When you are on pins and needles about your medical condition, acupuncture can relieve your discomfort through the use of… needles! The acupuncturist knows exactly where to place the points on your body to alleviate any sort of issue you may have. Trust in them to keep you healthy, and read the tips below to learn more about the art.
Eat light prior to your session. Do not go to your appointment with a full belly. It is not a good idea to go into an acupuncture treatment while you are hungry either. You may be dizzy and nauseous after the treatment when you go hungry.
Before your acupuncture treatments
you should not consume a big meal. Small meals are good enough to prevent discomfort while getting acupuncture. Full stomachs are not great for people who need to lay down comfortably.
Look into your insurance coverage before choosing acupuncture. While more and more insurance plans are covering alternative medicine and methodologies, not all do. It’s important for you to know what to expect financially so that you don’t have a sticker shock after your initial treatment. Look at your plan, or call your insurance company if you’re still unsure.
When looking for an acupuncture professional to treat your aches, pains and ailments, be sure to ask if they are nationally certified. Although this will not guarantee that your sessions are perfect and painless, it will guarantee that the specialist you visit has had a lot of formal education and is well qualified to perform the service. You should see the certificates on the wall.
Be careful about what you eat or drink before an acupuncture session
If you consume something that stains your tongue, such as a piece of candy or colored drink, it’ll be difficult for your acupuncturist to get an accurate reading from your tongue. If you slip up and have something you shouldn’t have, be sure to let them know.
An acupuncturist might not be a medical doctor, but you should still be sure that they’re aware of your medical history. Fill them in on your family’s health issues, and make sure they know about any medications you’ve been taking. The more information they have, the better picture they’ll have of your health and the more they’ll be able to do to help you.
Always ask to see credentials for your acupuncture practitioner before a session. In some areas, there are specific regulations for practicing this alternative therapy, and in others, no regulations exist. Make sure that you only visit with someone reputable in order to keep yourself safe and comfortable during your treatment process.
Don’t look at your acupuncture session as a time to pick up a book. Yes, you are laying quietly for up to an hour, but it’s your job to relax–even meditate if you want to–during the session. Your practitioner needs your help in this matter. The more relaxed you are, the better the session will be.
If you often feel sluggish and like you’re running out of gas long before the end of your day, consider what acupuncture may be able to do for you. Most people are under the impression that it’s just for pain, but that isn’t the whole truth! Acupuncture can help rejuvenate you and give you more energy to deal with your day.
Avoid excess exercise the day of your treatment
Exercising a little is okay, but don’t overtax yourself it. Instead of running, go for a walk. If you have an acupuncture session that day, you may not want to do anything new.
Don’t expect a massive turn around from one treatment only. Acupuncture takes a whole course of treatments to see the full benefits. Most people report not seeing any benefits until after the first few courses, so be patient. Go into your treatments knowing this is not a “one and done” scenario.
Many people are concerned about the price of acupuncture. Luckily, more and more insurances are covering acupuncture sessions, especially if it is helpful for a medical condition, such as treatment for radiation side effects and migraines. If you are unsure if your insurance will cover acupuncture, just give them a call and ask them.
Sometimes acupuncture can leave you feeling sore, particularly on your feet and hands. Generally, the soreness will go away in a day’s time, although you may experience some issues for up to a week later. Simply try to stay off your feet as much as possible, and allow your hands to rest as well.
Now that you know all about acupuncture and how it can help you, your job is to find a great practitioner near by. If you plan to learn it on your own, be careful and ensure you know what you are doing before you begin. Regardless, use these tips and you should do well in the future.