What is the purpose of acupuncture?
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
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What to expect during acupuncture?
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.

Can acupuncture make you sleepy?
People can feel tired after acupuncture. A more common result is increased energy. The fatigue after acupuncture is your body telling you that it’s depleted. Feeling fatigued after acupuncture is not cause for concern, but it is a warning sign that you need to rest.
How does acupuncture feel?
What does acupuncture feel like? While the experience will be different for everyone, acupuncture usually doesn’t cause discomfort or pain. “It doesn’t need to hurt to be effective. It’s good to feel the energy as sensations such as dullness and heaviness,” Choudhury said.
How do I prepare for my first acupuncture?

How to Prepare for an Acupuncture Appointment
- Set Aside Time Before and After Your Appointment.
- Bring a List of All Your Current Medications and Supplements.
- Eat an Appropriate Amount Before Your Appointment.
- Opt for Loose-Fitting, Comfortable Clothing.
- Avoid Caffeine Before Your Appointment.
Why do people cry during acupuncture?
Layer by layer, it exposes us until it gets to the core. Since acupuncture works by addressing the root cause of a condition, the process can cause repressed emotions to surface. You may be quicker to cry or notice yourself feeling more sentimental than usual.
How many needles are used in acupuncture?
The short answer: A typical acupuncture treatment uses between 5 and 20 needles. The long answer: The number of acupuncture needles your acupuncturist uses will depend on your condition and the type of acupuncture practiced.
What are the different types of acupuncture?
8 Different Types of Acupuncture and How They Work
- Type #1: Traditional Chinese Acupuncture.
- Type #2: Japanese Acupuncture.
- Type #3: Korean Hand Therapy.
- Type #4: Auricular Acupuncture.
- Type #5: Scalp Acupuncture.
- Type #6: Cupping Therapy.
- Type #7: Electroacupuncture.
- Type #8: Moxibustion Acupuncture.
How many pressure points are in the human body?
According to authoritative sources there are 361 points, mostly arranged in ‘meridians’, which can be seen on charts (The Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1975).
How many types of acupuncture are there?
There are around 12 different types of acupuncture being performed in the world today, 10 traditional and 2western. All types of acupuncture treatment aim to improve health and wellbeing using a treatment plan. Tui na, cupping, gua sha and moxibustion are not types of acupuncture but are separate treatment modalities.
Which is the first book of acupuncture?
Earliest documentation that refers to acupuncture procedures is The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, dating from about 100 BCE. In this book the knowledge is in the form of questions made by the Emperor that his learned minister, Chhi-Po has replied to.
How long is acupuncture treatment?
How acupuncture is performed. An initial acupuncture session usually lasts 20 minutes to 1 hour and involves an assessment of your general health, medical history and a physical examination, followed by insertion of the acupuncture needles. Courses of treatment often involve several separate sessions, but this can vary …
Can I eat after acupuncture?
So, what food should you eat after acupuncture? Acupuncture clients should stick to healthy foods, ideally those rich in antioxidants, after a session in order to promote the elimination of toxins from the body. Avoid anything overly processed, fried, refined sugars, caffeine, and alcohol.
Can I take a bath after acupuncture?
Sauna or Bath The intense heat from Sauna and bath is considered an extra stimulation that may undo the energy reset. However hot showers are okay after acupuncture.
Can I eat rice after acupuncture?
Same applies to post-treatment protocol. As much as possible, eat light food like vegetables and rice and avoid overly processed and heavy foods.
How do I know acupuncture is working?
The following are the most common signs indicate your acupuncture treatment is working.
- Sign 1: Pain Relief.
- Sign 2: Improved Sleep Pattern.
- Sign 3: Eating Better.
- Sign 4: Circulating Well.
- Sign 5: Elimination Properly.
- Sign 6: Breathing Easy.
- Sign 7: A Sense of Emotional Wellbeing.
- Sign 8: Uneventful Menstruation.
What are acupuncture needles called?
Needles and connective tissue Acupuncture needles are fine, filiform needles used both in traditional acupuncture as well as in more recently developed ‘dry needling’ techniques.