Acupuncture is an ancient medical practice and has been cited in documents as far back as 100 BCE. If you’re considering acupuncture, make sure you talk to your physician about your intentions. There are medications that can cause you to bleed excessively. While most people are safe to undergo acupuncture, you may not be a good candidate.
1. Acupuncture Hurts
The needles used in acupuncture are very thin. Most patients don’t feel them; those who do often describe them as a mosquito bite. If you feel any discomfort, tell your acupuncturist so they can adjust your treatment.
If you are needle-phobic, tell your acupuncturist. You may feel safer seeing the needle before it’s inserted, or you may prefer to be completely in the dark. Your practitioner can help you avoid awareness if that makes it easier.
2. Your Doctor Won’t Like It
There are many practitioners of modern medicine who heartily recommend acupuncture. This treatment stimulates your immune system and can even help to balance out or stimulate your endocrine system. Don’t avoid talking to your primary care physician about your interest in acupuncture.
3. Acupuncture is Hokum
There are many who insist that acupuncture is akin to energy or faith healing. Those who are skeptical or openly hostile to your interest may not be the best person to talk to about your plans. If you think they’ll listen to your experience or results, do so!
4. Acupuncture May Negate Your Current Medications
If you’re on medications to address issues with your endocrine system or you’re on medication for anxiety, you may eventually be able to cut back on your medications. However, acupuncture functions by stimulating your immune system; any changes in your body will be quite slow. The need for medication changes will likely show up in the bloodwork at your next physical.
5. If You’re Not in Pain, You Don’t Need Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be used to lower cravings, reduce allergic reactions, and lessen the misery of morning sickness. Bring a list of your medical concerns to your acupuncturist so you can build a treatment plan.
6. Your Acupuncturist Only Knows What They’re Doing if They Studied in China
There are skilled acupuncturists all over the world and many of them were trained outside China. If you’re interested in training as an acupuncturist, you can find a school!
7. You Don’t Have to Give a History Before Acupuncture
You’ll actually have to give a detailed history before you undergo acupuncture. You’ll also probably have to undergo an exam. Your acupuncturist will need to set a baseline of your current health before you start your treatment.
Once you start acupuncture, you may well notice changes in your reaction to the world. If you have severe seasonal allergies, you may find that you need less medication or can cut back on the dosage schedule. If you’re undergoing acupuncture to reduce the severity of food allergies, your acupuncturist and your physician can help you create a reintroduction plan.
8. Acupuncture is Always Safe
As noted above, there are risks in undergoing acupuncture. If you are taking blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, or are undergoing chemo, you may not be a good candidate. Those who are truly needle-phobic may find the whole experience far too stressful. Panic is never good for you.
If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, discuss your plans with your physician and your acupuncturists. It’s true that acupuncture can help those working to overcome infertility, but there are also anecdotal tales of acupuncture triggering a miscarriage. There are acupuncturists who specialize in pregnant women and can even help manage morning sickness. Communication is key for the safety of you and your baby.
The history of acupuncture is well-documented. Of course, our knowledge of how it impacts the body is always changing. This therapy has been used for many centuries and can work well with the rest of your treatment plan. However, one should ensure that they are going to a professional who knows accupuncture.
