Acupuncture is a safe, effective, and natural way of providing chronic pain relief. Although it has been used for centuries, it is only recently when a study at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center confirmed that it is indeed safe and effective. In this study, raw data from previous studies were evaluated to correct any problems regarding methodology. The study required the participation of more than 18,000 subjects. It was completed after 5 years and the results confirmed the efficacy of the treatment. It was concluded that acupuncture is effective in treating arthritis, back pain, and migraines.
How many people use acupuncture?
Way back 2007, National Health Interview Survey showed that more than 3 million American adults have tried acupuncture and the numbers are growing each year. The increasing number of people that use acupuncture as a form of pain relief is, in itself, proof that acupuncture is indeed effective.
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that involves the use of small sterile needles that are inserted in specific sites in your body called acupuncture points. The needles are designed to manipulate the flow of energy called Qi. In TCM, Qi flows along 14 invisible channels known as meridians. If a person is sick, unwell, or in pain, it is believed that the flow of energy has been blocked. Acupuncture aims to unblock stagnant meridians so that energy can freely flow. As a result, the person experiences health restoration and relief from pain.
What To Expect During A Visit?
Before the treatment is performed, your acupuncturist will first discuss with you your health. You’ll be asked about your health history, what type of medications you’ve taken or currently taking, what complaints you have etc. and based on your condition, your acupuncturist will carefully insert the needles in different parts of your body to control the Qi. Typically, one treatment will last for 20 minutes on average. Most patients say they feel relaxed or energized after the treatment.
Are There Studies Proving Acupuncture Relieves Pain?
Researchers found that the benefits of acupuncture in providing pain relief persisted for a long period of time, which means it’s a treatment that not only provides short-term relief. The trials for acupuncture were deemed eligible since the patients qualified for the following criteria:
•Experienced 1 out of 4 chronic pain conditions (osteoarthritis, chronic headache, shoulder pain, neck or back pain)
•Pain as a result of musculoskeletal disorders that lasted at least a month
•One patient group in each trial received acupuncture while the other sham acupuncture
•The result was evaluated and measured at least a month after the first acupuncture session
The end of the trial revealed that acupuncture is an effective and safe treatment for individuals who suffer from chronic pain.
Should I be afraid of painful needles?
The good news is that acupuncture needles will not cause any pain. However, you will feel a minimal dull ache while the Qi is being controlled.
When will I experience results?
The number of treatments you’ll need will vary depending on the severity or intensity of the pain. However, the majority of acupuncturists recommend several sessions before they get to see results.
What else can acupuncture do?
Aside from treating chronic pain, acupuncture is effective in treating biliary colic, allergic rhinitis, dysentery, dysmenorrhea, facial pain, hypertension, headache, depression, knee pain, low back pain, leukopenia, neck pain, nausea and vomiting, morning sickness, stroke, sciatic and many more.
Takeaway
Chronic pain can be debilitating both physically and mentally. Thankfully, Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners are offering a unique way of healing in the form of acupuncture. With long-term benefits and zero side effects, acupuncture is indeed a reliable treatment for pain. For a successful outcome, make sure you find a licensed acupuncturist who has the experience, training, and skills in performing the treatment.