FAQS About Acupuncture

Did you know that chiropractic treatment and acupuncture work extremely well together? This pairing may not have made it to the iconic level of chocolate and peanut butter’s mating, but it’s still a perfect match. Both practices have the same ultimate aim: to address blockages in the musculoskeletal system. While chiropractic treatment deals directly with the skeletal structure, specifically by addressing blockages in the spinal column, acupuncture is based upon the use of thin needles, which are inserted into specific points in the body. Acupuncture treatments, like chiropractic care, release endorphins, reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and ultimately facilitate healing. A local Savage, MN chiropractor answers a few common questions about the ancient practice in this article. 

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is one of the five pillars of traditional Chinese medicine. The other pillars are  Moxibustion, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tui Na, and Qi Gong.

Here’s a breakdown of these pillars and what they are:

Acupuncture: Acupuncture utilizes extremely thin needles, which are inserted into the body at specific points. These direct the flow of energy, or Qi, throughout the body.

Moxibustion: Moxibustion is similar to acupuncture in that it redirects energy by manipulating the flow of energy. However, it utilizes moxa, which is a sort of cone made of herbs. The cones are burned on or near the meridian and acupuncture points of the body, using heat to facilitate the energy flow.

Tui Na: Tui Na is a specific type of massage. It utilizes a push and pull movement, rolling, and kneading to restore balance to the body, reduce tension, and improve circulation and range of motion.

Qi Gong: Qi Gong is an exercise system that combines meditation, breath work, and posture work to improve health and spirituality.

Chinese Herbal Medicine: As the name suggests, Chinese Herbal Medicine utilizes various herbs to support good health and restore balance.

When Was Acupuncture Invented?

Acupuncture has been around for more than 4500 years. It is generally accepted to have originated in China, with credit specifically going to Chinese Emperor Huangdi. Huangdi is also credited with having invented the Chinese written language. He is also believed to have spearheaded agricultural advances, though those may have occurred prior to his reign.

What Exactly Does Acupuncture Do?

Acupuncture is based on the use of very thin needles. These needles are inserted into the body at specific points. There is an interesting divergence of viewpoints as to how and why this works. The traditional Chinese thinking is that these points in the body act much like circuit breakers in a building, directing the flow of energy through the body. Western medicine takes a more pragmatic approach, noting that the specific points are nerve centers. When stimulated, these centers prompt a series of chemical reactions, such as the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

What Are The Benefits Of Acupuncture?

Acupuncture hasn’t survived the test of time for nothing. The results are quite well documented.

Here are the key ones:

• Reduced Pain: Acupuncture is often utilized as a form of pain relief. It can be helpful in treating many medical issues that can cause pain and discomfort.
• Stimulates Nerves: Acupuncture needles stimulate nerve clusters, which then results in the release of specific hormones. These in turn help reduce inflammation and help the body to relax, which in turn promotes healing.
• Better Circulation: The reduced stiffness and inflammation that are associated with acupuncture treatments help improve circulation, which in turn also facilitates healing, both by delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells and by removing waste and toxins.

What Conditions Can Acupuncture Be Used To Treat?

Acupuncture is extremely versatile, and can be used to help treat a huge variety of medical issues.

Here are some of the most common ones:

• Nausea
• Dental pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Labor pain
• Low Back Pain         
• Neck Pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Menstrual Cramps
• Respiratory Problems
• Tennis Elbow
• Chronic (Long-Term) Pain
• Chronic Tension-Type Headaches
• Migraine Headaches
• Prostatitis
• Hiccups

• Joint Pain
• Muscle Pain
• Jaw Pain
• Insomnia 
• Anxiety And Stress 
• Certain Digestive Disorders 
• Seasonal Allergies 

Those are just a few examples. Ask your Savage, MN acupuncturist for more information. 

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Acupuncture is very safe. As long as you are going to a licensed practitioner and the needles have been properly sterilized, the risk of complications or side effects is extremely low, though not zero. 

As for the side effects that are possible, most are very minor. For instance, you may experience a bit of soreness or bruising after a session. Some people may feel a bit tired or dizzy. Typically these resolve quickly.  

Aside from that, there is a slim chance of a needle breaking, though this is quite rare. There is some chance of infection, though this is also very rare. In this case, the risk is greatly reduced simply by following proper protocols. For instance, it is generally advised that one wait at least six hours after an appointment to shower, to give the skin time to close over the puncture site and help the patient get the maximum benefits.

Proper assessment also reduces these risks. For instance, acupuncture wouldn’t be recommended for patients who have certain types of infection, as the treatment may cause the infection to spread. It’s also important to go through a licensed practitioner. 

How Long Does Acupuncture Take To Work?

There’s no universal reply for this: it’s ultimately going to depend on the patient and the condition being treated. Some people get results after just one treatment, while others have more gradual, cumulative effects that may take weeks or even months to reach full strength. That said, if the treatment is going to be successful, most patients notice results within 4 to 8 sessions. 

Can Acupuncture Help With Weight Loss?

We can’t in good conscience tout acupuncture as a standalone weight loss option. Diet and exercise still factor heavily into one’s weight, with other factors, such as age, genetics, and lifestyle, also playing a role. That said, acupuncture can help supplement a good weight loss regime. There are several reasons for that. For one thing, it can help correct chemical and hormonal imbalances that may increase appetite and cravings. It helps reduce stress, which can be a factor in overeating. It may also help boost proper metabolic function. Another benefit? Improved sleep, which also has an effect on one’s weight and metabolism.

What Do I Do After An Acupuncture Session? 

While you aren’t likely to have strict aftercare instructions, the general advice is going to be the same no matter what you’re being treated for: relax. Avoid intense workouts, stay hydrated, and get a good night’s rest. Your Savage, MN acupuncturist will give you more specific instructions at your appointment. 

Conclusion: One of the five pillars of Traditional Chinese Medicine, or TCM, acupuncture is an ancient practice that utilizes extremely thin needles. These needles are inserted into the body at specific points. The benefits of acupuncture include pain relief, better sleep, reduced inflammation, better range of motion, to name a few. Acupuncture is extremely safe when performed by a licensed practitioner. It can be used to treat a wide variety of medical issues. 

Schedule An Acupuncture Appointment In Savage, MN 

Are you suffering from neck or back pain? Have you been wondering whether acupuncture, chiropractic, or massage is right for you? Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or to schedule a consultation. As your Savage, MN chiropractic care center, we are happy to help!