Acupuncture Myths

Alternative medicine options are becoming more and more popular. The Chinese have always been very comfortable with this choice of treatment, as they heavily practice acupuncture. Acupuncture is the process of  pricking the skin or tissues with needles, used to alleviate pain and to treat various physical, mental and emotional conditions.

The theory behind this type of treatment is that there are energy flow patterns within the body. When one becomes ill from disease, for instance, these patterns are disrupted. It is believed that the the imbalance can be corrected by identifying particular points on the skin. Though this methodology can be traced back further than 2000 years ago, there are still many myths about it. Lets dig into them a bit more:

1. It’s painful.

Many would think that getting pricked with so many needles has got to be uncomfortable, but it’s not. According to Jamie Starkey, a researcher at the Cleveland Clinic, “You may or may not feel an initial prick, sometimes described as a mosquito bite. Any discomfort will either fade on its own or ease up as your acupuncturist adjusts the needles.” The needles are smaller than a cat’s whisker, and therefore are too small to cause pain. Of course, this practice should only be done by a trained acupuncturist.

2. It’s only an Asian practice.

Since the 1980’s acupuncture training programs have been getting accredited across the globe. According to the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, here in the United States there are over 60 accredited programs and over 3,000 certified practicing acupuncturists.

3. Acupuncture is unsanitary. 

A licensed acupuncturist will not re-use needles between patients. Just like at the doctor’s office, needles come individually wrapped in sterile packaging. There is little to no concern for the sharing of needles, and the risk of blood transmitted diseases.

4. Acupuncture is only for treating pain.

There are several conditions that can be mitigated through the practice of acupuncture. According to  Jamie Starkey, “acupuncture can also be used to treat nausea/vomiting, chemotherapy, morning sickness, hypertension, allergies, insomnia, depression, and infertility.”

For more beauty and health info, visit KissTheChaos.com and follow me on Instagram: @Ooolala_laa