8 Acupuncture Myths

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicinal practice that includes the use of needles. These needles pierce through the skin on various targeted areas of the body. This is a therapeutic practice that can help to ease pain, tension, and discomfort throughout the body.

This technique provides stimulation and blood flow to areas, which in return helps to relieve pain. The trick to acupuncture is to know what pressure point to insert the needle. The way that Asian cultures view bodily function is different than the beliefs we have in North America. Chinese medicinal practices view the body with different pressure points. Each pressure point targets different areas of your body and specific organs. The needles might not be used to penetrate the exact area of discomfort, but in areas that will ultimately relive the discomfort.

Common Myths

1. Acupuncture can Transmit Disease through Dirty Needles

Many physicians that practice acupuncture use new needles with every patient. When using needles, all equipment are sterilized and disinfected before inserted to the body. Also, by using disposable needles, the spread of possible disease and illness can be avoided.

2. The Practice Only Aids in Painful Disorders

Research shows that acupuncture aids in the comfort of respiratory, sleep, menstrual, and digestive issues as well.

3. Many Like to Believe that Acupuncture is Painful

This is one of the most common myths. The tiny needles are so fine that they don’t even cause tissue damage. The initial puncture to the skin might pinch, but it is miniscule in comparison to shots or giving blood.

4. Some People Believe that Traditional Chinese Medicine is nothing more than a Legend

Nonetheless, acupuncture has been proven successful and effective for many disorders and pain related issue.

5. The Practice of Acupuncture is Taught Only in Asia

This world renowned form of medicinal practice provides an unconventional option to those who wish to seek out something new for their disorder. Acupuncturists have undergone years of practice and training in order to offer the alternative form of relief.

6. Acupuncture Will Affect your Conventional Medicines

The practice of acupuncture can actually help most conventional medicines. It remains safe for users to use both.

7. I Will Suffer from Side Effects

Acupuncture has absolutely zero side effects. Your daily routine can be carried out as normal right after the treatment.

8. Acupuncture Will Only be Effective Immediately During and After the Practice

Everyone’s body responds differently to the traditional Chinese practice. Usually it will take a series of treatments to get the desired results. Many physicians, depending on the problem being addressed, will suggest anywhere from 3 to 10 treatments.

While some feel that acupuncture is overall a myth and that it has to do with the psyche, this is untrue. The needles stimulate the natural painkillers in the body, which help reduce pain and discomfort. Acupuncture will release the body’s natural chemicals, endorphins, and anti-inflammatory effects into the uncomfortable parts of the body. This will ultimately help build the immune system in the process.

Consult with your physician about acupuncture and ask any questions that you might have. They will surely help debunk any myths that you may be concerned about.

David L.Schiavone is a psychiatrist focusing primarily on Cognitive Therapy and mindfulness approaches.Cognitive Therapy (also called Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, or CBT) helps through identifying and changing negative thoughts, negative self-talk, and problematic assumptions and beliefs. Negative thoughts are often inaccurate: these are called Cognitive Distortions.CBT is a very practical, “hands-on” approach, where clients are taught skills and provided with tools they can use to deal with problems and psychological distress. After each session, there is homework to practice these tools. Follow me @Twitter.