What Is Acupuncture Used To Treat?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy.
  • Dental pain after surgery.
  • Addiction.
  • Headaches.
  • Menstrual cramps.
  • Tennis elbow.

What are the benefits of getting acupuncture?

Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can

help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being

.

What conditions can be treated with acupuncture?

  • Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy.
  • Dental pain after surgery.
  • Addiction.
  • Headaches.
  • Menstrual cramps.
  • Tennis elbow.

How long do the benefits of an acupuncture session last for?

Acupuncture sessions can last anywhere from

30 minutes to an hour

, depending on the type of treatment you are receiving.

What happens during acupuncture?

An acupuncturist

inserts very thin steel needles into the patient’s skin

at multiple “acupoints.” The needles rebalance the body’s energy, or qi, and prompt the body to release natural chemicals to fight the illness or symptom.

What are the negative side effects of acupuncture?

  • Worse Symptoms. Although most people feel better after having acupuncture done, some do feel worse before they get better. …
  • Fatigue. …
  • Soreness. …
  • Bruising. …
  • Muscle Twitching. …
  • Lightheadedness. …
  • Emotional Release.

How quickly does acupuncture work?


After two or three sessions

, you should start to notice improvements in certain areas. Eventually, you will observe an overall sense of wellness, including your psychological and physical health.

What should you not do after acupuncture?

  • Strenuous Exercise. You don’t have to avoid exercise altogether, but it would probably be best to slow down a bit. …
  • Caffeine. …
  • Alcohol. …
  • Junk Food. …
  • Ice. …
  • TV and Other Screens.

How often should you have acupuncture?

For instance, we often suggest getting acupuncture treatment

two or three times a week for the first few weeks

. After that initial series of acupuncture treatments, you might only need a “tune-up” treatment session once a week or every couple of weeks to maintain your health.

Can acupuncture damage nerves?

Even a disposable needle can break. Acupuncture needles rarely break

7

, but they

may damage a spinal nerve root

8



, 9

or a peripheral nerve

10

.

How do I know acupuncture is working?

  1. Your pain will change. The key word here is change: change in location, severity, or intensity. …
  2. Your sleep could improve (or change) …
  3. Your mood will improve. …
  4. You’ll be more aware of your body. …
  5. You’ll have more energy.

Are acupuncture results permanent?

Well there is good news.

Acupuncture has been shown to have lasting results

, even a year after you finish your treatment plan. I find most people need a slight tune up every month or so keep living their best life.

How long should acupuncture needles stay in?

In most cases, the needles remain in place for

10 to 20 minutes

while you lie still and relax. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.

Is acupuncture worth the money?


Acupuncture is recognized as safe and beneficial for many conditions

, but it’s not a cure-all for everything — you should still be taking your medications. But while it may not eliminate your symptoms, it could still ease them. So it may be worth a try, especially when it comes to chronic pain.

Do doctors recommend acupuncture?

“After decades of research and hundreds of acupuncture pain trials, including thousands of patients, we still have no clear mechanism of action, insufficient evidence for clinically worthwhile benefit, and possible harms. Therefore,

doctors should not recommend acupuncture for pain

,” they conclude.

Do acupuncture needles go into the muscle?

Typically,

the needle enters the body of a muscle

, but the depth depends on the acupuncture point. A point on the back of the neck may be 2–3 cm deep, but a point on the forehead may only be a few millimeters deep.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.