Acupuncture is gaining popularity in the United States as an effective way of treating a variety of health conditions.
Unfortunately, for some people, acupuncture may seem mysterious and risky.
Others may picture acupuncture as being performed by an ancient Chinese man in the back of a noodle shop, or by a tie dye-clad hippie in a room with beaded curtains.
The reality is much different, and I'd like to take some of the mystery out of acupuncture by telling you some things that you might not have known.
Hopefully you'll be surprised either by how much you actually knew or how much you learned from my list.
1.
There are several different kinds of acupuncture.
Besides Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is Japanese style, auricular (ear) acupuncture, Korean hand acupuncture, and five-phase acupuncture, to name a few.
2.
Researchers are finding that acupuncture affects brain chemistry (in a good way), giving us some new clues as to how and why it works so well.
3.
Acupuncture is thousands of years old.
It began in China as a way of treating infections and fevers.
Over the centuries, it developed into a comprehensive system of internal medicine, using herbs, heat, massage, and food therapy in conjunction with needles.
4.
There are over 365 acupuncture points in the body.
Each point has a name, usually related to its location or function.
Some of my personal favorites are Armpit Abyss, Crouching Rabbit, and Celestial Tripod.
5.
Acupuncture can treat a wide variety of conditions.
Most people think that it's only good for pain (which it is!), but it can also be effective for things like emotional conditions, insomnia, digestive problems, menstrual/menopause issues, and even for facial rejuvenation.
If, however, you have a broken bone, appendicitis, strep throat, or some other medical emergency, go to your doctor or urgent care facitily.
6.
Acupuncture is actually very relaxing.
More than once I've found my clients snoring while the needles are doing their work! 7.
The needles used in acupuncture are about the diameter of a hair, and are not hollow.
No shots are involved, and the insertion are fairly painless.
8.
Acupuncture works by treating the underlying source of your condition--not just the symptoms.
For example, if you have insomnia, you acupuncturists would find out the why behind your inability to sleep, and treat the reason it is occurring, not just the sleeplessness itself.
By doing so, the treatments are more effective, and the condition generally does not occur again.
9.
Licensed acupuncturists have the minimum of a Masters degree in acupuncture or Oriental medicine, and about 3,000 hours of education and clinical training.
They are also licensed by their State Board of Medical Practice.
10.
No two acupuncture treatments are the same.
Every person is unique, with different symptoms, health history, and lifestyle.
Acupuncture treatments are customized for each individual's needs.