Everything You Need To Know About Acupuncture And What To Expect During An Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture is a popular treatment used to relieve pain, inflammatory diseases and other ailments. Read this guide to find out exactly what to expect during an acupuncture treatment as well as the benefits you can expect.”
Acupuncture has been used to relieve pain for centuries. Even still, it remains somewhat mysterious for some. Are you considering acupuncture? This guide will answer all your questions, calm any fears and help you prepare for your treatment.
Read on to learn about:
Common conditions to use acupuncture as a treatment
Why acupuncture is an effective medical treatment
All about acupuncture needles
What happens during the acupuncture session
Acupuncture as a treatment continues to grow in America because it is safe, effective and non-invasive.
This guide will help you learn what to expect so you can be confident in seeking acupuncture treatment for your condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, the following conditions are the most common uses for acupuncture.
Common conditions to use acupuncture as a treatment
- Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Dental pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines
- Labor pain
- Lower back pain
- Neck pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Menstrual cramps
- Respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis
- Tennis elbow
Why acupuncture is an effective medical treatment
Acupuncture is an ancient medical practice, part of Traditional Chinese medicine, that allows for the balance of energy or life force. This balance, known as chi (chee) is connected by pathways in the body. Chinese medicine believes that energy can be disrupted and there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points that can be utilized to rebalance your energy and improve health.
Acupuncture has steadily gained popularity in America but researchers still don’t fully understand how it works. There are two prevailing theories as to why acupuncture is an effective medical treatment for pain and other conditions.
First, some researchers believe that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system and causes biochemical changes. Others believe that acupuncture may encourage the release of endorphins, which reduce pain.
All about acupuncture needles
Let’s get the most common fear about acupuncture out of the way: don’t be scared of the needles! While you may have some anxiety about needles, you can put those to rest because the needles used in acupuncture are much smaller and are very thin like a strand of hair. In fact, people often don’t even feel them inserted. They are also typically inserted between tissues, reducing the chances of them being painful.
Your comfort is a top concern for Dr. Llaird Likens, so if you find you’re more sensitive in one area, he can adjust the treatment accordingly. Dr. Likens uses thin, stainless steel needles that are sterile, disposable and single use.
What happens during the acupuncture session
Your session will start off with a typical doctor visit where you’ll talk about your medical history and your symptoms. Dr. Likens will also perform an exam of your symptoms, imbalances and other physical markers.
Based on the exam, Dr. Likens will determine the best treatment, which will be immediately applied with the goal of achieving relief for whatever is most bothering you as well as addressing any underlying issues.
Depending on the areas of treatment, Dr. Likens will have you sit or lie down on the table. He will insert the needles, typically 5 to 20 in a session, and they’ll stay in for about 10 to 20 minutes. Some patients even fall asleep during their appointment.
Once the needles are removed, you’ll likely feel either relaxed or even energized. Many patients of Dr. Llaird Likens have been able to reduce or manage pain as a result of using acupuncture. Others have been able to stop taking prescription pain medications or muscle relaxers and avoid fusion surgeries.
Dr. Likens has been providing acupuncture treatment for 18 years. He is extremely experienced in the field of acupuncture and how to apply treatment properly. After studying acupuncture at the Logan College of Chiropractic, he went on to receive his certification from the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners and his Fellowship from the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture.
If you have any questions, call us today so we can help you get started. Dr. Llaird Likens accepts insurance and offers self-pay options. He services those living or visiting in Gulf Breeze, Navarre, Midway or Mary Esther.