Top 3 Surprises About Acupuncture

Top 3 Surprises About Acupuncture

Acupuncture is not just for pain

Ask most people why other people get acupuncture and the majority will say pain. It's true that acupuncture can work wonders on pain conditions -- for everything from low back pain and shoulder pain to migraines and TMJ, acupuncture is on it.

However, acupuncture can alleviate a wide variety of ailments that have nothing to do with physical pain. Whether you have digestive issues, gynecological conditions, emotional concerns such as anxiety and depression, asthma, seasonal allergies, you name it, acupuncture can help address your symptoms.

Acupuncturists go to school for a long time

People tend to be unaware of the extent to which acupuncturists train to become licensed in their profession. Many assume becoming an acupuncturist is similar to becoming a massage therapist or Reiki practitioner or yoga instructor. Not so much.

At minimum, a licensed acupuncturist in the United States has been to three years of graduate school. Four years is more common. They hold master's degrees. Some acupuncturists with doctorates have studied at the graduate level for five-plus years. Upon graduating from an accredited school, all acupuncturists must pass multiple board exams to become licensed in their state.

In addition to the academic and state requirements for practicing acupuncture, many acupuncturists seek hands-on training and mentorship in the form of apprenticeships and continuing education seminars.

Acupuncture is relaxing

Acupuncture needles are surprisingly thin. They do not bear any resemblance to needles that are used for injections or to draw blood. In most cases, the insertion of acupuncture needles does not hurt. It can produce a variety of sensations, but frequent acupuncture goers will tell you it doesn't hurt.

Once the needles are in, they start working their magic, which is where the relaxation part comes in. Acupuncture helps shift your body out of sympathetic mode (fight or flight) and into parasympathetic mode (rest and digest). It mellows out the nervous system, decreases muscular tension, and helps quiet internal chatter.

People who get acupuncture on a regular basis are familiar with the term "acu-land," a magical place where many find themselves during and after acupuncture treatments. It's a state of blissful relaxation in which you feel lighter, calmer, and better equipped to manage stress. You ought to check it out some time.

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