Why Acupuncture Works

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that health is the result of the body’s central nervous system finding balance between the “yin” and the “yang” of the life force referred to as qi, (pronounced “chi”). Illness is believed to be caused by an imbalance of your yin and yan.

Acupuncture points on the body stimulate the body’s central nervous system. These points release chemicals into the spinal cord, brains and muscles. Acupuncture treatments stimulate the body’s innate healing capabilities and increase the patient’s physical and emotional health.

Is Acupuncture Effective?

There have been many studies done on the effectiveness of acupuncture and it is a widely accepted treatment amongst the medical community. The results from the studies show that it is an effective therapy for chronic pain and other ailments. Given this, most major insurance companies provide coverage for treatments.

Many people find acupuncture a very effective way to treat many types of painful conditions with virtually no side effects, unlinke prescription drugs. Acupuncture has been practiced and studied for over 2500 years and has helped countless people with a variety of health concerns.

What to Expect During Your Acupuncture Treatment

The acupuncturist will first complete a treatment assessment and work with you to determine your custom treatment plan that will target the symptoms that brought you in for therapy. From there, the acupuncture practitioner will explain the treatment approach and whether you need to remove any clothing. If you do, a gown and towel will be provided. You will then lie on a padded treatment table for the duration of the treatment, which will involve:

Needle Insertion

The hair thin acupuncture needles are inserted at various strategic points on your body. During a typical session, this will involve anywhere from 5 – 20 needles. Depending on the location, you may feel a mild aching sensation or you may not feel the needle at all.

Needle Stimulation

Your therapist may gently twirl or tap the needles after they have been placed. They may also apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles.

Needle Removal

In most cases you will relax for 10 to 20 minutes during the treatment. Once the treatment is completed, the needles are removed – typically with no discomfort.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

A common thing that people ask is if acupuncture is painful, because it involves needles. People can associate any needles with experiences they have had previously during blood tests or other injections. What you should know is that acupuncture needles are very small and thin, similar to the width of a hair. Because of this, acupuncture treatments have little to no associated pain. The majority of people relax during treatments and even have a nap with the needles in place.

Chirocare Centre partners with acupuncture services to help support your health journey! Call today to get scheduled for your first visit!