Frequently Asked Questions
History of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has thousands of years of rich history!
The theory and practice of acupuncture originated in China. There, the first recorded use of acupuncture practice were documented a few hundred years before the common era. As early as 6000 BCE, sharpened stones and long sharp bones were being used instead of needles for the purposes of acupuncture treatment. The first document that unequivocally describes an organized system of diagnosis and treatment recognized as acupuncture is The Yellow Emperor's Classic Internal Medicine, dating from roughly 100 BCE.
In the modern day, acupuncture is effectively used for a variety of conditions, including: lower back pain, neck pain, osteoarthritis, chemotherapy induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting, dental pain, headaches, migraines, labor pain, and menstrual cramps.
How does it work?
Acupuncture stimulates the body to release its own natural occurring pain killers, like endorphins, and naturally occurring feel-good chemicals, like oxytocin. This helps to relax your nervous system and promote healing. Acupuncture also aids in soothing inflammation and increases circulation by attracting blood to the puncture points.
How many sessions needed?
For chronic pain, we recommend treatment once a week for the first 12 weeks. Further medical intervention or prevention depends on progress. We advise continued weekly or biweekly visits for the purpose of pain management. For acute pain, twice a week for three weeks is recommended.
Is it safe?
The risks of acupuncture are low if you have a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner using sterile needles. Common side effects include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. Single-use, disposable needles are now the practice standard, so the risk of infection is minimal.
Restrictions during acupuncture therapy?
In general, we recommend 30 minutes of complete rest after any acupuncture session. Some patients may experience light-headedness, tiredness, and dizziness. Additionally, we advise against heavy lifting or intense workout afterwards because it can diminish or counteract the benefits of the therapy.