Visit an Acupunturist and Rock a Healthier-Feeling You
Karen Nehama is a blogger who shares her wisdom with us at SheSpeaks.
You know you want to try it. Deep down inside, you find acupuncture intriguing. And your instincts are correct - experiencing acupuncture IS soothing and leaves you feeling rejuvenated.
We know that such a statement surprises you, but that's what acupuncture is all about…surprises. Surprising that it is relaxing, that you feel invigorated and stress-free after receiving acupuncture.
Most people envision acupuncture needles as being very long and thick, similar to being prodded with a knitting needle. Nothing could be further from the truth. Many acupuncture needles are less than one inch long and tend to be the width of a strand of hair. Surprising, isn't it?
Let's say that you are feeling tired and run down, or perhaps you have what appears to be allergies. Why would you make yet another visit to see your general practitioner who may prescribe antibiotics or an antihistamine-decongestant mix? It is time to think outside of the box. That is what acupuncture is all about.
The practice of acupuncture dates back over 2,000 years ago and is generally considered an ancient Asian medicinal practice. Yet, of course, not all acupuncturists are from an Asian culture. Nowadays, in the United States, chiropractors are jumping onto the acupuncture band-wagon in droves, taking classes that teach them about stress points and how to relieve tension and stress in patients using acupuncture needles.
While chiropractors have an understanding about how the body and skeletal formation function, you should ideally visit an acupuncturist that has completed a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine degree. Such degrees are four-year programs that consist of 2,600 hours of education including 870 hours of clinical practice and 420 hours of herbology.
Additionally, seek an acupuncture specialist with a certification as a Diplomate in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Houston, Texas is one such source) as well as a Diplomate in Chinese Herbology by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM). This includes certification in Clean Needle Technique, Acupoint location and Chinese Herbology.
Acupuncture can help with:
Arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, shoulder pain and carpal tunnel
Allergies, sinus, asthma and other respiratory problems
Gastrointestinal issues such as heartburn, indigestion and IBS
Gynecological problems like PMS and menopausal symptoms
Depression, anxiety, insomnia and stress
And many more physical, emotional and neurological issues
The acunpuncture visit:
After discussing your needs and concerns, an acupuncture professional will ask you to lay on a comfortable medical table in a relaxed position. You will place your head on a pillow and your knees may be supported from below by a foam roller. Your clothes remain on.
Areas where needles will be placed are lightly dabbed with a cotton ball containing an alcohol-based sterilizing solution. Small and brief moments of light pressure will occur when a needle is inserted and you will not feel most of the needles' entrance. Indeed, the depth of a needle's placement is quite shallow.
You will most likely be left to close your eyes and perhaps listen to soothing music as you relax and let yourself unwind. Entirely relaxed, you may rest for 20-40 minutes in such a position until your session is over.
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