Acupuncture
- Article posted by Tania Hodder
The thought of having an Acupuncture treatment no doubt conjures up images of being poked all over your body with huge needles.
However, this has no basis in reality. In this article, I’m going to explain what Acupuncture really is and dispel some of the more popular myths that have been circling around about Acupuncture.
Once you get past the mystery and mysticism you will come to find that Acupuncture is an effective and practical way to rapidly dissolve pain and discomfort and lead a healthier, happier life.
So what is Acupuncture anyway?
Acupuncture is a widely practiced and widely respected form of Traditional Chinese medicine. Practiced for centuries this holistic approach focuses on points along the body that control pain and stimulate healing. Acupuncture involves placing needles in the superficial layer of the skin along these points.
The ultimate purpose of acupuncture (and traditional Chinese medicine in general) is to restore balance between the yin and yang. Yin and yang are your opposing sides, the two parts of your life force split into two equal parts.
When there is an imbalance between these two energies your Qi (pronounced Chi) can become blocked. In traditional Chinese medicine, Qi is your essential energy that is vital for good health. Qi travels up and down your body on what are called meridians.
Acupuncture points cross and connect with these meridians. When these points are stimulated (by needles or pressure) they open the meridian pathways and let the Qi flow freely. This restores the balance in the body and promotes health.
Only someone who is properly trained and certified in acupuncture should even attempt this age-old remedy. Always look for a qualified practitioner. Acupuncture has a stringent certification process performed by accredited schools of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
What about those needles, how big are they?
The needles are only a few inches long and are very thin. Most countries throughout the world where Acupuncture is widely practiced, have a health requirement that acupuncture practitioners use only ‘disposable’ needles that are individually wrapped. All points where needles are inserted must be properly cleaned and sterilized, so you need not be concerned about hygiene and your safety.
However, should you go and have an acupuncture treatment, feel free to ask them about this and also check that they are a member of a recognized professional association of health professionals.
Is Acupuncture painful?
This is a question that is on the minds of a lot of people who are thinking about trying Acupuncture. One thing I’d like to make very clear here, is that when it’s performed by a properly trained and qualified practitioner, Acupuncture does not hurt at all. Experiences tend to vary slightly from person to person, but most people who try it out report no feeling whatsoever.
Others say that they feel a minor discomfort at first that quickly goes away. This is most likely to be an energy block that is dissolving. There are people that say that the experiences relax them to the point of becoming drowsy and deeply relaxed. Some even report feeling energized and refreshed even after their very first session.
The most important thing to remember is to relax and remain calm during your Acupuncture session. Nervous fidgeting and moving around may lead to misplacement of the needles and that could possibly be painful. There is no way this will occur though if you just close your eyes, be still and just breathe.
One thing that is certain, is that this ancient healing modality has proven itself time and time again as being truly effective in relieving pain, discomfort and other health disorders.
Many recipients of acupuncture treatments report that they see a noticeable improvement in their condition even after just their first session.
So the next time you’re in any kind of pain or discomfort, instead of reaching for those pills, why not book in for an acupuncture treatment instead. If it works for a billion plus Chinese, then there’s a very good chance that it’s going to work for you.
Tania Hodder
About The Author
Tania Hodder is a highly regarded massage therapy practitioner and teacher and is the Co-Founder of Touch Of Aloha, an Australian based training organization that offers intensive massage courses in Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, Hot Stone Massage and also Spa Therapies. Tania is also distributor of Nu Skin’s Galvanic Spa and ageLOC anti-aging products.
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