The nuts and bolts of acupuncture
Acupuncture is a form oriental medicine that employs a holistic natural approach based on bodily systems. Acupuncture improves physical health as well as combating effective disorders and instilling increased mental clarity.
How is acupuncture treatment done?
Acupuncture generally requires several weekly or fortnightly treatments. Some acupuncture Redland bay treatment programs may consist of up to 10-12 sessions. When you visit an acupuncturist, s/he will first perform a comprehensive assessment, then the insertion of needles, followed by self-care advice. A typical session will last for about 30 minutes.
Essentially, you will be asked to lie down, either face-down, face-up or on your sides, depending on where the needs are to be inserted. The treatment usually uses single-use disposal sterile needles. You will usually not feel pain when the needles are initially inserted; you should however feel some deep aching sensation when the needles reach the right depth. In some cases, the needles can be heated or stimulated using electricity after insertion. The needles will remain there for about 20 minutes after insertion.
How does acupuncture work?
Founding Chinese acupuncture experts explains that health and overall well being results from a harmonious balance of the complementary extremes of yan and yin of life force, known as chi or Qi. Chi is said to flow through body pathways known as meridians. These energy flows and meridians can be accessed through 350 acupuncture points on human body. Ill health is said to be caused by an imbalance of these forces. The insertion of needles in these points is therefore meant to restore the energy flow back to its proper balance.
In western societies and other several parts of the world, acupuncture is explained using neuroscience concepts. Acupuncture Redland bay practitioners perceive acupuncture points as places where muscles, nerves and connective tissues can be stimulated. Generally, acupuncture is thought to increase blood flow, ease body tension, and trigger the body’s natural painkillers.