Acupuncture Treatments
Acupuncture can be a wonderful way to relieve pain and discomfort. It is also known for having very few side effects. The insertion of the needles may cause slight bruising. However, most patients are not adversely affected by the treatment. In fact, according to some studies, 3.5 million people in the United States have undergone acupuncture in the past year.
Acupuncture is safe and effective for a wide range of conditions. It can even help with chronic pain. However, before getting acupuncture, you must consult with your doctor about your medical history. For example, if you suffer from bleeding disorders, have low platelet count, or are taking blood thinners, acupuncture may not be the best treatment for you. Additionally, if you have low white blood cell count, acupuncture may increase your risk of infection.
Patients generally feel a sensation at the site of the needle. This sensation may be dull or feel like a mild electrical shock. However, most people do not experience any pain during acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture treatments may last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or more. However, the most common time for acupuncture treatment is twenty minutes.
Before beginning treatment, your acupuncture practitioner will perform a physical examination. They will ask about your medical history and your symptoms. They will then design the treatment specifically for your body and lifestyle. The acupuncturist will then insert needles into specific acupuncture points on your body. Acupuncturists use solid stainless steel needles and only insert them into the top layer of skin. They will never insert the needles into your organs.
Although the effects of acupuncture are highly variable, a number of factors can determine how effective the treatment is. For instance, the frequency of acupuncture sessions and the length of follow-up weeks play a large role in the rate of pain relief. A higher dose and longer time between treatments can increase the likelihood of pain relief.
Research has shown that acupuncture can reduce cancer pain in some patients and may even improve their immune system. This means that acupuncture may help relieve the side effects of cancer treatments, such as hormone therapy and radiation therapy. One study examined the use of acupuncture to treat breast cancer symptoms and side effects. A study of 302 breast cancer patients showed that acupuncture helped manage a wide range of cancer symptoms. The study also found that acupuncture helped patients with depression, physical pain, and anxiety. Moreover, it helped them cope with sleep disorders.
Acupuncture is generally considered safe for patients. However, there are risks of infection. The use of disposable, sterile needles is highly recommended. In addition, the needles should be swabbed with alcohol or another disinfectant after acupuncture. If these standards are not followed, the risk of infection increases.