Blog

Do Not Judge Acupuncture Before You Read This

Acupuncture is increasing in popularity. There is a growing number of people experiencing and talking about acupuncture today, but it seems that there are still a host of mistaken beliefs that surround this treatment. Below are some of the most common misconceptions about acupuncture therapy.

Most Common Misconceptions About Acupuncture

  1. Acupuncture is not governed – Despite such popular opinion, acupuncturists have first-degree level qualifications and adhere to codes of professional conduct and safe practice and must be registered and insured as certified acupuncturists. Most of these certificating bodies demand that the practitioners first go through extensive training in traditional acupuncture that includes anatomy, physiology and other biomedical sciences.
  2. The acupuncture needle is identical in size to a sewing needle – The acupuncture needles are of the same width as human hair. Most of them are only 0.13 millimeter in length.
  3. Children and women cannot be treated with acupuncture – Children below five years of age can be treated with acupuncture. In this particular case, though, they will not be treated with needles but with acupressure. Those over the age of five can be securely and successfully treated for various health conditions. Acupuncturists will need to get special training to treat children. Pregnant women can look for this treatment during and after pregnancy.
  4. Acupuncture gives a placebo effect – This old form of medicine has the ability to treat a wide range of symptoms and illnesses. As a matter of fact, it is recommended as the first line of treatment for persistent and non-specific lower back pain. Acupuncture treatments are also effective for headaches, neck pain, nausea, vomiting and assisting with conception.
  5. Practitioners are not required to have a license to start treating – An acupuncturist is vetted by each local council before they open a practice. They must follow strict safety and health guidelines to receive a license.
  6. Acupuncture supplies can be infected – The materials used in acupuncture, specifically the needles, are all single-use and incinerated by registered garbage disposal companies.
  7. Acupuncture is very painful – Many people find this treatment to be the opposite – soothing. They often illustrate the needle sensation as a dull or tingling ache, which is a sign that the vital energy of the body has been activated.
  8. It is hard to pay for an acupuncture treatment – With the growing demand for alternative medicine, more private health insurance companies are starting cover traditional acupuncture. Check on your individual policy details.
  9. Acupuncture only works if you rely on it – Lots of people use acupuncture to aid with specific problems or symptoms. There are those who choose this as a preventive measure to bolster their constitution and make them generally well.
  10. Acupuncture simply gives pain relief – Hitting the right acupuncture points can be beneficial to a variety of conditions from pain, to treating acne to help manage weight.

Related Posts