| The word 'Acupuncture' usually evokes strong | | | | the body, there are relatively few risks or side |
| feelings of revulsion and even horror whenever | | | | effects involved with it, and is a completely |
| it's mentioned. The thought of tiny needles | | | | natural technique. There is always the risk of small |
| piercing your skin is definitely not for the | | | | injuries, bruises, minor bleeding, and in the rare |
| squeamish or the faint of heart. | | | | cases, even infections. But these risks are very |
| The truth of the matter, however, is that this | | | | low as compared to more traditional western |
| ancient Chinese technique is relatively painless - | | | | medicinal procedures. |
| definitely less painful than getting a vaccine shot - | | | | Make sure that you get your acupuncture |
| and tremendously beneficial that can cure, or | | | | treatment done through a licensed practitioner |
| improve conditions such as chronic pain, and | | | | approved by a government agency or a |
| fatigue. | | | | professional acupuncturist organization. In the |
| Qi Energy Flows | | | | United States, the NCCAOM (National Certification |
| As per Chinese traditional medicine, a human being | | | | Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental |
| is sustained by the constant flow of energy, called | | | | Medicine) is the organization responsible for |
| Qi that circulates throughout the body along set | | | | certifying acupuncture practitioners. |
| paths that are known as meridians. According to | | | | A big issue most patients undergoing acupuncture |
| practitioners of acupuncture, these meridians run | | | | treatment is an excessive fear of needles and |
| close to the skin or the surface of the body and | | | | pins. In some patients, this can even lead to a full |
| thus, their flow can be altered by the use of a | | | | scale, debilitating panic attack. If you have a |
| suitable piercing technique, much like a plumber | | | | history of excessive anxiety, or an underlying |
| fixing a pipe blockage. | | | | phobia of needles, it is advisable to consult your |
| These beliefs must of course feel hogwash to a | | | | acupuncture practitioner before you begin |
| mind trained in western medicine. While it is true | | | | treatment. She can advise you about the best |
| that the beliefs of acupuncture and Qi have little | | | | possible solution to your problem. In most cases, |
| basis in human biology, numerous scientific studies | | | | the fear has no underlying basis and can be |
| have proven the beneficial effects of acupuncture. | | | | overcome in less than one session with an |
| The exact scientific reasons for this might still be | | | | acupuncturist. |
| unknown, but new theories seem to indicate that | | | | Acupuncture can be a boon to those suffering |
| acupuncture somehow affects the neurological | | | | from conditions like chronic pain, fatigue, lethargy, |
| pathways running throughout the body that | | | | stress, etc. But before you seek treatment, you |
| directly impact the brain and the spinal column. | | | | must have a thorough grip on the fundamentals |
| Risks and Side Effects | | | | of acupuncture and the beliefs behind it, and |
| Because acupuncture does not involve any direct | | | | understand the risks and side effects associated |
| or indirect ingestion of a foreign substance into | | | | with it. |