When looking for more ways to supercharge your health and wellness regimen, acupuncture wins on many fronts. The holistic technique with roots tracing back to traditional Chinese medicine offers many benefits. Acupuncture Flatiron District is relatively safe and effective, with the most notable contributions surrounding pain and stress management. While it is a go-to for many, before you dive in, you should learn a few things to ensure you get the most out of acupuncture. Here is a glance at some of the top things you should know.
It is not as easy as it looks
Acupuncture may look as easy as lying on a table and having multiple thin needles pierced into your skin. However, it is an intricate procedure that requires the right skills. An acupuncturist knows where to insert the hair-thin needles and how deep they should go.
The insertions target acupuncture points to stimulate better energy flow. It is not simply piercing the needles; they must target the right points to deliver the technique’s many benefits. As such, you must select a certified, competent, and reputable acupuncturist to minimize risks and complications while ensuring you realize a smooth process and optimal results.
Acupuncture is not for everyone
Acupuncture is safe and ideal for almost everyone. While the side effects are rare under an expert’s hands, you can experience bruising, soreness, and minor bleeding at insertion points, which should subside fast. The potential side effects make the technique trickier for some individuals, who may be advised to avoid acupuncture.
If you have a clotting or bleeding disorder, acupuncture may not be ideal for you since it can result in excessive bleeding. The needles hardly draw blood, but the risk is too high to make it a go-to. Also, acupuncture is not recommended if you are on active blood thinning medication. The medication’s impacts are much more like bleeding disorders such as hemophilia. Your blood will not clot (thicken and slab) fast to stop bleeding. This means you can bleed profusely following a minor injury by the hair-thin needles, making acupuncture unsafe.
Acupuncture is safe, but it is not a go-to when you are pregnant. An experienced acupuncturist using sterile needles can administer the technique even when pregnant, but you should disclose your situation before you get started. This is to ensure the expert avoids acupuncture points that could be a threat to you and the pregnancy.
The frequency
Acupuncture is not a one-time fix technique. You may need a few sessions to realize optimal results. This is mainly considering the condition and its severity. In mild cases, a session a week can suffice. In other cases, like chronic pain management, you may need two sessions a week for about 2-4 weeks. After the period, your situation is reassessed, and the next appointments are spread out to facilitate safe and better progress. Ideally, you should go at it with a view of long-term commitment to ensure you squeeze the most out of acupuncture.
Acupuncture remains among the popular traditional techniques considering the many benefits users realize. Visit NYPT Health & Rehab today for more on acupuncture, if it is ideal in your situation, and get started.