Acupuncture has been rapidly gaining popularity among the medical community throughout the United States, however many people really have little knowledge about what exactly an acupuncture treatment entails. The basic idea of acupuncture is to maintain a proper flow of qi (pronounced chee) in order to keep the body healthy. There are over two thousand acupuncture points on the body connected to twenty meridians that conduct this qi, or energy. In medical terms, acupuncture helps to stimulate the central nervous system which in turn releases chemicals to the brain, spinal cord and muscles. This can be very helpful with a variety of health problems.

Typical Treatment

So what should you expect during acupuncture treatments? During your first visit, the acupuncturist will take a thorough history to help in diagnosing your health problem. This diagnosis will determine which type of acupuncture treatment plan you will be given. As with any medical treatment, there are health conditions that are contraindicated for acupuncture. It is very important to discuss all health issues with the licensed acupuncturist. An acupuncture session generally lasts from ten to thirty minutes with one to twenty very thin needles inserted at various acupuncture points. Many acupuncturists will also attach the needles to electrical stimulation to enhance the health effects overall. Patients report very minimal sensation when the needles are inserted and there are generally no negative side effects related to acupuncture. An acupuncturist will normally design a treatment plan lasting from three to ten sessions, depending on the type of health problem. A patient with chronic health issues may need one to two treatments per week for a few months whereas a patient with acute issues will generally require fewer visits. It is important to contact your health insurance provider as some companies now cover acupuncture visits.

References Cited in this Article

www.medicalacupuncture.org

www.aurorahealthcare.org

www.spine-health.com