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FAQs for Acupuncture

By: Hotoko Suttoon Given the expense and failings of Western medicine, many are looking to alternative health care. Acupuncture represents one such field and is particularly favored in the area of pain management. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

If history is a factor in credibility, then acupuncture certainly has a lot of credibility. The practice originated over 2,000 years ago in China. It is now practiced throughout Asia with many of the countries adding their own twists to the technique.

After 2,000 years, you would think acupuncture would be a staple of the medical system in the West. In truth, it was shunned until the 1970s. As the world opened up, Westerners visiting Asia have reported the benefits of acupuncture and boosted its popularity.

You might be surprised to learn that acupuncture is about energy balance. The inherent energy in your body, known as qi, is considered central to your health. When it goes out of balance, you get disease, health problems and pain.

To bring the body into balance, acupuncture use those thin needles you have seen in the movies. Drama aside, the needles are designed to access energy focal points under the skin. These points are then treated by manipulating the needles.

Many people blanch at the mere mention of needles. It is important to understand that the needles used in acupuncture are hair thin, not the monsters you see in a doctor's office. They cause no pain. Even the most sensitive of people feel only a minor prick.

Ah, but are the needles a danger in and of themselves? No. The FDA regulates them. They are known as one use needles. They come out of sterile packaging, are used and then are thrown out. This eliminates any concerns.

Now that we have the basics of acupuncture, there is still one big question. Does it work? Well, it has been around for 2,000 years! That being said, it is better for certain health issues than others. Let's take a look.

Chronic pain is a crippler for many people. The pain is bad, but the tub of medications is nearly as bad. The good news is acupuncture is readily accepted as a great helper in pain management. Many people are able to eliminate most if not all of their medications.

While pain management is obvious important, there are other diseases acupuncture has proven to be effective in treating. A few include back pain, sciatica pain, migraines, arthritis, post surgery nausea, and many others as well.

The days of Eastern and Western medicine being in opposition are over. If you are suffering from disease and are not finding relief, a consultation with an acupuncture therapist makes sense and could be the key to managing your pain.