The science of acupuncture
Acupuncture is the science of strategically inserting thin metallic needles with precision at specific points to relieve pain. It is also an effective remedy for reducing stress and ensuring general wellness. The acupuncturist uses delicate and precise movements to stimulate these points.
Acupuncture dates back to ancient Chinese medicine. People believe that the human body has close to 2,000 acupuncture points. All these points are internally connected, and these paths create an energy flow. Generating this energy contributes to good health; any obstruction in its free flow may lead to diseases. Acupuncture thus helps improve the flow of energy and maintain good health.
While acupuncture can treat various conditions, it is advisable to consult your general physician before opting for it. You may consider getting acupuncture for:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Gastritis
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Back or neck pain
- Respiratory disorders
- Headaches and migraines
- Dental pain
- Labor pain or pregnancy discomfort
- Osteoarthritis
- Menopause and hot flashes
- Sports injuries
Which providers can perform acupuncture?
There is diversity in the kinds of acupuncture providers, and their medical backgrounds may vary. Before you select the right provider, you must know their differences. The following practitioners may be skilled in acupuncture:
- Acupuncturists: Each state has different laws regulating the practice of acupuncture. A provider certified through the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, i.e., NCCAOM, is a legally licensed acupuncture specialist practitioner. Most states accept this certification.
- Medical doctors: Some medical doctors may also specialize in acupuncture and can treat patients with traditional medical therapy.
- Chiropractors: These providers are specialists in spinal alignment corrections. They treat patients without any medication or surgery.
- Nursing professionals: They have completed their education in nursing and practice acupuncture under the supervision of a medical doctor.
- Physical therapists: These providers help strengthen the joints and other body parts as part of healing. They assist in restoring regular coordination, movement, balance, flexibility, and strength in people of all age groups.
- Naturopaths: They practice alternative medicine called naturopathy and specialize in healing patients through naturopathic medicine and acupuncture.
- Osteopathic doctors: These professionals use osteopathy, a complementary medicine, to diagnose and treat patients. Some osteopathic doctors also use acupuncture for healing.
What happens during an acupuncture session?
A typical acupuncture session involves inserting thin needles into the body's specific parts. The needles' density is similar to that of a hair strand. Acupuncturists appropriately sterilize needles to avoid infection. They ensure the needles are of good quality and meet Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. Every acupuncturist follows the single-use standard of sterility. When they insert these needles into the body at acupuncture points, the patient feels minimal to no pain, possibly experiencing only pressure or a tingling ache.
Acupuncturists may also preheat the needles to enhance sensation during treatment or apply a mild electric current. Any improper placement of needles may cause pain or hurt during the treatment. Hence, it is pertinent that you only seek acupuncture remedies from a licensed practitioner.
The provider might move or twist the needles delicately to apply extra heat and pressure. Depending on the healing needed, the practitioner might use added forms of simulation, such as friction, suction, or transmitting impulses of electromagnetic energy.
The application of acupuncture stimulates the internal pathways and, ultimately, the central nervous system. This action initiates the release of chemicals into the brain, spinal cord, and muscles, thereby triggering the natural healing prowess of the body.
The needles usually remain inserted at one point for 10 to 15 minutes. One doesn't feel pain or discomfort when they are removed. Once an acupuncture session is complete, people feel energized and rejuvenated.
What are the benefits and risks associated with acupuncture?
All therapies have risks and benefits, so seeking medical advice before starting any treatment is essential. As with any complementary medicine, acupuncture should be used alongside conventional treatments, especially for chronic or severe conditions.
Acupuncture is a widely used complementary therapy that can help manage various conditions, with a broad range of benefits, such as:
- Acupuncture can effectively treat chronic pain, migraines, and headaches.
- There's little chance of adverse effects with acupuncture.
- A skilled acupuncturist can successfully integrate acupuncture with other forms of therapy.
- This treatment is very adaptable and can treat multiple health issues simultaneously.
When it comes to acupuncture, here are some of the potential risks:
- Using unsterilized needles can lead to infections.
- In rare instances, a needle might break and damage an internal organ. Accidental insertion of a needle into the space between the lungs and the chest wall, potentially causing a pneumothorax or collapsed lung.
- The process may cause bleeding, bruising, and soreness at the needle insertion sites.
- Other possible complications include injury to blood vessels and nerves, needle breakage during treatment, and injuries to organs, the brain, and the spinal cord.
Who should avoid acupuncture?
While acupuncture offers numerous benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. If individuals are or experience any of the following, they should exercise caution and may consider avoiding acupuncture treatment:
- Infants and children under two: Due to their sensitive and delicate skin, acupuncture may not be appropriate for young children, especially infants.
- Extremely ill or elderly patients: Geriatrics or those who are severely sick may need to approach acupuncture cautiously. For example, those with dementia may struggle to sit still throughout the session, making it difficult for the acupuncturist to provide effective treatment. Doctors also advise patients with pacemakers to steer clear of electroacupuncture to safeguard the machine's functioning.
- Patients with immune system weakness: People with weak immune systems, like those undergoing cancer treatments or having autoimmune disorders, should seek guidance from their healthcare provider before contemplating acupuncture.
