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.
Do not eat too much before you head in to your appointment. While you should not go in on an empty stomach, because you could experience nausea if you do, stuffing yourself will only make you feel bad. Instead, plan to have a snack about an hour or two before your appointment time.
Acupuncture involves needles, there is no way to avoid this and it is a fear that you will need to overcome. The treatments are comfortable and administered by professionals. The needles aren’t there to inject medications or inflict pain. It may be a scary idea at first, but after your first visit, you’ll be ready for seconds.
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’d like to get more out of your acupuncture sessions, start cleansing. A good cleanse will free your body of toxins, which means acupuncture will be more effective. During this time, you may also want to detox from substances like alcohol. Ask your acupuncturist to recommend a good detox diet.
You should drink plenty of water before you attend your scheduled acupuncture session. It has been shown that people who are well hydrated respond better to treatments. While you should not consume a lot of food before a session, it is a great idea for you to drink a good amount of water.
When you start acupuncture, don’t quit. Just like with medication, it is not a good idea to stop halfway through. If you don’t see it through to the end, you might not reap its full rewards. Go through an entire treatment period before deciding how well you have responded.
Always ask to see credentials for your acupuncture practitioner before a session. In some areas, there are specific regulations for practicing this alternative therapy, and in others, no regulations exist. Make sure that you only visit with someone reputable in order to keep yourself safe and comfortable during your treatment process.
Don’t expect to 100% understand what an acupuncturist is talking about, but do ask for explanations when you are lost. Acupuncture is an Eastern style holistic approach to medicine. It’s quite different from what Westerners are used to, and the lingo can be a lot to take in. If you’re lost, stop and ask questions.
Find out how long your treatment will take. Most likely it will be about 30 minutes, but it could be longer depending on your situation. Don’t plan anything within an hour of your appointment to give you time to relax.
If you decide to follow an acupuncture treatment on the long term for a recurring problem, try scheduling your appointments ahead of time. You should meet with your acupuncturist once a week or once every other week, if possible at the same time. Continue your treatment until your problem disappears.
Acupuncture is not just for adults, it can be performed on kids and even you pets. There’s a surprising versatility to this treatment. If you are interested in having your child or pet receive acupuncture, make sure you find an practitioner that specializes in these types of practices. It may not be the person you are currently going to.
When you undergo acupuncture treatments, try to make other healthy changes in your life too. While acupuncture can help with many things, it is not a magic bullet that provides instant relief and a life free from pain. To achieve that, you have to work with your body to make it healthier. Diet, exercise and supplements all come into play if you are hoping for optimum results.
After an acupuncture session, it is normal for some people to feel a sensation of numbness. This typically subsides after a few hours, and sometimes self massage can help. The body is adjusting to this new form of therapy and learning to redirect energy, and that is where the numbness sometimes comes in. Do not be afraid of it unless it is long lasting, and if it is, consult with your practitioner.
Acupuncture has been proven to be beneficial to children. However, children may experience feelings of fear or apprehension because of the needles. If this happens, the practitioner can often use acupressure instead. Acupressure is massaging of the acupoints instead of the insertion of needles. The child will get the same results without the emotional trauma.
Keep in mind that your practitioner may place needles in places you find unusual. A needle on your scalp or between their eyes may be the best way for them to treat your problems. You should emotionally prepare yourself for this and remember that it won’t be painful. That way, you won’t panic when the time comes.
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.
