Acupuncture, while not at all a new concept, is one I have recently started to dabble in. I will admit that acupuncture is probably an avenue I would not have explored independently; rather, the specialist I am seeing for my concussion practices acupuncture, and he recommended trying it for my neck because I have whiplash and I’ve always had a decent amount of neck pain and tension.
If you’re unfamiliar with acupuncture and what it entails, here is a description from hopkinsmedicine.org: “The actual practice of acupuncture includes placing thin needles into the skin on certain points of a meridian. These are then activated by the provider’s hands or through electrical stimulation.”
There are plenty of people who are not overly keen on the idea of having countless needles inserted into their skin, and if you would rather do anything but acupuncture, that is okay. It isn’t for everyone.
This is what the website states regarding what exactly acupuncture aims to accomplish:
“Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities. They may promote physical and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective alone or when used with conventional therapies to treat these conditions:
- Upset stomach (nausea) caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy
- Dental pain after surgery
- Addiction
- Headaches
- Menstrual cramps
- Tennis elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Myofascial pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Low back pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Asthma
It may also help with stroke rehabilitation,” hopkinsmedicine.org states.
So far, I’ve had two sessions, and I think they’re helping my neck. I wouldn’t say the sensation of the needles just chilling in the back of my next for upwards of 20 minutes is the most pleasant one, but it is certainly manageable, and only slightly uncomfortable. Afterwards, my neck is a little sore, but it feels better by the next day.
Do you practice or use acupuncture?
Photo by Katherine Hanlon on Unsplash
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