CZ articles

FAQs for Acupuncture

Given the expense and failings of Western medicine, many are looking to alternative health care. Acupuncture represents one such field and is particularly favored in the area of pain management. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

Acupuncture is often referred to as the ancient practice. So, just how ancient are we talking? It originated roughly 2,000 years ago in China. Put another way, it has been around for roughly ten times the United States.

Despite this extensive history, acupuncture has only recently seen the light of day with the medical establishment in the West. After years of people returning from Asia and raving about it, the FDA issued regulations in the 1990s.

Importantly, acupuncture does not try to treat the symptoms of a disease. Instead, it focuses on the cause. This is thought to be an imbalance in the energy of the body, the qi. By bringing the body back into balance, acupuncture relieves the cause of the symptoms.

To bring the body into balance, acupuncture use those thin needles you have seen in the movies. Drama aside, the needles are designed to access energy focal points under the skin. These points are then treated by manipulating the needles.

More than a few people are wary of needles. This is understandable, but you should have little concern about acupuncture needles. They are hair thin and do not hurt. Even the prickliest of persons will barely feel anything at all, and not pain.

Ah, but are the needles a danger in and of themselves? No. The FDA regulates them. They are known as one use needles. They come out of sterile packaging, are used and then are thrown out. This eliminates any concerns.

With the nitty gritty out of the way, the most basic of questions left is whether acupuncture works? While everyone has a different experience, the answer to the question is dependent on what you wish to be treated for.

Chronic pain is a crippler for many people. The pain is bad, but the tub of medications is nearly as bad. The good news is acupuncture is readily accepted as a great helper in pain management. Many people are able to eliminate most if not all of their medications.

In addition to pain management, acupuncture has been shown to be helpful in other areas. These areas include, but are not limited to, treatment of addiction, headaches, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting to mention a few.

If you have tried Western medicinal approaches without achieving the results you want, it makes sense to look around for other options. Acupuncture has been around for 2,000 years, which means it produces results. Give it a try.