Acupuncture is consistently growing in popularity. With the World Health Organization supporting its use for over 200 symptoms and ailments, acupuncture is certainly an asset to the medical community.
If you are among the millions of Americans considering this form of treatment, you may be concerned about what your first visit will be like. how effective the treatment is is and how to find the best acupuncturist for your specific ailment.
These are all normal questions for someone new to acupuncture. From Los Angeles to Miami, acupuncture is becoming popular across the country. The more you learn about this 2,000 year old practice, the better prepared you will be for your first experience.
What Will My First Visit Be Like?
Your first visit will take about an hour and a half due to paperwork and the need to build rapport with your practitioner. After you have completed the paperwork, your practitioner will review your medical history with you and learn more about the specific reasons why you are seeking medical attention.
Your practitioner will then check your tongue and pulse on both wrists. This examination in addition to your express needs will help your acupuncturist to make a diagnosis.
Once the diagnosis is reached, you will be offered a gown and instructed to change into it. After that, your practitioner will find the various meridians in your body and coat them with an alcohol pad. They will then start inserting thin needles into these points.
You can expect to have it inside you for 25 to 35 minutes. Once discharged, your practitioner may recommend additional herbal supplements to complement your treatment and complete the healing process.
Depending on your specific treatment plan, you may be scheduled to return several times a month until your treatment is complete.
How Effective is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is unique, using needles and meridians to help the body activate its own healing process. Devices related to acupuncture have been approved by the FDA since 1996. These devices are renowned for their ability to treat chronic back and shoulder pain and reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis and headaches.
In addition, acupuncture is widely used as a companion treatment for cancer patients who are undergoing chemotherapy and/or recovering from surgical procedures. Acupuncture also helps relieve stress and anxiety.
Based on Michael FormanDOM, who has an acupuncture practice in Miami, has many of his patients able to give up much and in some cases all of their medication after an acupuncture treatment.
This form of traditional Chinese medicine focuses on clearing energy blockages in the body. This helps restore balance to your health and energy. While once considered a quasi-drug, it is now widely recognized as an effective and in some cases necessary remedy.
Should I Try It?
While this is of course a personal decision, the evidence for acupuncture is overwhelmingly positive. It’s not some sort of miracle cure, but it’s effective and cost-effective. Individuals dealing with chronic pain are especially helpful.
There are very few side effects of acupuncture and each treatment is tailor-made for your body and specific disease. Join the more than 14 million Americans who have tried acupuncture and taught themselves.
