A Few Principles Regarding Acupuncture Mapleridge BC Residents May Wish To Know

By James Meyer


Acupuncture or needle therapy is a traditional way managing certain illnesses. It is often used in conjunction with other methods of treatment which are scientifically proven. Common conditions likely to benefit from needle therapy include low back pain, pain in the large joints such as the knee and hip and fibromyalgia among other musculoskeletal disorders. There are some of the facts relating to acupuncture Mapleridge BC residents may find worth knowing.

Typically, acupuncture entails placing needles deep into the skin of the patient. Ordinarily, no form of anaesthesia is employed. Pressure from the needle insertion is meant to provide therapy to the individual. The size of the needle is minute enough to prevent undue pain. Approximately ten needles are used in a single session which takes about fifteen minutes before they are removed. The client can either lie down or sit on a couch depending on their most comfortable position.

Diagnosis in acupuncture treatment is arrived at through asking of questions and thorough examination of the client in question. Asking of questions is referred to as taking history just as is the case with conventional medicine. Relevant questions in this case touch on menstruation, bowel habits, urination, appetite and so on.

The acupuncturist goes ahead to examine the patient in a systematic manner. They begin by observing the them paying particular attention to the facial region. Any changes in the tongue are noted. These include the shape, colour, size and thickness. Abnormal smells are also noted and documented. Palpation is done to detect any tender points and to assess the pulse. The other important procedure carried out is auscultation for any abnormal sounds such as wheezing or stridor.

Needles are typically made of stainless steel to foster flexibility and to keep them from rusting. If the acupuncturist intends to reuse them, they need to be thoroughly sterilized before the next session. The size of the needle is directly proportional to the thickness of skin on which pressure is being applied. Being more sensitive than the rest of the body, facial skin calls for the use of shorter needles. Longer ones are used in areas with stronger tissues.

Any length between fourteen to one hundred and thirty one can be used depending on the pressure point in question. The choice of thickness depends on how muscular the patient is. Thicker needles are preferred for those with good muscle cover and thinner ones for lean clients. There is a need to be cautious when using sharp pointed thin needles as they tend to easily break.

Closely related to acupuncture, is a technique known as acupressure which involves the use of hands to manipulate pressure instead of needles. Acupuncture can also be combined with electronic based techniques to achieve pain relief. It works exactly the same way as transdermal electric nerve stimulation, TEN.

In conclusion, acupuncture is an alternative form of medicine that aims at treating various musculoskeletal skeletal disorders. It has to work hand in hand with major mainstream medicine treatment approaches to ensure effectiveness. Despite being unproven by science, it has helped quite a number of individuals to navigate through life comfortably.




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