Acupuncture Theory And Treatments

Acupuncture therapy seems like a mysterious type of treatment. People commonly ask, "How does it work"? There are several theories on how and why acupuncture works. One theory focuses on the many acupuncture points. Seventy percent of the acupuncture points that are used to place the acupuncture needles are, coincidently, the same points as those that are known as trigger points for pain. There are some researchers who say that the reason acupuncture works is because it stimulates these points, generating almost an electrical current around them and so sending some kind of signal into the skin. This has not been completely proven; other researchers prefer alternative explanations for how acupuncture works.

Other researchers claim that the insertion of the acupuncture needles in fact stimulates the body’s natural pain relievers; the endorphins. Others claim that the reason it works is because the acupuncturists have found a way to hold back the pain by stimulating the larger nerves. This then blocks the pain messages from the smaller nerves and so ends the pain. Acupuncture is one method of pain relief that has way too many western theories. If you ask people who have had positive experiences with acupuncture therapy they will tell you that it works for them, that they are pleased with the results and that the reasons why it works do not interest them at all.

The first time you go for arthritis acupuncture treatment your will likely be there for an hour while the acupuncturist takes his or her time to get to know your pain and how to treat it. This will include taking down the history of your pain, the causes as well as information on the treatments you have tried before. The acupuncturist will use anywhere from two needles to twenty and leave them in you for a few minutes depending on which acupuncture points they use. You will feel the tiniest intrusion as the needles enter the skin, but after that you should feel nothing. That includes when the acupuncturist gently twirls some needles for better treatment results. After your initial treatment, you will schedule the next few sessions that are expected to be needed; your next treatments will be shorter.

Depending on the problem you can expect to require six to ten treatments. The pain relief should last anywhere from three to nine months. As the results begin to diminish the patient need only return for a couple of top up treatments to keep the positive effects going. The payments are not cheap but are worth the cost, an average of one hundred dollars per treatment, for the relief they will bring. Most medical insurance companies are now covering these costs, though not all. The ones that do frequently require a note from the patient’s health care provider recommending the treatment. This is certainly worth having as it will save the patient money while getting them the treatment they require. Acupuncture treatment is not a cure all but it is certainly recognized as a highly successful and easily available source of pain relief.