Acupuncture

WHEN TO CONSULT AN ACUPUNCTURIST?

Acupuncture treatment provides pain relief (analgesic), has a sedative and relaxing effect, restores homeostasis (the body's natural balance), acts on the immune system, and promotes the flow of energy.

Commonly treated conditions

• Nausea
• Headaches and migraines
• Pain in shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands
• Hip, knee, ankle, and foot pain
• Tendonitis
• Capsulitis
• Lower back, back, and neck pain
• Sprains
• Urinary troubles
• Skin problems
• Asthma and respiratory disorders
• Allergies
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Menopause symptoms
• Gynecological issues
• Digestive troubles
• Circulatory problems
• Oncology support (chemotherapy side effects)
• Help to quit smoking

CAN PREGNANT WOMEN RECEIVE ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENTS?

Considering that pregnancy is a period of great changes for the expectant mother, it is relevant to know that acupuncture treatments offer numerous benefits and pose no danger to either the woman or the baby. Here are some reasons why many pregnant women seek acupuncture:

• Nausea
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Edema
• Varicose veins
• Hemorrhoids
• Vaginitis
• Threat of premature labor
• High blood pressure induced by pregnancy
• Constipation
• Intrauterine growth retardation
• Oligohydramnios
• Polyhydramnios
• Itching
• Gestational diabetes
• Childbirth preparation
• Induction
• Various types of pain, for example: carpal tunnel, etc.

It should be noted that many women continue to undergo acupuncture treatments after giving birth.

HOW DOES AN ACUPUNCTURE SESSION PROCEED?

Step 1 – Listening and consultation objectives

The acupuncturist begins by:

• Understanding the reason for the consultation
• Identifying the patient's expectations and needs

Step 2 – Assessment of General Health Status

It conducts a comprehensive analysis, including:

• Medical and surgical history
• The current medication
• The general state of health

This allows for the elimination of medical emergencies and, if necessary, referral to another professional.

Step 3 – In-depth Questionnaire

The acupuncturist asks questions to determine:

• The origin of the problem
• The trigger elements
• The description of symptoms (region, intensity, frequency, duration, associated signs)
• The effects on movements or functions

Joint assessments can be performed, if necessary.

Step 4 – Energy Balance

The acupuncturist proceeds to:

• The observation of the tongue
• Taking the pulse
• The analysis of the different body systems

This allows for the creation of a personalized energy assessment to guide the treatment.

Step 5 – Processing

The treatment is tailored to the needs and may include:

• The use of needles
• Complementary techniques: cupping, guasha, moxibustion (moxa), electromagnetic lamp, electrostimulation, bleeding, tui na

Step 6 – Personalized Advice

At the end of the session, the acupuncturist may suggest:

• Lifestyle recommendations with the objective to enhance the effects of the treatment and prevent relapses

CAN ONE EXPERIENCE PAIN OR SIDE EFFECTS AFTER AN ACUPUNCTURE SESSION?

Those who have never experienced the benefits of acupuncture often wonder if acupuncture is painful? If the needles cause pain or side effects?

There can indeed be side effects such as slight bleeding, minor bruising, and sensitivity in the areas where the needles were inserted.

However, the pain is minimal and the benefits of acupuncture make these minor inconveniences forgettable.