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10 Most Common Questions You Wanna know about Acupuncture NOW
July 13, 2023
Acupuncture
10 Most Common Questions & Concerns You Wanna Know about Acupuncture NOW
Although acupuncture is widely used in many Asian countries to treat various diseases, it is not yet considered mainstream medicine in the United States. Many Americans have never tried acupuncture or are not familiar with it.
As an experienced acupuncturist with a wide range of clients, I would like to answer the frequently asked questions and concerns people have regarding acupuncture treatments.
We understand this can be a lot of information and overwhelming: if you are looking for more support and answers, set up a free consultation with our Licensed Acupuncturist & Pain Specialist, Satoru Ozawa. Share your story, get your questions answered, and learn how you can set yourself up for tremendous success in achieving a healthy life.
Call us to get Free Consultation at 972-777-0836
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1. What is the most common reason for acupuncture?
A lot of people go for acupuncture treatments mainly to manage pain. This can be for various conditions like low back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, and migraines. Moreover, acupuncture can help those who are recovering from Bell’s palsy or facial paralysis, trigger finger, anxiety, depression, and other related conditions.
2. What are the benefits of acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a useful technique for lessening inflammation and persistent pain. It encourages the body to unwind and ease tension by switching from the stress mode of the sympathetic nervous system to the relaxation mode of the parasympathetic nervous system. As the body calms down, blood circulation improves, supplying essential nutrients and warmth for healing and tension relief.
Let me give you an example to show how important blood flow is for healing properly.
If you suffer a meniscus injury in your knee, the outer rim may be able to heal itself since it contains blood vessels. However, the inner part of the meniscus lacks blood vessels, making it unable to heal on its own. As a result, surgery is required to remove and smooth out the damaged area and relieve the discomfort caused by the meniscus injury.
If you’re feeling tightness in your neck and shoulders, your muscles may become tense and restrict blood flow, leading to discomfort. To relieve the pain, it’s crucial to loosen these muscles and improve blood circulation. Studies have shown that acupuncture is a reliable way to reduce chronic pain, especially in this area.
3. How often should I get acupuncture treatments?
The number of treatments you need will depend on how severe your condition is. If you have Bell’s palsy and your face has suddenly become paralyzed within a few days or weeks, we recommend coming in for treatments 2-3 times a week. But if you’re dealing with chronic low back pain, it’s best to attend sessions once a week for the first five treatments. Once you start feeling better, you can come in less frequently – maybe once every two to three weeks. A lot of our clients choose to come back for monthly maintenance sessions.
4. How long do the benefits of acupuncture last?
The duration of this sensation varies from person to person. Some may experience it for up to a week, while others may only feel it for a few days.
5. Can acupuncture reduce inflammation?
Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to be highly effective in reducing pain and inflammation. This is because it stimulates the body to release its natural painkillers.
6. What is the disadvantage of acupuncture?
Although acupuncture has low associated risks, it is important to consider a few precautions and potential downsides before proceeding with treatment.
After receiving acupuncture, it is common to feel soreness in the affected area where the needles were inserted. This sensation may also be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness. However, it is important to note that this is a natural part of the healing process and does not need to worry about it.
Bruising can occur during facial needling due to the many small vessels in the face. While this may happen, there is no need to worry; it should clear up in a few days. Also, if you take blood thinner medications, you may be more prone to bruising compared to regular clients.
As a helpful reminder to expecting mothers, it’s always a good idea to let your acupuncturist know if you’re pregnant. They need to be aware of your condition as some acupuncture points might cause contractions. Stay safe and enjoy your session!
7. What is the success rate of acupuncture?
The success rate for our clients varies depending on their individual circumstances. For those seeking pain management, we have seen a success rate of 75-80%, resulting in an improved level of comfort compared to their previous state.
8. Does the acupuncture needle hurt?
Acupuncture treatment is comfortable as the needles used are extremely thin with a diameter between 0.10mm and 0.25mm, which is five times thinner than a regular injection needle. You won’t experience any discomfort during the treatment.
9. Is the acupuncture needle safe?
Acupuncturists strictly follow the Clean Needle Technique guidelines and use 100% sterile and disposable stainless steel needles. This ensures that the needles are clean and can only be used once.
10. Does insurance cover acupuncture?
It’s great news that many insurance companies now offer coverage for acupuncture! However, it’s important to keep in mind that each policy comes with its own unique benefits and coverage options.
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We'll be happy to answer your questions.
When Should I start Acupuncture?
As a general rule of thumb, the sooner one receives treatment, the better the prognosis.
Some patients come for chronic cases and these are often more complex and take a much longer time to achieve results.
Regarding the frequency of treatments, Acupuncture follows a simple rule. Acute and relatively new conditions are most effectively treated with more frequent visits, whereas chronic and old conditions can benefit from more widespread treatments. In other words, if you just had an acute low back pain, you will probably be prescribed 2-3 treatments per week in order to get the most effective results, and chronic cases will generally come in only once a week.
If you or a loved one want to learn more about Acupuncture and whether it’s appropriate for your case, send us a message through our contact page.
I hope it helps.
Satoru Ozawa, L.Ac, ATC
We understand this can be a lot of information and overwhelming: if you are looking for more support and answers, set up a free consultation with our Licensed Acupuncturist & Pain Specialist, Satoru Ozawa. Share your story, get your questions answered, and learn how you can set yourself up for tremendous success in achieving a healthy life.
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