Acupuncture is a centuries-old practice that’s gained a lot of attention in modern healthcare for its ability to help treat a variety of conditions. It can help to manage pain, stress, and contribute to overall wellness. Whether you’re new to acupuncture or considering it for the first time, understanding how it works and what to expect during a session can help you feel more comfortable and informed. Ready to dive into acupuncture?
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very fine needles into specific points on the body. These acupuncture points, also called acupoints, correspond to pathways known as meridians, which Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) identifies as channels where energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”), flows. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed that physical or emotional issues can arise when this energy is blocked or unbalanced. Acupuncture helps restore balance to these pathways, allowing the body to heal and return to its natural state of health.
From a Western medical perspective, acupuncture has been shown to stimulate the body’s nervous system, triggering the release of pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins. It also encourages blood flow and promotes natural healing processes.
These dual approaches—both traditional and modern—contribute to acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating a variety of conditions, particularly pain and musculoskeletal issues. When acupuncture is paired with physiotherapy, this combined approach can provide even more benefits as it addresses a wide variety of health concerns.
What to Expect During an Acupuncture Session
If you’ve never experienced acupuncture before, having questions about what a session looks like is natural. Let’s break it down:
- Initial Consultation: Your session will begin with a physiotherapy assessment, during which your physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms and health history. This information will help them determine if you are a good candidate for acupuncture, and help them tailor your physiotherapy and acupuncture treatment to your specific needs. If you are interested in receiving acupuncture, you will be given information and have an opportunity to ask questions. Before proceeding, you will be asked to sign a consent form to have acupuncture.
- Identifying Acupoints: The physiotherapist will identify which acupoints to target based on your health concerns. These points may not always be directly on the area of discomfort but may be located along meridians connected to the issue.
- Needle Insertion: The needles used in acupuncture are very thin—much finer than those used for injections. At Beverly Physiotherapy, we only use single-use sterile needles to reduce any chance of infection. Most patients report feeling little to no discomfort during the insertion. You may feel a slight tingling, aching, or mild pressure, but these sensations indicate that the acupuncture points are being stimulated effectively. If you feel uncomfortable with any points, your therapist will offer to adjust or remove them.
- Relaxation Time: Once the needles are inserted, you can relax for 15 to 30 minutes. During this time, the needles activate your body’s healing response. Many patients find this time very calming, and some even fall asleep.
- Removal of Needles: After the session, the needles are carefully removed, and you can go about your day as normal.
At Beverly Physiotherapy, our licensed physiotherapists will ensure that your combined physiotherapy and acupuncture session is personalized and comfortable. They will gladly guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Please note that at Beverly Physiotherapy, acupuncture is offered in addition to physiotherapy treatment and is not offered as a stand alone service.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture offers several health benefits, especially for patients with pain or other health conditions. Here are some of the most common benefits you might experience:
- Pain Relief: Acupuncture can help to reduce musculoskeletal pain, such as back, neck, and joint discomfort. It’s also effective for treating chronic conditions like arthritis.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Many patients feel more relaxed and calm after a session. Having an injury can be stressful, and doing things to help manage stress and anxiety can go a long way in helping you to heal.
- Improved Sleep: If you struggle with sleep issues, acupuncture can help by calming the nervous system and promoting better sleep.
- Enhanced Recovery: Acupuncture can also aid recovery after an injury. By stimulating the nervous system and affecting circulation, it can help promote healing and improve mobility.
- Better Overall Wellness: Acupuncture isn’t just for treating specific conditions but also for general wellness. Many patients find that regular acupuncture sessions help them maintain balance and well-being.
Is Acupuncture Right for You?
If you’re considering acupuncture and physiotherapy in Winnipeg, you may wonder if it’s the right treatment for your specific needs. Acupuncture is a versatile therapy tailored to treat a wide range of conditions. While it’s often associated with pain management, it’s also used to address issues like headaches, injuries, mobility issues and even stress-related conditions. And that’s just in the realm of physiotherapy!
However, it’s important to remember that acupuncture is a case-specific treatment. What works for one person may not work for another, so your physiotherapist will work closely with you to create a plan that fits your unique situation.
What Should You Do After a Session?
After an acupuncture session, it’s common to feel relaxed or even a bit drowsy. Some patients may experience immediate relief from their symptoms, while others may notice improvements over time. If you feel tired after your session, be sure to let your body rest.
After acupuncture, you can return to your normal activities right after your session, however, it is best to avoid really strenuous activity for a day or two if possible. It is important to communicate with your physiotherapist if you have any concerns or unusual symptoms after the treatment.
Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, stress, or other health concerns, acupuncture can be an effective tool in promoting health and wellness. At Beverly Physiotherapy, we provide physiotherapy and acupuncture in Winnipeg to help our patients feel their best and achieve their health goals.
If you’re interested in trying physiotherapy and acupuncture or learning more about how it can benefit you, contact us today to schedule your first session. Our team is here to guide you on your journey to better health!