Do you suffer from chronic back pain, knee pain, or migraines? You may have tried a variety of treatments for these problems. At some point, you may have heard of "acupressure" or " acupuncture ." While it may seem strange and perhaps even scary to some, it is an ancient treatment that is used by many people around the world to treat a variety of conditions. So let's get to know it better today. Let's talk about what it really is, how it works, and how to find a qualified, trustworthy practitioner.
What is acupuncture simply?
Simply put, `Acupuncture` is a treatment method that uses very fine needles to stimulate specific points on our bodies. This is a medical method that originated in China and is thousands of years old. However, today this method has become very popular in Western countries as well.
Think of our body as a map with many roads. Just as a traffic jam on these roads can hinder your journey, the basic belief of this method is that when the flow of energy in the body is disrupted, illness occurs. So what these needles do is remove that 'traffic jam' and pave the way for the energy to flow properly again. This helps the body's natural painkillers to work and speeds up the healing process.
What qualifications should someone who performs this treatment have?
This is the most important thing. Chiropractic is not something that just anyone can do. It requires a deep knowledge of the structure of the human body, the nervous system , and medical conditions.
Many countries have recognized degrees and licenses for this. For example, in countries like America and England, learning this requires three to four years of training and passing formal exams.
In Sri Lanka, this method is used by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as by Western-trained doctors in some cases. So when you are choosing someone for this treatment, it is essential to check whether he or she has received training from a recognized institution and has sufficient experience .
The most important thing is cleanliness ! The needles used for treatment should always be sterilized and single-use. Be sure to take care of this.
Two main methods of acupuncture...
Although it is called short-term therapy, there are different approaches to it. We can mainly talk about two methods.
| Treatment Method | Main Goal & Function |
|---|---|
| Traditional Chinese Acupuncture | This is the oldest system. The main goal is to balance the body's vital energy, or 'Qi'. They believe that diseases occur due to disruptions in the flow of this energy. This system is used for a wide range of ailments, including pain, digestive problems, and stress. |
| Medical Acupuncture / Dry Needling | This is based on modern medical knowledge. Here, needles are inserted into trigger points in the body's muscles, nerves, and connective tissues. This stimulates the body's production of substances such as endorphins, which are natural painkillers. This method is used very successfully, especially for musculoskeletal problems. |
What kinds of diseases can be relieved by these treatments?
- Traditionally, it is used for a wide range of ailments. For example:
- Various pains ( backache , neck pain, headache)
- Digestive system problems
- Mental health problems (stress, depression)
- Menopause -related problems
- Female and male infertility
- High blood pressure
- Respiratory system diseases
- Dry Needling is particularly effective for the following conditions:
- Chronic pain
- Joint pain
- Pain after surgery
- Migraines and chronic tension headaches
But this must also be said. Scientifically, there are different opinions about the success of acupuncture. Some doctors believe that the placebo effect , that is, the psychological relief that comes from thinking, "This will make me feel better," is a big reason for its success. However, numerous studies have shown that this method is effective, especially for reducing pain .
You don't need a referral from a doctor to start this treatment. However, if you are being treated for another condition, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it is very important to talk to your doctor before trying this method.
What actually happens during a therapy session?
Once you've chosen someone who's qualified, the first meeting is a little different.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, health history, and perform a physical exam. Only then will they decide on the treatment that is best for you. This first session may take about an hour.
Subsequent treatment sessions usually last 15-30 minutes. Depending on the condition being treated, an average of 6 to 12 sessions may be required.
During the treatment, you will be asked to sit or lie down comfortably. You may also be asked to remove some clothing. Then, as mentioned earlier, very fine, sterile needles are inserted into specific areas. These needles are usually left in place for about 30 minutes and then removed.
When the needles are inserted, you may feel a slight numbness, heaviness, or a slight tingling sensation. This is normal. However, you should not feel any severe pain. If you feel this way, you should tell the person treating you right away.
Take-Home Message
- Acupuncture is a treatment method that involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body.
- It is extremely important that the person chosen for this treatment is well-trained, experienced, and qualified .
- Make sure you use sterilized, single-use needles for treatment.
- Research has shown that this method is particularly effective in relieving various types of pain.
- If you are being treated for another condition or are pregnant, be sure to discuss this with your doctor before starting this treatment.
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