Backache has been a common thing for me ever since I hurt my spine during my younger days. This time round it became so bad that I had to relent and try out the only one treatment that I have NOT tried so far - Acupuncture.
Although it was highly recommended by my friends, I have not had the courage to let needles poked all over my body. In case you have totally no idea what I am talking about - Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice where needles are inserted across many specific points on the body depending on what ailment or pain you have. The needles treatment helps manipulate the flow of energy within our body.
After my 3rd treatment, my backache's almost gone and having done some research on this special Chinese treatment, below are a list of things you should know before you try out Acupuncture.
Schedule a Consultation Session First
As you would with many other services, schedule a consultation with any prospective acupuncturists. These generally last 10-15 minutes, but they can give you an idea of whether or not they are right for you. Ask them any questions that you have, talk about their experience and education, express any concerns, and pay attention to how they make you feel in their office. If you ever feel uncomfortable, try someone else.
Talk to the acupuncturist you wish to use about whether or not they can help you. For example, a chiropractor can only do treatments which compliment their chiropractic treatments. Some acupuncturists only work with women, or only on urinary problems. Find a practitioner who specializes in whatever it is which ails you.
Always consider your comfort level when you meet an acupuncturist. Are you going to be comfortable with this person when you are laying on a table without clothes? Will you feel okay when he is putting needles in various parts of your body? Do you trust him? If you answered no, it is time to look elsewhere for a different practitioner.
If you have some fear of acupuncture because you think that it is going to hurt, ask your acupuncturist about techniques in painless needling. Ask questions about where he learned that technique and how long he has been practicing it. Only go with practitioners who have had multiple years of experience.
If you have a hard time moving about, find out if you can have acupuncture done at home. A lot of acupuncturists will travel to the home for clients with mobility concerns. He may charge you a little extra for gas and travel time, but at least you can have your treatment in the comfort of your own home.
Healthy Diet
When it comes to eating after having acupuncture done, make sure you eat healthy food. Eating a lot of unhealthy food after your session is just putting back the toxins that the acupuncture released. Try sticking with healthy and fresh vegetables, fruits, meats and other foods that are nourishing and good for you.
When you undergo acupuncture treatments, try to make other healthy changes in your life too. While acupuncture can help with many things, it is not a magic bullet that provides instant relief and a life free from pain. To achieve that, you have to work with your body to make it healthier. Diet, exercise and supplements all come into play if you are hoping for optimum results.
Painless Treatment
One very positive aspect of this type of alternative treatment is the lack of any side effects. Even though very fine needles are inserted into the flesh at specific points, most people do not feel any pain at all from the procedure.
Insurance Coverage
Look into your insurance coverage before choosing acupuncture. While more and more insurance plans are covering alternative medicine and methodologies, not all do. It's important for you to know what to expect financially so that you don't have a sticker shock after your initial treatment. Look at your plan, or call your insurance company if you're still unsure.
Determine if and how your insurance plan covers acupuncture. Some plans cover acupuncture only if you are referred by your regular practitioner for a medical condition. Other plans cover acupuncture visits as wellness visits. Find out if your health insurance covers acupuncture so you can save some cash on the procedure.
Check that your practitioner accepts your insurance, and be sure that acupuncture is covered by your health insurance. By determining insurance coverage in advance, you will have the ability to concentrate just on treatment once your sessions start. This will help you relax and allow the treatments to be more effective.
Be Well Hydrated
You should drink plenty of water before you attend your scheduled acupuncture session. It has been shown that people who are well hydrated respond better to treatments. While you should not consume a lot of food before a session, it is a great idea for you to drink a good amount of water.
Do Your Due Diligence
Do some research about the different kinds of acupuncture before you begin looking for an acupuncture practitioner. American acupuncturists can practice based on traditions from Korea, China or Japan. Always ask about your practitioner's training and exactly what kind of procedures they use. It is also helpful to find out if one branch of acupuncture is more effective than another for your particular condition.
What to Avoid Prior to Treatment
You shouldn't have anything alcoholic to drink before treatment. In addition to pain relief, acupuncture can help you think more clearly. The use of alcohol, tobacco or caffeine can make treatment more difficult and less effective. If you have a hangover, you may just want to reschedule the session so that you do not miss out on all of the benefits.
Avoid over-eating right before your acupuncture appointment. Although you should not go on an empty stomach, as this can lead to feeling dizzy, you can't be too full either. Call and ask for guidance with the receptionist if you're not sure, but don't take any chances by indulging in a big meal a few hours prior to going.
Exercise Common Sense
Be skeptical of any acupuncturist who says that they will cure you of a serious medical condition like cancer. There is no question that acupuncture is effective for many things, but it should not replace conventional treatments for diseases like cancer. While acupuncture may help you relax naturally or relieve certain minor issues, it's crucial that you continue seeing your regular doctor for any serious ailments.
Experience and Credentials Counts
It's fantastic to have an acupuncturist who has experience. Years of training means they have more knowledge on how to do their job well. However, you should be aware that not all countries have the same regulations. Experience in a country like China is not the same as experience in the United States.
Ask your acupuncturist about their education. Acupuncturists need to go to medical school for four years before completing an internship. The internship should last at least eighteen months. If your acupuncturist cannot prove they have this kind of educational background, you should find another specialized doctor who can treat you.
When you're looking for an acupuncturist, make sure they're NCCAOM certified. To get NCCAOM certification, a practitioner must receive a significant amount of training and pass a national exam. When you're letting someone stick needles into your body, you want to be sure that they're an expert on what they're doing.
Do Not Expect Immediate Results
Keep in mind that it may take some time for you to feel the full benefits from your acupuncture treatments. It may take more than one or two visits to find relief from pain or improvement in your conditions. Make sure you are ready to commit to the full program recommended.
Don't rule acupunture out if you don't feel a big difference after your first session. It can take time to really see the results of acupuncture, especially if your body is full of toxins. Commit to at least three sessions, and decide after that whether or not your treatments are working for you.
Post Treatment Tips
Some people get light headed after a treatment, although not many. Make sure you get up from the table slowly, and always have a snack before you head in for your appointment. If you notice any light headedness, don't rush to get out of the building. Sit down for a while to see if you feel better.
If you experience any discomfort following an acupuncture treatment, call your practitioner and ask questions. While the discomfort might be completely normal, it will put your mind at ease to get your questions answered. Putting your mind at ease will enhance your healing process and make you more inclined to return for future sessions.
Understand that you may have muscle twitching following acupuncture. This is nothing to be alarmed about. However, if you have a spasm, you need to inform the acupuncturist of your symptoms. If you haven't left the office yet, he or she may be able to do something to help you.
If you are currently struggling with pain and aches and have exhausted all treatment options, Acupuncture may be able to help you out. Remember to schedule a consultation first to find out if it is really for you before you sign up for any treatment package.
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