In naturopathic medicine, acupuncture is one of the most well-known treatments available. Because it involves hair-thin needles, though, you may have your reservations about scheduling an appointment for it with a holistic doctor. Below are a few questions about the treatment to help you decide if it’s right for you.

4 FAQ Regarding Acupuncture

How does it work?

The treatment uses exceptionally thin, sterile needles that are gently tapped into the skin. The needles are placed at strategic points around the body for targeted treatment. It’s believed that this manipulates the natural energy, or qi, in your body to achieve the desired result. Physically, the points also tend to line up with nerve and pressure points, stimulating them.

What can I expect?

Before your treatment, you’ll have a consultation with a holistic doctor. They’ll get your medical history, listen to your concerns, and give you an examination. The exam may include feeling your pulse in your wrist, as well as visually examining your tongue.

After the consultation, you’ll be positioned on a cushioned bed or table and the needles tapped into place. You may feel a tingling, heat, pressure, pleasant drowsiness, heaviness, or numbness as different spots are stimulated, but you should not feel any discomfort during the session.

What can it treat?

It’s used to treat both acute and chronic conditions, particularly the treatment of pain like migraines, muscle aches, and arthritis. It can also treat digestive, emotional, gynecological, respiratory, and neurological conditions, including infertility, gastritis, rhinitis, Parkinson’s, depression, anxiety, and addiction.

When will I notice a difference?

You may feel sore or tired for a few days after your appointment, but it should be very mild and dissipate quickly. The severity and amount of time you’ve dealt with your complaint will influence how many sessions you need before you start to notice a difference.

Acute, short-term complaints can be resolved in as little as eight, while long-term ones may need more appointments with regular followups. Your acupuncturist should discuss your individual plan and number of needed sessions during your consultation.

Are you ready to try acupuncture? A Path to Natural Health in Issaquah, WA, offers treatment from a licensed acupuncturist. With over 25 years’ experience in naturopathic medicine, they offer effective treatments, including those for food allergies of differing severity and thyroid problems. You can familiarize yourself with their services online, and schedule a consultation by calling (425) 270-3047.