments needed and how much the treatments will cost. Some insurers cover the cost of acupuncture while others do not.