Acupuncture Treatment Basics

When you first hear about acupuncture treatments you may be a little hesitant. Most people just assume that it involves pricking the body with little needles and causing unnecessary pain. In fact, this is a common misconception and something that can be set straight with just one appointment with a trained practitioner. This treatment is a form of alternative medicine that some believe can help them when traditional medicine fails.

An Appointment

Because acupuncture treatments are not like a traditional doctor's appointment, you may notice differences right away. In most cases each doctor follows a set procedure as they give an exam or determine what is wrong with a patient. With alternative medicine, there is much more left to the interpretation of the practitioner. This reveals what needs to be done in order to relieve pain or assist with other medical issues.

An appointment may just last a few minutes or could last up to an hour. Needles are placed at strategic points in the body. The needles have different lengths and different diameters depending on where they are going to be used. Each person is different and so the amount of time it takes, the flow of the appointment, and the results will depend on the background and experience of the practitioner. Because this is a non-traditional medical treatment, most people would like to go in and talk to someone about the appointment before anything actually takes place.

Meeting with a Practitioner

For the most part, you will find that you are more than welcome to talk with the practitioner before undergoing acupuncture treatments. He or she will realize that you may have some concerns. Rather than depending on second hand information or other people's opinions they will want you to come straight to the source. It is here that you can get a better idea of how the acupuncture treatments works, what it feels like when one of the needles is inserted into the skin, and what the effects will be.

Consider making a list of questions that you want to ask at the first meeting. Don't be afraid to admit that you are concerned about the pain. Remember that each person is different when it comes to his or her pain tolerance and you are going to need to find out how it feels for yourself. Unfortunately, many people miss out on this experience because they listen to what other people say.

Trying Something New

If you think that you might be interested in an acupuncture treatment, make an appointment to talk with a practitioner about what it really involves. Whether you have tried traditional medicine and it hasn't worked or you just want to try something new that can help you make a change in your life, you may find that alternative medicine has a lot to offer patients. If it isn't something that you find beneficial you don't have to go back for another appointment. However if it is something that you find works well for you and your body, you will be glad that you gave something new a try.