Does Acupuncture Hurt? Here is the Truth.

If you have ever been desperate to relieve your pain you have probably come across the ancient therapy of acupuncture as a possible treatment. Many people don’t understand what acupuncture is and think it’s a little too unconventional. Acupuncture is used to treat issues such as headaches and migraines, neck and back pain, osteoarthritis, and many more. A major misconception about acupuncture is that it hurts, when in fact it does the opposite by stimulating your musculoskeletal and nervous system to promote health and balance. This leaves people unsure of the treatment and strays them away. In this article, we will discuss what acupuncture is, how it feels, and what it can treat.

What is Acupuncture?

The sight of a needle going into your skin may not be the most relaxing. A lot of people probably don’t even know why the needle is going into your skin or what the point of the needle is in the first place. Well, the ancient medicine of acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and there is a purpose for both the needle and where it enters the body.

The Body statueAcupuncture recognizes that the nervous system is responsible for much of both the pain and healing that occurs in our musculoskeletal systems. It was discovered thousands of years ago that the nervous system was able to be activated by putting needles in strategic places. The ancient Chinese had no way of knowing the nervous system existed the way it does and described it as your body’s energy flow- or chi, pathway, or meridian, that was responsible for the balance of the human body.

It is incredible that so many years ago humans were able to describe the complex neurological phenomena known as the nervous system. Today acupuncture is used in many medical settings with phenomenal results. So what can you expect during an acupuncture session- what does it feel like?

What Does Acupuncture Feel Like?

Acupuncture is like every other medical treatment in the fact that the treatment plan will be set up and tailored to your specific medical needs and pain areas. Acupuncturists study for years to learn the complex acupuncture points. For example: if you have pain in your left arm there are specific points throughout the body where the needles will be inserted to activate healing in that area.

Person Lying on Bed With White BlanketIn some cases, your first experience with acupuncture may hurt a little more than your following treatments. If experiencing pain, it’s important to keep in mind it is not necessarily a negative thing and you should always immediately let your acupuncturist know. The feeling of sharpness is common but it’s important to note that acupuncture should be a comfortable treatment. If experiencing a subtle pain, it could feel like a throbbing, heavy, achy, tingly or warm feeling. 

These feelings vary based on your body and it’s tolerance and sensitivity. Feeling the acupuncture is a good sign as it is boosting the body’s natural painkillers. Acupuncture promotes overall wellness while decreasing tension and stress. The applications for acupuncture are vast in both a medical and wellness aspect.

What Does Acupuncture Treat?Person in Gray Shirt and White Shorts Sitting on Bed

You should consider receiving treatment for acupuncture if you are experiencing uncomfortable physical or emotional pains such as:

  • Chronic Neck or Back Pain
  • Acute Musculoskeletal Injuries 
  • Chronic and Acute Inflammation
  • Sleeping Issues
  • Mood Swings
  • Anxiety or Depression 

Be sure to consult your musculoskeletal physician if you are considering acupuncture treatment. Here at Underwood Healthcare, we are committed to offering you the best quality of honest, organic, and mindful healthcare. For more information, contact us here at Underwood Healthcare! We are happy to answer any questions you may have and provide beneficial guidance regarding acupuncture treatment. 

 

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