Although acupuncture has been around for over 3,500 years, in Canada, we still contend with a lot of myths and misconceptions about it. Newcomers to the ancient Chinese medicine of acupuncture can be assured that it’s not as painful or as complicated as you might think. Here are just a few of the common misconceptions about acupuncture we want to clear up.
Does Acupuncture hurt?
You may look at the acupuncture needles and think, ‘That’s sooo going to hurt!’ Due to how fine the needles are, they actually feel like nothing more than a mosquito bite. Any discomfort is momentary and minimal.
There could be complications
Unlike other alternative treatments out there, acupuncture is not going to affect medications you’re already taking nor will it conflict with any mainstream or conventional medicines you may already be using. There is no risk to acupuncture negatively affecting any sort of medication treatment.
It’s only used to treat pain
Acupuncture has significant effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions. Regarding pain, studies have shown acupuncture needles to have a positive effect on knee pain, back pain, headaches, stomach pain, and menstrual cramps. That said, acupuncture’s not just pain treatment. It’s also been shown to impact nausea or vomiting, chemotherapy side effects, morning sickness, high blood pressure, allergies, depression, infertility, and more.
It’s not recommended by doctors
Contrary to what was the case a century ago, acupuncture today is seen as a legitimate medicine. Doctors, nurse practitioners, and many healthcare professionals recommend acupuncture as a treatment option for various conditions. Numerous studies have produced verifiable evidence of acupuncture being successful for everything from chronic pain to headaches.
There are side effects
Acupuncture does not come with any side effects. It’s akin to a deep tissue massage. You don’t need to take time off work to recover from it or anything like this. Go, get your acupuncture, and then carry on with your day like normal.
Acupuncture’s a placebo effect
Although doubters once thought of acupuncture as being ‘made up’, ‘all placebo’, and psychological, studies don’t confirm this. Acupuncture releases chemicals, such as endorphins, in addition to having an anti-inflammatory effect and positively impacting our immune systems. There’s a surprising amount of benefits to acupuncture that science cannot dispute.
It doesn’t work
For some, one or two acupuncture sessions may not produce much of an effect. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s not doing anything. It can take up to 10 treatments to begin feeling the effects. Acupuncture is cumulative, becoming more effective after each treatment.
If you want more information on acupuncture in Canada, visit Lierre.ca. Browse acupuncture needles, accessories, and other alternative therapies which can help manage your health and wellness.