Health

Trying Acupuncture for the First Time

It is important to understand acupuncture and how it works before trying it, because the treatment a trained acupuncturist will administer is based upon the specific condition or ailment. The acupuncturist will do an extensive consultation to access the condition and how best to treat it, which gives a personalized treatment not often found in mainstream medicine.

The History of AcupunctureAcupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, often abbreviated TCM, which includes many other treatments such as herbs and massage. TCM can be traced back 3,000 years or more in Chinese history. It is commonly believed that acupuncture came to the United States after a journalist, who was treated with acupuncture after an emergency apendectomy in China while traveling with Henry Kissinger in 1972, later wrote about the experience.

How Acupuncture Works and What it Treats

Acupuncture functions on the belief that energy flows through the body in channels called meridians, and that there are points along these meridians that can be stimulated with the gentle insertion of needles. By stimulating these points, it is thought that energy will move through the body causing natural healing. It aims to bring a balance to the body’s external and internal environment. Patients may feel relief as soon as after the first visit, or it may take several treatments, but the belief is that focusing on these specific meridians in the body will affect the body’s energy flow, bringing about a natural healing process.

The needles are solid, not hollow, and are generally painless. It is commonly reported to be a completely painless procedure that results in a relaxed, calm feeling. Acupuncture is recommended for myriad conditions causing pain or discomfort. Most places offer treatment for infertility and other women’s health issues, to help with weight loss and for treating pain associated with injuries or illnesses.

Other Types of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Herbs, another type of TCM, may also be used in conjunction with acupuncture treatment. Herbs differ from Western medicine in that they are prescribed based on an individual treatment plan and don’t contain any of the chemicals used in mainstream medicines. Herbs are prescribed to help treat the whole body by restoring energy for maximum healing.

Massage is also commonly used as part of TCM treatment as it relaxes the body and can help stimulate circulation and boost immunity, among other benefits.

Those who struggle with chronic illness, difficulty conceiving or other issues, may be frustrated with Western medicine or feeling hopeless as to what to do. Acupuncture is an extremely viable option, and is now accepted by many health insurance policies. In many cases the length of treatment is relatively short, starting with frequent visits and tapering off to every once in awhile for maintenance of the condition’s treatment.

Facial Acupuncture: A Non-Surgical Beauty Treatment that Holds Back the Years

Facial acupuncture is fast gaining cult status in the West as an effective way to treat fine lines, deep wrinkles and tired skin – naturally. It involves using fine needles on acupuncture points on the face to stimulate the body’s ‘qi’ (the Chinese word for energy flow) and work on any blocks, and the result is firmer, smoother, younger-looking skin. It increases blood and lymph circulation and stimulates cells to create more collagen, which helps improve the condition of the skin. The face is a good area to work on as it contains many acupuncture points.

A study of 300 people treated with cosmetic acupuncture in 1996 found that over 90% showed an improvement in skin tone after just one series of treatments. Skin gained elasticity and became ruddier and wrinkles were reduced.

What happens during a session?

A typical session lasts around 45 minutes. ‘I start with a tongue analysis,’ says Anita Vukomancic, holistic cosmetologist and founder of London’s Inhale Clinic. ‘This is followed by a discussion of a client’s nutritional and lifestyle habits.’ The client lies down and specific facial points are stimulated with fine needles – a procedure that is virtually painless and surprisingly relaxing. Needles can also be applied to other parts of the body to allow the energy to circulate. The client is then left alone for a while to relax so that the needles can work their magic. You can’t feel the needles in your skin and it’s normal to feel sleepy during a consultation. Afterwards you will feel relaxed and alert.

Effects

You can see the results after a few sessions, says health journalist, author and broadcaster Susan Clark. There’s a reduction in fine lines, blemishes and wrinkles and it helps to reduce bags under the eyes. Skin is more hydrated, with tighter pores and better muscle tone.

How often do you need it?

A course is usually 12 sessions, with practitioners advising a minimum of six to see the benefits. Once you’ve had a few sessions or a course it helps to have a “top up” once in a while to maintain the results. Anita Vukomancic recommends monthly visits to ensure that your skin receives a regular supply of nutrients and oxygen. It’s not a cheap beauty fix but it is a long-term investment in your skin, health and wellbeing and is more economical than surgery.

Best practitioner

Contact the Holistic Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine in Barrington, IL.