If ice packs and compression braces aren’t doing enough to reduce your pain, you might be considering other solutions. Acupuncture is a much more conservative route than surgery, and it could help alleviate your discomfort. Use the following guide to learn more about this treatment and how it works to discover if it might be the solution you’ve been looking for.

4 FAQ About Acupuncture

What does acupuncture do?

This technique has origins in Chinese medicine and is based on the idea that a life-giving energy called qi flows through a mapped network in the body. Interrupted energy results in injuries and illnesses. However, by inserting small needles into specific points along this network, the body’s balance can be restored, alleviating pain and promoting the healing process.

What should I expect from the session?

During an acupuncture session, your health care provider may focus on a particular area of the body or maintain whole-body health by spreading out the needles. These needles are extremely thin, so you likely won’t feel more than a bit of pressure when they are inserted.

Many patients describe positive reactions, including feeling energized or relaxed. After repeat visits, you might start to notice an improvement in your symptoms.

What conditions does it treat?

Acupuncture is recommended for a wide variety of health issues, both physical and mental. Most commonly, it is used to treat spine and joint problems, such as arthritis and herniated discs. It is also often recommended for tendonitis and nerve-related ailments, like tennis elbow and carpal tunnel.

Acupuncture may help reduce the frequency or severity of headaches and migraines, as well. Other patients turn to this treatment for relief from nausea, menstrual cramps, and asthma.

What conditions are important to mention before pursuing this treatment?

Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or if you have synthetic implants that could be punctured by the needles. If you are prone to skin irritation or infections, consider refraining from acupuncture. Discuss your prescriptions and supplements with your acupuncturist before treatment—especially acne and heart disease medications that thin the blood.

If you're eager to try this ancient treatment, reach out to Evergreen Pain Management & Rehabilitation Center in Sheffield, OH. Their team consists of everything from massage therapists to medical doctors, so you can come up with a holistic strategy that fits your needs. Call (440) 240-9111 to schedule an acupuncture appointment, or visit them online for more about this facility and their services.