Acupuncture is a type of complementary treatment that originated from China, and its main purpose is to relieve pain and treat diseases. It is commonly used to relieve headaches, neck pain, joint pain, and back pain. Most people consider acupuncture a healing art, although the US medical communities do not fully embrace it. The procedure is carried out by an acupuncturist who inserts thin needles into your body at specific points. These needles restore the body’s qi or energy, helping the body to produce chemicals to fight the illness naturally.

If you are looking for an effective solution to ease pain and treat various health conditions like neurological, respiratory, metabolism, and mental health, acupuncture could be the best remedy. Whether you are looking for a new acupuncturist or wondering how to begin your acupuncture, at Trinity Acupuncture in Torrance, we are ready to walk you through the whole process and offer long-lasting treatment. Our experienced and passionate acupuncturists are a call away.   

A Historical Perspective of Acupuncture

Acupuncture theory originated from China, and it was first mentioned and documented many years before the common era. In the early days, people used stones rather than needles to perform the procedure.

According to the acupuncture tradition, the energy that flows within the body can be channeled to restore health and balance. The energy flow within the human body is known as qi which is pronounced as “Chee.” According to this theory, qi moves around the body through twelve main channels called meridians, which represent the body’s functions and organs.

This is a new therapy for adults and children with cerebral palsy. There are studies being carried out to check if this theory effectively relieves symptoms of cerebral palsy like hypertonicity, brain injury repair, and chronic pain relief. A study showed that acupuncture could help lessen muscle hypertonicity in children, relieving muscle pain, tension, and discomfort. According to China’s clinical observation, there have been some signs of brain function reconstruction and injured brain nerves recovery in children with cerebral palsy.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional form of treatment performed by piercing the skin at various parts of the body with thin needles. According to the Chinese medicals, the penetration of needles at specific points affects the life force or the flow of qi through the meridians.

According to the acupuncture theory, the qi dictates all the body functions, and any disruption causes pain. Acupuncturists believe that placing the needles in structural points helps open, enhance, and restore the flow.

There are five cardinal functions of the qi, which include:

  • Body fluids or containment
  • Body limbs, or warming
  • The body’s process that encourages circulation, or actuation
  • Transformation or breathing, drink, and food that enhance flow in the body channels.
  • Defense against spiritual invaders or pathogens.

There are 12 meridians distributed through the body, but only eight are considered vital to the existence of the qi. Meridians also mark the points that needles are inserted during the acupuncture procedure.

Since there is no recognized physiological counterpart, acupuncturists focus on the hands, legs, neck, and head pressure points. It is not also clear the pressure points in a human body, but they are relieved to be a lot. Although acupuncture involves using needles, it is considered a less invasive procedure since the needles have a small circumference and are not inserted too deep into the skin.

Acupuncture has been proven to help in conditions like:

  • Autism
  • Bell’s palsy
  • Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Drug dependence
  • Cancer
  • Depression
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Anxiety
  • Muscle tightness and pain

How Acupuncture is Performed

When you first visit an acupuncture practitioner, they will assess if acupuncture is a viable treatment for you. During the assessment, they will question you about your medical history and symptoms.

You will then undergo a physical examination to decide the pressure points to be targeted. The physical exam will include:

  • Pulse
  • Breathing capabilities
  • Herat rate
  • Tongue
  • Face

After the evaluation, the acupuncturist will fill out all the collected information, and a goal is created. They will then insert tiny needles into the targeted pressure points. Note that a plastic tube is used to insert the needles; most are manipulated through twisting or up and down movements. The needles are sharp and very small, so you will only feel minimal pain.

These are some of the procedures that are carried out during an acupuncture procedure:

  • Stimulating pressure points using sound instead of needles, or sonopuncture
  • Using electrically charged needles to restore the acupuncture site or electropuncture
  • Burning of a cylinder or cone close to an acupuncture area t warm the skin, or moxibustion
  • Applying physical force by hand on the pressure points, or acupressure

Your goals and expectations affect the frequency and length of your acupuncture treatment. No matter what you are trying to achieve through acupuncture, setting goals is essential. Most times, when people lack goals, they lack direction, focus, and motivation. Setting goals also helps you to create a guideline to know whether you are making any progress.

Goals and Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the most effective ways to help you attain your goals. Regular therapies will help you clear your mind and thought process, calm your nervous system, and improve motivation. With the right acupuncturist, you will e able to achieve your goals effectively.

Here are tips to help you create goals to enhance your acupuncture treatment.

