Acupuncture
Acupuncture, one of the oldest forms of treatment in the world, is used as an alternative to conventional medicine in treating a wide range of symptoms and conditions. It is a traditional Chinese treatment in which thin needles are inserted through the skin into underlying tissue at precise locations to help relieve pain and treat certain conditions.
Acupuncture can be used to treat various medical problems, including:
- Postoperative pain
- Headaches
- Orthopedic conditions (such as neck and back pain)
- Menstrual cramps
- Fibromyalgia
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sinusitis and asthma
- Gastritis
- Nausea and vomiting
Acupuncture is often combined with more conventional treatments, such as prescription drugs, to maximize results.
During acupuncture treatment, sterile single-use needles are inserted, depending on the patient's symptoms, into the skin at targeted areas and at certain depths. Patients may experience an aching sensation when the needles reach the desired depth. Needles are usually kept in place for 5 to 20 minutes. In some cases, electroacupuncture, in which electrical current passes through pairs of needles, is used. Patients may be treated weekly or biweekly, and average 12 treatment sessions.
Acupuncture should be performed by a licensed professional; improper needle insertion can cause pain and other side effects. Some patients may experience soreness, bleeding and bruising at the site of the insertion, but these side effects are usually mild and go away on their own. Patients with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications should not undergo acupuncture.