Chronic pain drastically reduces your productivity and can affect your quality of life. Pain can develop in any part of your body, including the lower back, neck, and teeth depending on its cause. While mainstream medicines can help reduce pain, specialists are now open to alternative medicine such as acupuncture in Flatiron District due to its comprehensiveness. The treatment approach originated from traditional Chinese medicine and has gained popularity in modern medicine due to its pain and stress management efficacy. The following read sheds more light on acupuncture and all you may need to know about it.

What is acupuncture?

It is a Chinese treatment approach that involves penetrating tiny needles through the skin at specific places. A specialist then activates these small rods through specific movements to facilitate overall wellness. According to acupuncture, the body has several points through which energy flows. Penetrating or inserting the needles at this point is thought to balance energy through the meridians or pathways in your body. Specialists in this area say that an imbalance of disruption of energy flow can result in diseases. Acupuncture is widely used to relieve pain but can also be used for stress management.

Are there any risks associated with acupuncture?

Rarely does acupuncture cause severe problems. Working with a competent acupuncturist reduces risks such as improper needle placement, which can result in pain. A certified specialist uses sterile and disposable needles to lower the risk of infections. Although the risks are rare, not everyone may pass as a good candidate for acupuncture. A specialist may advise against acupuncture if:

• You are pregnant. Inserting the needles through the skin at particular points may trigger labor, resulting in premature delivery.
• You have been diagnosed or have a family history of vascular problems like hemophilia. Such conditions put you at risk of excessive bleeding during treatment.
• You have a pacemaker. Sometimes acupuncture involves electrical stimulation, which may disrupt the functioning of a pacemaker.

How do I prepare for acupuncture?

While no physical preparations are needed before treatment, it is best to discuss with your doctor your plans. A consultation with your specialist helps you understand whether your condition can benefit from acupuncture. If you are lucky enough, your doctor may refer you to an acupuncturist. You can also ask around for recommendations and make sure the acupuncture practitioner you decide to work with is certified and skilled.

What to expect during treatment

You may need to change from your clothing to a gown or towel for the practitioner to access the acupuncture points. Acupuncture points are spread throughout the body, and the appropriate site is situated far from the painful area.

• The first step is needle insertion at strategic points, and your specialist penetrates the thin rods at various depths. The result is minimal pain, but some people don’t experience any discomfort. An achy feeling may be present when the needle reaches a certain depth.
• Next, your acupuncturist twirls or moves the needles in a certain way.
• The needles are left to sit for approximately 20 minutes, after which the acupuncturist removes them. The removal is usually painless for most people.

If you want to learn more about acupuncture, consult with your specialist today at NYPT Health and Rehab.

Pratiksha