Chiropractic and acupuncture are complementary healing arts that work by targeting the nervous system directly for overall wellness benefits.
Acupuncture has gained increasing mainstream acceptance over time. Even the National Institutes of Health has acknowledged its value as a treatment for postoperative pain relief and nausea caused by chemotherapy or surgery.
Before receiving acupuncture treatment, make sure your practitioner is a regulated healthcare professional or part of a national acupuncture organization to ensure safety.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical tradition which involves inserting needles into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points to treat specific medical conditions. A session typically lasts 20 minutes to 1 hour and involves having your medical history reviewed, taking a physical exam, and inserting needles at specific points on your body. Several sessions may be necessary to achieve lasting results for certain health issues.
Acupressure is an alternative form of acupuncture that doesn’t rely on needles. Instead, practitioners use their fingertips or pressure devices to apply pressure directly onto acupuncture points on the body. Acupressure has been proven effective in alleviating nausea and vomiting associated with cancer treatment as well as treating respiratory disorders. You can learn more about the benefits of acupuncture by clicking the link.
Furthermore, it has been proven to effectively treat pain conditions like back and knee pain, fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis; seasonal allergies; indigestion disorders; urinary tract disorders as well as stress related disorders such as anxiety and insomnia.
When needles are placed into an acupuncture point, they trigger the release of natural feel-good chemicals – known as neurotransmitters – in your brain and spinal cord that reduce pain and inflammation in your body. With repeated treatments, patients typically report decreased levels of discomfort over time.
As your acupuncturist inserts needles, there may be some mild discomfort; however, most find acupuncture to be soothing and even enjoyable. Acupuncture is usually safe when performed by trained professionals – although you may experience minor bleeding or bruising where needles were placed; this should quickly subside.
Before attending your acupuncture appointment, it is advisable to arrive well-hydrated and with an empty stomach. In some instances, you will likely be required to undress for certain treatments, and communicate with the practitioner through a call or bell system when it’s time for a session.
You should inform them if any health conditions or medications such as painkillers and blood thinners, which could hinder the effectiveness of the treatment.
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic medicine is a form of hands-on therapy which uses manual manipulation to align the spine and help your body function more optimally. This practice is based on the belief that spinal alignment impacts all aspects of health. Additional methods of treatment may include massage therapy, physical therapy sessions, nutritional supplements or exercises as part of its practice.
Chiropractors provide effective relief from numerous conditions that cause pain, muscle strain, and joint issues, including back and neck pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and sports injuries. It is sometimes referred to as alternative medicine but is more closely associated with wellness care services that have scientific evidence supporting its efficacy.
Chiropractors believe your body has the innate capacity to heal itself, yet often finds itself limited by an improperly functioning nervous system. You can click the link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/21202-nervous-system for more information about the nervous system. Chiropractors see your spine as an extension of your brain and think when the nervous system operates at peak performance, overall better health will ensue.
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Their goal is to correct misalignments of the spinal column, restore proper movement of vertebrae and relieve nerve pressure through manual manipulation as well as soft-tissue therapy, ultrasound treatments and Kinesio taping among other techniques.
Some studies have demonstrated that chiropractic treatments can improve posture and alleviate lower back pain. One study suggests it can even decrease opioid painkiller use for some patients; however, if your pain persists or worsens it’s important to visit your physician immediately.
Chiropractors complete at least three to four years of undergraduate study with an emphasis on biological sciences before enrolling in a four-year doctoral program to become Doctors of Chiropractic (D.C).
Chiropractors must pass national and state exams throughout their education process while also undertaking clinical internships supervised by experienced, licensed chiropractors during clinical rotations.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncturists believe that Qi, or “life force”, flows through channels known as meridians. If this flow becomes disrupted due to illness or another source, acupuncture needles are used to restore its proper balance and heal patients.
Most often those receiving regular acupuncture treatments report feeling better; experiencing increased energy, reduced symptoms and less pain than their peers who do not receive such treatments regularly.
Scientific explanation of how acupuncture works suggests that needles stimulate nerve cells and release chemicals in the brain, muscles, bones, spinal cord and other tissues to improve blood circulation and block pain signals in the brain.
Acupuncture is generally safe when administered by an experienced, licensed practitioner. You can find these practitioners at D’vida clinic and other quality establishments. Serious complications due to acupuncture are rare.
Some medical insurance plans cover acupuncture treatments; it is wise to check with your insurance provider before scheduling an appointment and determine whether there is an annual limit or number of treatments covered under your plan.
If you are interested in trying acupuncture, make sure that you get personal recommendations from people who have had positive experiences and then interview practitioners to ensure they possess all of the training and credentials required by your state.
Before beginning treatments, discuss expectations with them as well as cost. Most acupuncturists recommend multiple sessions over time in order to create longer-lasting benefits; they will usually inform you how often to come back.
If you want to try acupuncture, it’s best not to postpone visiting your physician. If your symptoms are severe, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Furthermore, talk to them about complementary therapies like acupuncture as these could interfere with medical tests or medicines; together you can make informed decisions regarding treatment.