With an increase in the cases of long-term side effects from the use of opioids for pain management, many people are turning towards traditional therapies like acupuncture. Nonetheless, there is considerable apprehensions’ surrounding this harmless natural therapy. Let us break some of them:
Myth 1: It’s painful
Although acupuncture involves use needles, it is very moderately painful. Patients often describe the initial pricks as a mosquito bite. Any discomfort will either fade on its own or ease up as your acupuncturist adjusts the needles. The sensation of Chi feels like heaviness, throbbing or an electrical sensation. It is the body’s healing energy doing its work.
Myth 2: It’s addictive
This is completely untrue. A patient may require multiple acupuncture sessions in order to reap the benefits. Acupuncture is actually used to help with addiction recovery. Medical journals such as the Journal of Public Health have shown acupuncture, especially used in combination with education, is effective in fighting tobacco addiction. Acupuncture affects the dopaminergic system in the brain and is used to relieve stress for addicts.
Myth 3: Acupuncture is only for pain management
It’s true that acupuncture is helpful for pain management for joint pain, including knee pain, back pain, headache, stomach pain and menstrual cramps. It is also used to treat nausea, vomiting, migraines, chemotherapy side effects, morning sickness, hypertension, allergies, depression, infertility, post-operative pain, facial pain, dental pain, aphasia, vertigo, complex regional pain, stroke rehab, and other conditions.
Myth 4: It may conflict with medication, physical therapy and other conventional medicines
There is no conflict between acupuncture and conventional medicine instead they complement one another. Acupuncture works as an adjunct to your conventional treatment plan without any counter indications.
Myth 5: It’s effects are psychological
Acupuncture and its effects are far from psychological. Studies show that during acupuncture, our brains begin to release chemicals such as endorphins that are natural painkillers. Acupuncture also has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps people’s immune system.
Where to get?
Acupuncture continues to gain popularity in the West as more people are beginning to understand all of its mind-body benefits. New York Papa Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine integrates the best of Eastern and evidence-based medicine to provide holistic treatments like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and/or PEMF that are customized for every patient.
