Acupuncture to some may feel like an unusual departure from massage, chiropractic treatment or simple prescription drug therapies. However, it is also rewarding for those who are brave enough to try it. If you want to learn more, keep reading.
Although needles are involved, acupuncture should not be too painful. Keep in mind that the needles are generally a lot thinner than those you encounter in your doctor’s office. Therefore, if you are nervous about getting “stuck,” you really should not be. You will feel them, but you should not experience extreme pain.
Do not expect to leave your first appointment feeling one-hundred percent better. Like many treatments, it will take a few visits before you reach full levels of restoration. Be patient and give the treatment a chance before you call it quits. You will be happy you gave it enough time.
When you go to a session for acupuncture you need to be dressed in clothes that are loose and comfortable. You need the acupuncturist to have access to any area that they’re trying to do work on. Some of the acupuncturists perform on groups at a time, so you need to have your clothes on.
If you’d like to get more out of your acupuncture sessions, start cleansing. A good cleanse will free your body of toxins, which means acupuncture will be more effective. During this time, you may also want to detox from substances like alcohol. Ask your acupuncturist to recommend a good detox diet.
Finish your entire treatment plan before making a decision on its efficacy for you Just like any form or medication, you don’t want to stop your treatments half way. You might not see the expected results at the end, even if you feel good prior to it ending. Therefore, go through the entire treatment so you can see just how effective it is to your body.
Contact your insurance provider before seeking acupuncture treatments. Some plans will cover most or all of the cost of this treatment, but you might need a referral from your general practitioner first. Take the time to make a call to your insurance company first so you are not left with surprise bills after treatment is received.
Do not focus on how long treatment will take, as this can keep you from focusing on the big picture, which is to get well. The acupuncturist likely cannot give you an answer to that immediately anyway, as it depends partly on what you are willing to do at home to help yourself.
If you suffer with frequent migraine headaches and have yet to find relief, think about visiting a local acupuncture practice. Often times migraines are caused or exacerbated by stress and physical tension building up in your back and neck muscles. The acupuncture professional you visit should be able to alleviate some of this tension, providing you with some much needed relief.
Does your practitioner take your insurance? It can be costly to see an acupuncturist regularly. If your treatment plan needs to be extended, look into expanding your policy or changing carriers to one willing to cover what you require.
If you’re feeling a little sore after an acupuncture session, the best way to treat that soreness is with heat. Post-session pain is usually caused by blockages, and ice may only exacerbate the problem. Most soreness is gone within 24 hours, so a hot bath and a good night’s sleep should do the trick.
Acupuncture is not just for adults, it can be performed on kids and even you pets. There’s a surprising versatility to this treatment. If you are interested in having your child or pet receive acupuncture, make sure you find an practitioner that specializes in these types of practices. It may not be the person you are currently going to.
When you’re looking for an acupuncturist, make sure they’re NCCAOM certified. To get NCCAOM certification, a practitioner must receive a significant amount of training and pass a national exam. When you’re letting someone stick needles into your body, you want to be sure that they’re an expert on what they’re doing.
Take time to understand the different types of acupuncture before you book your first appointment. There are several different methods of acupuncture, and different acupuncturists are all trained a bit differently. When you call the office, ask what type of acupuncture they preform to make sure it is a method that you will be happy with.
Ask your acupuncturist for a fee schedule and anticipated number of sessions up front. They should be able to provide this. It is likely you will need more than one session to find relief, and you should be able to get some indication of what that will cost you. Avoid any practitioner who will not disclose fees, as this can put you into a financially stressful situation.
Keep learning about acupuncture and how it can bring you great benefits. You might just see that it can alleviate stress and pain in a big way. Follow the tips presented here to get the highest level of benefit from acupuncture.
