Holistic remedies and those from Eastern medicine, such as acupuncture, are becoming increasingly popular over the last three decades. Many of us have tried and been let down by traditional Western medicine. This can often lead to a great deal of frustration as we feel that the very people and things that are supposed to help us to heal have failed us. While much of Western medicine is relatively new by comparison, acupuncture originated in China and has been used for thousands of years for a number of ailments. If more traditional medicine has failed you, or if you are simply interested in trying a new technique that is painless and natural, this treatment may be for you.
Acupuncture is done by having very thin needles inserted into the skin at certain points on the body. Traditional Chinese theory asserts that placing these needles helps to free up the flow of energy (called chi) through the body. Inserting the needles helps the energy flow to re-balance itself, leading to greater overall well-being. This technique can be used for a number of ailments, including fibromyalgia, migraines headaches, back pain, infertility, osteoarthritis, and menstrual cramps to name a few. The initial consultation with an acupuncturist will look similar to a consultation with your doctor in many ways. He or she will ask you about your medical history and about your current symptoms and your lifestyle. However, it may be different in that the practitioner may look at your tongue and/or the color of your face for indications of your health. Though it varies, the initial consultation is often 60 minutes, while follow-up appointments may vary from 30-60 minutes in length. Often multiple treatment sessions are necessary, usually spaced at least a week apart. While many first time patients are nervous that it will be painful, most individuals report very little discomfort during the insertion and removal of the needles.