Acupuncture is a 2,000 year old therapy which uses thin, solid needles to penetrate the skin. There are many misunderstandings about acupuncture and its side effects, we’d like to clear things up and help guide you to the best acupuncture therapy in Honolulu!
One of the most common myths about acupuncture therapy is that it is a painful treatment, mainly because of its use of needles. At first glance, without context, many of us may have been scared off due to this misconception. However - when we look back over the last 2,000 years, acupuncture has been used and shown to improve symptoms and even treat a long list of ailments all while being virtually painless.
Let’s take a look at the history, acupuncture is an ancient traditional Chinese method which was used to relieve pain and some health conditions. Ancient Chinese understood that disease occurs when the yin and yang of the body are out of balance. It was believed that the human body was to have acupuncture points which create an energy flow called “Qi” through the body. Disruption or blockage of the energy flow can cause depression, illness and even disease. Qi is responsible for overall flow of health and alignment; acupuncture can help to support a healthy Qi. Everything is intertwined in the body, connected in some way or another - all needing an even balance.
Science and Western medicine have documented studies showing the effectiveness of acupuncture and the way the treatment is used to identify specific points to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissues in the body. Acupuncture aids with neuroendocrine dysfunctions by stimulating endorphins in the midbrain; the close relationship that endorphins have to the neuroendocrine system, can result in reduced pain.
It Shouldn’t Hurt!
Acupuncture uses hair thin steel needles which are inserted into your skin to target the area or system of concern. It is virtually painless and the depth that the needle is inserted can vary from a fraction of an inch to two inches. The needles your therapist will always come brand new, sterile and packaged to protect the safety of everyone. Some report feeling a slight minimal pain as the needle is inserted. The needle is inserted to a point that produces a sensation of pressure or ache for a moment.
You may feel a small prick with each needle. It’s less painful than the feeling when you get a vaccine or blood draw. Acupuncture needles are much thinner than medical needles and may be heated during the treatment or mild electric current may be applied to them.
Needles usd in acupuncture therapy may cause some muscle sensations, such as dull aches or tingling. Your therapist will ask you to report when you feel a deep heaviness or numbness. Those sensations usually mean the treatment is working.
Acupuncture can help stimulate nerves to do the following:
What if I Feel Pain?
It is important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture therapist because improper placement of the needle can cause pain during treatment. You should not feel soreness or pain during treatment. Pain and soreness usually result when the patient moves during treatment, if a needle is improperly placed, or if there is a defect in the needle. Needles must be sterilized to prevent infection.
Your therapist will check in with you periodically throughout your treatment, if at any time you feel pain beyond the sensations mentioned or that of which your therapist has described, it is important that you immediately communicate.
Each therapist who performs acupuncture has a unique style, to determine the type of acupuncture treatment that will help you the most, you may be asked about any symptoms and about your overall lifestyle.
An acupuncture session can start at 60 minutes here at Hawaii Natural Therapy, although some appointments may be shorter or longer. A common treatment plan for minimal or no pain points or issues would typically involve one or two treatments a week. It is common to receive 6 to 8 treatments. The number of treatments will depend on the symptoms you are experiencing.
An examination of the following may occur:
Acupuncture points are fixed within all areas of the body, your acupuncture therapist will tell you the general base location of the treatment and whether you need to remove any clothing. A typical treatment uses 5 to 20 needles. You may feel a mild aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth. It may be necessary to gently move or twirl the needles after placement or apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles, which again should be near painless. The needles typically remain in place for 10 to 15 minutes with no discomfort when the needles are removed.
Relatively few complications from using acupuncture have been reported. However, complications have resulted from use of nonsterile needles and improper delivery of treatments.
When not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections, punctured organs, and injury to the central nervous system.
Acupuncture is a safe therapy and has fewer adverse effects than most medicines used to treat fibromyalgia, such pain relievers. The minor side effects that do occur are tolerable. When needles are inserted into your skin, they may cause discomfort or pain, although if this happens, it will not last long. Nausea and vomiting are occasionally accompanied by headaches, but the problems usually pass after a day or two.
Acupuncture has been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for ages. It is regarded as a successful treatment for various types of pain, including migraines and chronic musculoskeletal discomfort, based on evidence. Acupuncture has been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for ages. It is regarded as a successful treatment for various types of pain, including migraines and chronic musculoskeletal discomfort, based on evidence. Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
Acupuncture is a popular choice for people who have fibromyalgia. And acupuncture as one of the treatments that has been shown to be safe and effective for reducing pain and improving quality of life for those with fibromyalgia.
The benefits include relief from long-term chronic pain and other health conditions including:
Some people feel relaxed and others feel energized after an acupuncture treatment. But not everyone responds to acupuncture. If your symptoms don't begin to improve within a few weeks, acupuncture may not be right for you.
Many people use acupuncture to relieve pain throughout their body, including for migraines, back pain and arthritis. Studies have also shown that acupuncture may be a successful treatment option for a variety of conditions, including immune system issues, infertility and the effects of menopause.
One session of acupuncture will not reverse all of our health concerns, it is \ a start to the healing process. Your aftercare matters if the goal is to keep the ball rolling , here are a few simple suggestions on how you can do that:
The full benefits of acupuncture may not come through on the first or second treatment. If you decide to stick with acupuncture, you should try at least five treatments.
The number of treatments a person will need depends on their individual case and consitions. Someone with a chronic condition may need one or two treatments per week over several months. An acute health issue typically improves after 8–12 sessions.
Contact us today to schedule your Acupuncture Treatment in Honolulu at our massage clinic, featuring carefully curated massage rooms each representing a different location on the Hawaii islands. At Hawaii Natural Therapy we are your acupuncture specialists, visit one of our talented therapists for your next service.
Call us today to ask us for more information (808) 200-4611.
Sources: Hawaii Natural Therapy (www.bestoahumassage.com), John Hopkins (https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org), Harvard Health (https://www.health.harvard.edu)
