You might feel just a bit of a prick, but that sensation won’t last long!

The word “acupuncture” comes from two Latin words: “acus,” meaning “needle” and “puncture” meaning, “to penetrate.” Thus, the word “acupuncture” means “to penetrate with a needle.”

Acupuncture is a potent and effective alternative to many western medicine treatments that is natural, safe and poses no harmful side affects. Acupuncture originates from China. Its origins go back several thousand years and are based on the premise that there are energy patterns throughout the body that are necessary to maintain a person’s health and well-being. It is when these energy flows become blocked or disturbed that people become sick. Acupuncture is able to restore the body to a state of balance by correcting the energy flow within the body’s pathways.

An acupuncture treatment normally lasts from 30 to 60 minutes and is very relaxing. A number of very fine needles are inserted in specific spots on the body along the meridians or energy pathways. These are called acupuncture points.

The major meridian pathways correlate to specific organs in the body. Most acupuncture points lie along the acupuncture meridians but there are several off meridian points which are often utilized by experienced practitioners. Each acupuncture point can treat many diseases as they influence the different organs of the body.

People are surprised to find that acupuncture is relatively painless. Most needles are inserted without any discomfort. One of the reasons for the lack of pain is that acupuncture needles are very fine, about the size of a human hair. The hypodermic needles used in western medicine to inject liquids or take a sample of blood are hollow and have a greater bore than acupuncture needles. Unlike hypodermic needles, acupuncture needles are solid, flexible and much, much thinner. Patients are often very surprised at how flexible the acupuncture needle is and wonder that it can penetrate the skin and underlying flesh in a straight line. Because of the tiny diameter of the needles and the skill of the practitioner this is not difficult. It is possible to penetrate much harder material than the human skin with one of these needles without bending it.

Some people describe a slight “pinching” feeling as the needle is inserted. Others may experience a brief moment of discomfort as the needle penetrates the skin that can be followed by a mild sensation of cramping, tingling, numbness, traveling warmth or heaviness. It is extremely unusual to feel actual pain. Most people find the experience extremely relaxing and uplifting, some even fall asleep for the duration of the treatment.

Each session builds on the last and can offer benefits ranging from stress relief to pain reduction. As people become more balanced from treatment, they also begin to become more aware of their own body and its needs.

Acupuncture is a very safe and comfortable form of alternative medicine that has been proven to be most effective. Any discomfort that may occur on an occasional basis is more than made up for by its therapeutic activity. So don’t let a fear of needles stop you from receiving the many health benefits that acupuncture can offer. Take time out of your hectic schedule to book an appointment today.

Remember, you won’t know until you try!

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Editor: Brianna Bemel

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