Acupuncture has been used by many different cultures. People usually think of Japanese or Chinese acupuncture but the technique is now commonly used by Myotherapists, Physiotherapists, Osteopaths and other health therapists. It was developed by American doctor, Janet Travel, following on from the work and discoveries of Czech doctor Karel Lewit. Janet originally used thick hypodermic needles but since then the methods have been modified through interaction with traditional acupuncture.
Acupuncture works in several different ways but the effect that most people notice first is the very quick reduction of pain and sometimes a mild euphoric feeling. This is due to the release of “endogenous opioids”. While these opioids relieve the pain the body also saturates the area with immune cells. This process reduces information and aids in the repair of damaged tissue. One other effect of these opioids can lead to a deeper, more restful sleep. This can surprise some people and it is not uncommon to go to sleep very shortly after a dry needling or acupuncture treatment. The body draws on available energy to aid in the healing of the treated area. Often leading to fatigue and a possible increase in appetite.
Questions That I Am Commonly Asked
- Is It painful? In most cases you will feel very little when undergoing a needling treatment. On the occasions where a pinch is felt it is rarely worse than a hair being plucked and can be stopped by simply removing the needle
- Is is safe? In the hands of someone fully qualified there is little to no risk from a needling treatment. Some people will experience a certain degree of tenderness or slight bruising after a treatment but this rarely lasts for more than a couple of days and is rarely a significant issue. In the past the vast majority of injuries from acupuncture treatment can be accredited to therapists with insufficient training or sometimes no training at all
- Is it clean? Acupuncturists only use sterile needles. The skin is cleaned before treatment and the needle is safely disposed of as medical waste. Until the treatment the needle is sealed in an air tight blister pack.
6 Known Improvements With The Use Of Acupuncture Therapy
- Headaches and Migraines
- Chronic pain & inflammation
- Insomnia
- Reduces cognitive decline
- Assists with a healthy pregnancy
- Reduces levels of stress and anxiety
Final Thought
With these factors and benefits considered, needling is without doubt one of my favourite techniques to use on clients.
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