4 Fun Facts About Acupuncture

As I've opened the doors to my new clinic this past month, I've been fortunate to speak with many new people about acupuncture. During these conversations I've been reminded that while many people have heard of acupuncture and herbal medicine, they aren't really sure why they would benefit from treatment. Plus, most people really don't know too much about acupuncture in general.

So, I've decided to put together a few fun facts to help you get better acquainted with acupuncture and herbal medicine.  In the future I will use this blog to not only provide more facts about acupuncture and herbal medicine, but to also provide health information and tips you can use to better improve your well being. 

1. Acupuncture is not just for pain

Most people I speak with are very surprised to learn that they don't need to be in pain to seek out acupuncture. Don't get me wrong, acupuncture does work exceptionally well for pain. Whether it be back, knee, or neck pain, odds are you or someone you know has a story about how acupuncture helped them feel better, but acupuncture does SO MUCH MORE than just manage pain. It works wonders for digestive disorders, immunity, energy levels, stress, and many more conditions. It works for both acute and chronic conditions, and the addition of herbs to an acupuncture treatment program can work wonders for your overall health. Curious if acupuncture might be right for you? Here is a list of some conditions treated with acupuncture.  

2. Herbs do a body good

Many people are familiar with vitamins and supplements but have no idea how effective Chinese herbs can be for their health. Chinese herbal medicine has been used for centuries, and vast amounts of clinical experience and research have made it an extremely safe and effective healing modality when prescribed by a trained and licensed herbalist. In fact, due to the known effectiveness and benefits of Chinese herbs, The Cleveland Clinic, a top US Hospital, recently opened one of the first hospital based herbal clinics. 

Chinese herbs are most often prescribed in combinations or formulas. Many of the formulations have been passed down for generations. One of my favorite aspects of prescribing herbs to my patients is the ability to customize these formulations through the addition and/or subtraction of specific herbs when needed. This ensures my patients receive formulas specific to their individual needs. 

3. Acupuncture treatments are relaxing

One of the top 5 questions I get asked about acupuncture is 'Is it painful?' followed up by many people telling me they are afraid of needles.

This may be contrary to everything you believe about needles, but acupuncture treatments are actually very relaxing. Acupuncture needles are EXTREMELY thin and nothing like the needles we are familiar with in our medical doctors' offices. Ready for another shocker? An acupuncture treatment does not have to be painful. Patient's report different feelings associated with acupuncture. Sometimes there is a sensation of pressure or a very mild dull ache. You may feel a slight pinch sometimes upon insertion, but rarely do my patients describe their treatments as painful. 

Most new patients are surprised by how relaxed and comfortable they feel during and after treatment. In fact, some patients book regular appointments (weekly or monthly) just to take time to relax from day to day stress. 

4. Acupuncture works wonders for women's health issues

As a woman this is a fun fact I wish I would have learned a long time ago. As I mentioned above, acupuncture works well for a multitude of conditions, but being a woman I feel it is my duty to spread the word to all you ladies. Acupuncture and herbs work fantastic for PMS, cramps, irregular menses, hot flashes, infertility, etc. When I mention this to women they are usually surprised, and then very happy to realize there is no need to continue suffering from conditions that have plagued them for months or even years. 

So, there you have it. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are effective forms of treatment that can help manage a wide array of health conditions. Plus, the relaxation you will feel during and after treatment may have you asking yourself why you waited so long to give acupuncture a try.