Afraid of acupuncture? Let's talk about it all in simple terms!

When we hear the word "needle pricking," many of us feel a little scared and uncomfortable, right? Some people are afraid even when they go for an injection . So, it's normal to be a little nervous when you hear about a treatment that involves pricking the body with needles. But this acupuncture we're talking about today is not as scary or painful as you might think. In fact, many people around the world use this method to control various diseases, especially chronic pain. So let's see what it really is, how it works, and what are the pros and cons.

Simply put, what is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a treatment method that involves inserting very thin, specially designed steel needles into specific points on your body. It originated in traditional Chinese medicine. The main goal is to relieve a health condition or symptom, such as pain.

Think of our body as a complex electrical circuit. Sometimes, the flow of energy in this circuit can become blocked at certain points. Acupuncture uses fine needles to reactivate those blocked points and restore the body's energy balance. Scientifically, its effectiveness has been proven for some medical conditions.

What kinds of conditions does this provide relief from?

Acupuncture can help with a wide variety of health problems. In particular, people use it to relieve chronic pain . Let's take a look at what those are.

How does this actually work?

There are two ways to explain how this works. One is the traditional Chinese medicine explanation, and the other is the modern Western scientific explanation.

Traditional Chinese explanation

According to Chinese medicine, a vital energy called "qi" flows throughout our bodies. This energy flows along specific energy pathways called "meridians." We become ill when the flow of this "qi" energy is disrupted or out of balance.

So, acupuncture involves inserting needles into specific points along those energy pathways (called `acupoints`) to restore the blocked energy flow. They believe that this restores the body's energy balance and cures illnesses.

Modern scientific explanation

Modern science sees this a little differently. According to this method, when needles are inserted into acupuncture points, it stimulates our central nervous system .

This stimulation causes the production of chemicals within our bodies.

• Endorphins: These are our body's natural painkillers . Like morphine, when they are released, the pain we feel decreases.
• Neurotransmitters : These are chemicals that control nerve impulses. Their release can block pain signals to the brain.

Simply put, acupuncture works by activating our body's own pain control and healing mechanisms.

What happens during a therapy session? Should I be afraid?

If you're going to acupuncture for the first time, it's normal to be a little curious and nervous. Here's what usually happens.

1. Discussion and Examination: First, your therapist will have a thorough discussion with you about your health, symptoms, and lifestyle. Then, they will examine your body and determine which areas need treatment.

2. Insertion of needles: Next, you will be made comfortable and needles will be inserted into the selected areas. These needles are sterile , disposable, and are as thin as a human hair.

3. How is the pain?: This is the biggest problem that many people have. In fact, when these needles are inserted, you only feel a very slight sensation, like a small mosquito sting. It is much less painful than when you get an injection. This is because these needles are very thin, and they do not have a hollow inside like injection needles `(solid)`.

4. Treatment time: After the needles are inserted, they can be left in place for anywhere from a few minutes to about 20 minutes. During this time, you may feel a slight tingling, heaviness, or a slight ache. Therapists say that this sensation means the treatment is working.

Is there a risk in this?

If acupuncture is performed by a qualified, experienced practitioner , the risks and side effects are very low.

However, serious problems can arise if treatment is received from an unqualified, untrained person .

• Using unsterilized needles can cause infections .
• Inserting needles incorrectly can damage internal organs .
• There is also a possibility of nerve damage.

Therefore, when you choose a place to get acupuncture, it is extremely important to thoroughly research the person's qualifications, training, and their hygiene practices.

Are Dry Needling and Acupuncture the same thing?

Many people confuse the two. Although needles are used in both of these treatments, they are not one, but two.