Acupuncture is an ancient practice that is effective in a surprising amount of ailments. While more research on the treatment is needed to understand why it is so useful and how exactly it works, many people have found acupuncture to be the therapy that works for them. There are many things that people do not know about acupuncture. If you are considering treatment, here are eight interesting factors that may help you take the plunge into an acupuncture treatment.
History
Acupuncture has an incredibly fascinating history. Acupuncture in its modern form originated in China thousands of years ago by the Daoists. There is evidence, however, that other more infant forms of acupuncture existed in other areas around the world. Ötzi the Iceman – the oldest preserved body from around 3,300 BCE – had 61 tattoos divided into 19 groupings over his body. The tattoos, made by small incisions rubbed with charcoal, served as a primitive type of acupuncture – each tattoo was located in a position that modern acupuncture also utilizes. It appears that Ötzi was being treated for lower back pain.
Pain is Treated in Different Areas
There is a map of around 350 acupuncture points where needles are inserted into the body during treatment. While you may think that to treat lower back pain, needles are inserted into the lower back, that is far from accurate. Needles are rarely inserted into the area that is experiencing pain, but rather in other places around the body. For instance, the middle of the sole of the foot is where a needle is inserted for help with gallbladder pain.
It is a Complementary Approach to Treatment
Like with many other types of treatment, acupuncture works best when paired with a whole-body approach. A practitioner of acupuncture will most likely recommend diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes that will work in tandem with acupuncture to help alleviate your symptoms.
How it Works
There is no firm consensus as to how acupuncture works. The traditional Chinese theory says that acupuncture unblocks and realigns energy flow, also known as meridians, within the patient’s body. Modern Western medicine believes that the acupuncture map indicates different nerves, muscles, and connective tissues. Stimulating these areas with needles blood flow to the area is increased. The resulting natural opioids may be what causes the relief of pain and other symptoms.
Acupuncture is Painless
Almost all patients who receive acupuncture therapy report that the therapy is painless. The needles used in acupuncture are hair-thin, much thinner than needles used at doctor’s offices for injections, as well as more flexible. You will feel a gentle pressure upon needle insertion, but unless the needle is inserted incorrectly, then there will be no discomfort.
If you are interested in acupuncture, then you should contact Dundas Chiropractor in Oakville. While we are the best chiropractor in Oakville, we also specialize in acupuncture. Our goal is to make our clients’ lives more enjoyable. Whether you are looking to treat pain, nausea, asthma, or a vast variety of other conditions, Oakville acupuncture is for you. Contact the team at Dundas Chiropractor today!