In the Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture is a 3,000-year-old healing procedure. According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health or NIH, it is an effective technique to treat a broad range of conditions. Today, it is now included in numerous insurance policies. Acupuncture is mostly applied to offer relief against pain.

This Chinese medicinal method can improve the functions of the body. It stimulates the anatomic sites or acupoints to encourage the natural self-healing process. The insertion of fine and sterile needles into the skin, stimulates the acupoints or acupuncture points.

Heat, pressure or electrical stimulation may further develop the effects. Cupping, manual massage, heat therapy or moxibustion can also fuel these points. In addition, application of liniments and herbal medicines will help.

Conventional Chinese Medicine is founded on an ancient philosophy of two contrasting forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in perfect balance, your body is considered healthy. Meridians are the specific pathways that the energy or “qi” flows.

The unvarying flow of energy maintains the balance between the yin and yang forces. If the energy gets clogged-up, the interference can cause pain, illness or lack of function. Acupuncture can release blocked qi in the body and trigger function, inducing the natural healing reaction of the body throughout several physiological systems.

Recent studies illustrated the effects of acupuncture on the immune system, digestive system, nervous system and cardiovascular system. Because this provokes the different systems, it can help treat the pain. Also, it can enhance the digestive function and a sense of well-being.

Before acupuncture begins, the acupuncturist will ask for the patient’s health history. Examination of the color, shape, and coating of the tongue will follow. He or she will also check your pulse and may perform other physical examinations.

Based on the examination results, the acupuncturist will suggest a treatment plan. You will be asked to lie down comfortably. Most patients feel minimal or no discomfort because the fine needles are placed gently. Usually, the needles are inserted in the skin between five to thirty minutes. People who tried this type of pain treatment reported that they feel very calm during and after acupuncture.

Some of them said that the same feeling is experienced when they take natural pain medications like a turmeric curcumin supplement, willow bark and cloves. You can consult your doctor if you want a stronger, synthetic medicine. But remember, some synthetic medicines have side effects.

If you are looking for some of the best acupuncturist in your community, you can inquire at the UCSD Center for Integrative Medicine or search online for a licensed acupuncturist near you.

Some who have enrolled in health insurance a plan that cover acupuncture won’t have to spend a dime. But if you do not have that kind of insurance, you may need to pay $125 per acupuncture session.

The number and frequency of acupuncture treatments vary from one individual to another. Fortunately, some individuals experience great relief in the initial treatment. It will take several months of regular treatments to relieve chronic conditions. On your initial visit, the acupuncturist will tell you the expected number of treatments.