- Bleeding disorders or recent blood loss: Individuals with bleeding disorders or those who recently experienced significant blood loss should avoid acupuncture to prevent further complications.
- Severely weak, malnourished, or low blood sugar: Inserting needles could be taxing for individuals who are extremely weak, underweight, or have low blood sugar levels. Such patients should seek medical advice first.
- Fainting due to exhaustion or fatigue: If a patient has fainted or has a history of fainting due to fatigue, they should be cautious about acupuncture.
- Significantly hypotensive individuals: Acupuncture can potentially lower blood pressure, so individuals with already considerably low blood pressure should opt for it cautiously.
- Extreme needle phobia or high anxiety: Highly anxious individuals or those with an intense fear of needles may find acupuncture distressing. It's crucial to communicate these concerns with the practitioner.
- Pregnant women: They should actively seek an acupuncturist experienced in prenatal care and engage in discussions with their healthcare provider. This is because it may be advisable to avoid certain specific acupuncture points during this period.
Anyone considering acupuncture should have a thorough consultation with a qualified acupuncturist who can assess individual health and medical history and ensure that it is safe and appropriate for one's specific circumstances. Before looking for acupuncturists near you, consult your general physician to determine whether acupuncture suits you.
Can acupuncture help with anxiety?
Acupuncture and its effects on anxiety have been the subject of multiple studies. These investigations have primarily focused on generalized anxiety disorder, finding that acupuncture can help ease it.
One study conducted in 2015 showed promising results for acupuncture. It found that acupuncture effectively reduced anxiety symptoms in individuals who had not responded to other treatments, such as medication or psychotherapy. The participants received ten 30-minute acupuncture sessions over 12 weeks and felt a significant reduction in their anxiety levels, which persisted even ten weeks after the treatment had ended.
However, two reviews of previous research conducted in 2007 and 2013 revealed that many studies on the topic were unreliable due to the small number of participants or poor study design. Nonetheless, these reviews also found that acupuncture did not negatively affect anxiety.
A 2016 study conducted on a set of rats found that acupuncture was effective in reducing anxiety. The researchers suggested that it affected the body's fight-or-flight response.
However, more examination is needed to decipher how acupuncture helps prevent anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias. According to recent studies, acupuncture appears to be a viable and secure treatment for anxiety. Suppose you feel anxious and your condition has not responded to other treatments, or you are interested in exploring alternative therapies. In that case, acupuncture is a viable option that would not worsen your symptoms.
Thus, choosing a licensed acupuncturist registered with your state's health board is essential to fully benefit from an acupuncture session. Additionally, it is necessary to continue with other anxiety treatments, such as therapy or medication, and consider complementary practices like relaxation exercises and meditation to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Using acupuncture as a holistic approach to anxiety management can be beneficial and should not worsen symptoms.
How can you find the top acupuncturists near you in Atlanta, GA?
Amidst the diverse acupuncture providers, finding acupuncturists in your vicinity who fit the bill may seem hectic. Moreover, finding genuine feedback or reviews that can help you find the right fit could be challenging.
At Zocdoc, all these bases are thoroughly covered. The detailed listing provides genuine and certified providers with years of experience. You can study their profiles to see their license validity and previous work.
You can also read the feedback provided by other patients for the said acupuncturist. These reviews are genuine since Zocdoc verifies them after the guidelines are fulfilled. Also, the providers cannot interfere with or change the content of any of these reviews.
You can schedule an instant appointment with the provider of your choice within minutes. An option is available to book a weekend or after-hour session as well. You can use the filters to check for the selected providers.
You can also see which acupuncturists near you accept your insurance from the drop-down menu. You can easily add your medical, dental, and vision coverage to your Zocdoc account. However, you can only make appointments under one insurance plan at a time. In case you have multiple plans, you can mention your secondary insurance plan and carrier in your notes for the provider in the last step of the booking process. Additionally, if your provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can include information about your secondary insurance when completing the forms online. For any insurance-related questions, please visit Zocdoc's patient help center.
For your comfort, Zocdoc also allows you to filter your results by gender and other features. It will help you choose the acupuncturist according to your criteria. You can also check the real-time availability of acupuncturists when browsing various profiles. Before scheduling an in-person appointment, you can also book a video visit to discuss your symptoms and condition. The acupuncturist can then lay out a treatment plan for you.
All bookings with Zocdoc are free, fast, and secure.
Statistics on acupuncturists in the United States
In 2015, nearly 14 million people in the USA used acupuncture for their healthcare. In 1992, there were about 5,460 licensed acupuncturists in the USA. This number rose to approximately 28,761 in 2009 and 34,481 in 2015, showing a 52% increase in licensed practitioners.
As per a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study, in 2019, Georgia ranked fourth among the states with the highest employment of acupuncturists, with around 2,600. The acupuncturist profession accounts for roughly 0.58 out of every 1,000 jobs in the state.
Acupuncture is said to help with anxiety and depression, which is widespread in Georgia. According to data from the National Alliance on Mental Health, 44.3% of Georgian people reported having anxiety or depressive symptoms as of February 2021.
Sources
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Mayo Clinic
Healthgrades
Acupuncture Massage College
ResearchGate
Healthline
National Alliance on Mental Health
U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics
Everyday Health
Verywell Health
Medical News Today
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