  • Set specific goals — It is essential to nail down the specifics of what you want to achieve. You can use questions like “what do you want to accomplish from the treatment?” “When do you want to begin and complete?” Answering these questions will give you a clear understanding of your goals.
  • Set goals that motivate you — you should set goals that are important and valuable to you. Set goals that will make you feel there is value in achieving them. Try to find why each goal matters to you and why you want to pursue them. This will help you take action to achieve them.
  • Note down your goals — Writing down your goals makes them look real and tangible. Writing physically also creates accountability for the goals. Ensure you use words that add power to your goals when writing. Use words like “I will” or “I would like to.”
  • Adjust your goals to fit your current lifestyle — As you age, your goals may change, and your priorities and energy to do stuff. It is essential to adjust your goals periodically to allow growth and flexibility. For instance, therapy with a fifteen-year-old may take less time than one with a fifty-year-old.
  • Take an action plan to reach your goals — Although the result is your main aim, it is essential to create time to take steps to get you there. If, for instance, you want to treat a condition using acupuncture, you have to be dedicated to the therapy sessions and stick to the recommended lifestyle for you to get your ultimate goal.
  • Share your goals and expectations with your acupuncturist —This is almost similar to writing your goals. Sharing your goals with someone makes them feel real and also creates a sense of accountability. Sharing your goals also helps your acupuncturist recommend a frequency that will help you get to your goals. It also helps them set an effective number of sessions and the treatment length.
  • Set achievable goals — It is essential to set attainable goals. Evaluate your goals to understand how achievable they are. Set realistic goals that are within your reach. Do not set high standard goals that you cannot achieve or goals that will leave you with no energy because you will end up tired, frustrated, and with no motivation.
  • Set measurable goals — Making your goals measurable is very important. Develop a way to track every progress you make. For instance, if your goal s to attend therapy four times a week, create a routine and track how many days you go for treatment.
  • Be realistic while setting your goals — For you to achieve your goals, you have to believe that you have to. Set goals that are realistic to your interests, beliefs, and opinions. If it matters a lot to you, you will do anything possible to make it a reality.
  • Be timely with your goals — Creating a sense of urgency to your goals helps you see the progress you make each time. It also helps you to get started and motivates you to keep going. If you plan on starting your acupuncture treatment, set it as soon as possible to enjoy the results.

What to Expect During Acupuncture

Everybody is different, and so are bodies, which is why most professionally trained acupuncturists prefer creating a treatment plan that works best for everybody. During the consultation, your acupuncturist will ask you the length of time you have had the illness, your age, and other aggravating factors, together with your goals and expectations from the treatment to help them create an effective treatment plan. Your treatment plan could be changed with time-based on how you respond to the medication. Other times, your pain can only be managed. If your back has been painful for the last twenty years, it is not likely that your problem will be fully solved with acupuncture. However, acupuncture can help ease the pain within five days and get more hours of sleep and help you get more work done.

What does Acupuncture Feel Like?

You are likely to feel a prick from the needle insertion. The feeling is less painful than that from a blood draw or vaccine. The needles used in this procedure are thin and solid compared to other medical needles that are bogger and hollow.

You may experience some muscle sensation like tingling or have a dull ache. Your acupuncturist will advise you to report any heavy numbness or pain. Such feelings may mean that the treatment is not working.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

You are only likely to have little to no side effects when a certified acupuncturist performs the procedure. The acupuncture needles are regulated by the United States Food & Drug Administration.

The organization ensures that the needles used are correctly labeled, non-toxic, sterile, solid, and steel. These needles are only issued to qualified and certified acupuncture professionals. The practitioners are supposed to use the needles once and safely dispose them after that.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I get the treatment?

The number of therapies you receive depends on your condition, the severity of the condition, and your body’s response to the treatment. Your goals and expectations also determine the frequency of your treatment. Most patients get the treatment once a week, while others get it more or less, depending on the factors stated above. Your practitioner will create a schedule that works best for you and your body.

The first and second treatments may not have as many benefits; try up to five acupuncture treatments to see the results.

Will I require treatments other than acupuncture?

Note that acupuncture should not be used to delay seeking medical help from a medical doctor. You can use acupuncture along with other treatments. For instance, people who have chronic pain problems get acupuncture while still on medication. Cancer patients can also get acupuncture as they receive their cancer treatment.

Even if acupuncture makes you feel good and healthy, you should continue taking your prescribed medications until your medical doctor tells you otherwise.

Find an Acupuncture Practitioner Near Me

Regardless of what you aim to achieve from acupuncture, ensure that you visit a reputable clinic with professionally trained acupuncturists. Acupuncture theory is a complex system of treatment that needs to be performed by a certified practitioner. At Trinity Acupuncture in Torrance, we have passionate, skilled, and experienced acupuncture practitioners who have been serving this area for over ten years. We use a holistic and comprehensive approach to diagnose and treat your body entirely. We also offer lifestyle guidance to our clients to ensure they feel empowered and hopeful to obtain success in their healing journey. If you are looking for outstanding acupuncture treatment services, call us today at 310-371-1777.