GROUPON GUIDE TO COLUMBUS

Does Acupuncture Hurt? (And How Does It Work?)

BY: Shannon Grilli |Apr 1, 2019

Pretty much everywhere you look, people seem to be raving about acupuncture. Some people swear it does wonders for their allergies, while others have turned to it to relieve chronic pain, digestive issues, and a host of other issues. But just how does acupuncture work? And what are those needles all about? To help you better understand this ancient treatment, we threw together this handy guide that attempts to answer all your questions about acupuncture.

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What is acupuncture? | How does acupuncture work? | Does it hurt? | Deals near me

What does acupuncture treat? | Does it work? | Is it safe? | How much does it cost? | How many treatments do you need?

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine and has been used, in some form or another, since 100 BC. Today, licensed practitioners use it to treat a variety of conditions, most notably chronic pain.

How does acupuncture work?

How acupuncture works on a physical level is something that Western medical practitioners are just beginning to understand. During an acupuncture treatment, the acupuncturist inserts very thin, disposable needles into the skin at specific sites. These sites correspond to ancient "maps" that show practitioners where energy meridians lie in the body. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) posits that acupuncture balances "chi," also known as life force, which is believed to flow through specific pathways in the body.

The meridian or pathway points of TCM do, by and large, correspond to specific nerves and organic structures in the body. Many Western practitioners believe that the use of needles and pressure may stimulate nerves and boost blood flow.

What does acupuncture treat?

Many people turn to acupuncture to address ailments that Western medicine has failed to resolve or as an alternative to treatments that come with side effects. It's also frequently recommended by Western practitioners as a complement to their treatment plans.

The list of conditions that acupuncture has been used to treat includes (but is not limited to):

Chronic pain
Allergies
Tension headaches
Migraines
Insomnia
Asthma
Sciatica
Chronic fatigue
Digestive problems
Anxiety
Menstrual cramps
TMJ
Fibromyalgia

Does acupuncture really work?

Once upon a time, acupuncture was viewed with a hefty dose of skepticism by many Western doctors. But with more and more studies showing that the practice can have real benefits for patients, it's becoming more widely accepted by the medical community.

In 1996, the FDA classified acupuncture needles as medical devices, which helped the practice gain respect from doctors.
Acupuncture proven effective in treating common pain, and many practitioners believe it can be an alternative to potentially-addictive pain killers.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is considered to be very safe as long as you visit a licensed practitioner. If you're pregnant, you may want to avoid acupuncture as some needle positions are thought to spur on labor.

How much does acupuncture cost?

It depends on where you're located, but an acupuncture treatment with a consultation will typically cost $60 to $120. But getting a deal for acupuncture near you can bring that cost down more than 50%.

How many acupuncture treatments do you need?

According to the Mayo Clinic, a common treatment plan may schedule 6–12 sessions over several months. The exact treatment plan will vary depending on the condition you're treating and how you respond to each treatment. Speak to your practitioner to learn more about the typical treatment course for your ailment.