Where is acupuncture performed

Danielle Sinay is a writer, musician, and educator living in Brooklyn, New York. You can email Danielle. Learn about the benefits and risks of acupuncture for headaches and migraines.

Dry needling is a modern treatment designed to ease muscular pain. Acupuncture has been used for a number of conditions for thousands of years.

Find out how to stop smoking naturally with Eastern approaches, such as acupuncture. Also learn how lifestyle changes, like drinking more water, can…. These books will teach you the ins and outs of alternative medicine, including Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Moxibustion is a type of traditional Chinese medicine that involves burning mugwort leaves over specific body parts. Learn how yin tang acupuncture works, what the research says about its efficacy, and what to expect from this traditional Chinese medicinal method.

In a recent study, participants reported that acupuncture helped relieve discomfort from the common form of indigestion known as postprandial distress….

Experts say acupuncture and acupressure can reduce the amount of opioids that people with cancer take. Ear acupuncture has a range of purported health benefits.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Evidence of effectiveness of acupuncture Laws and regulations for acupuncture practice Choosing an acupuncturist Risks of acupuncture How acupuncture is performed Where to get help.

Evidence of effectiveness of acupuncture Scientific trials around the world have found that when acupuncture is performed by a skilled practitioner, it is a safe and useful treatment for many different disorders. Laws and regulations for acupuncture practice Any person who wishes to practise acupuncture in Australia must be registered to practice by the Australian Health Practioner Regulation Agency.

Also there are a number of indirect laws that may apply, including: drugs and poisoning scheduling — to restrict access to herbs and herbal substances that are known to be toxic skin penetration regulations — which emphasise the necessity of strict hygiene practices, such as using pre-sterilised, single-use and disposable acupuncture needles Therapeutic Goods Administration — this government organisation has legislation that requires Good Manufacturing Practice GMP for goods that claim to be sterile, which includes acupuncture needles.

In order to be legally sold, acupuncture needles have to be included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Choosing an acupuncturist Some healthcare practitioners offer acupuncture after completing a short course. Risks of acupuncture In the hands of an unskilled practitioner, acupuncture may lead to a number of problems including: Allergic reactions — herbs are sometimes burnt over the skin to create specific points of heat near acupuncture points.

Herbs are as powerful as pharmaceutical medications and need to be treated with the same respect and caution Infection — if the needle is unsterile, bacteria can cause local infection. There is also a risk of contracting hepatitis, HIV or any other bloodborne disease if the needles are reused Injury to the skin — clumsy insertion, or entry of a needle into a blood vessel, can cause bleeding, bruising and pain.

Unexpected side effects — such as an increase in pain, depression, convulsions or insomnia. Acupuncture can produce significant changes within the nervous system and it is vital that the correct points are stimulated in the right way. How acupuncture is performed Pre-sterilised disposable needles should be used. An acupuncturist may use other techniques including: cupping — suction designed to bring blood to the acupuncture point Chinese herbs — either mixed by the acupuncturist or in pre-prepared tablet or granulated form laser — used instead of the needles to activate acupuncture points TCM remedial massage — techniques applied to specific acupuncture points or meridians moxibustion — burning herbs held over or applied to acupuncture points.

Give feedback about this page. Was this page helpful? The risks of acupuncture are low if you have a competent, certified acupuncture practitioner using sterile needles. Common side effects include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles were inserted. Single-use, disposable needles are now the practice standard, so the risk of infection is minimal. Not everyone is a good candidate for acupuncture. You may be at risk of complications if you:.

Tell your doctor you're considering acupuncture. He or she may be able to tell you about the success rate of using acupuncture for your condition or recommend an acupuncture practitioner. During an acupuncture treatment, your acupuncturist inserts very thin needles into specific spots on your body. Insertion of the needles usually causes little discomfort.

Each person who performs acupuncture has a unique style, often blending aspects of Eastern and Western approaches to medicine. To determine the type of acupuncture treatment that will help you the most, your practitioner may ask you about your symptoms, behaviors and lifestyle.

He or she may also closely examine:. This initial evaluation and treatment may take up to 60 minutes. Subsequent appointments usually take about a half-hour. A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one or two treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity. They are not. Chiropractors complete a lengthy period of study before becoming licensed, but they are…. Dry needling and acupuncture look similar and involve sticking thin needles into the skin, but they are different practices with different aims.

How does acupuncture work? Medically reviewed by Yamini Ranchod, Ph. What is acupuncture How does it work? What is acupuncture? Share on Pinterest Acupuncture involves inserting needles at certain points of the body. How does it work? What to expect. Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. Related Coverage. What is causing this pain in my back?

Medically reviewed by Peggy Pletcher, M.