Could Acupuncture Work for You?

If you’re in pain you probably know from experience you would do almost anything to relieve it, and if you haven’t heard of acupuncture, it might be time to consider it. Acupuncture has been used in the West since the 17th century, recorded first in Europe in 1810. While Chinese acupuncture history dates back centuries, it expanded to the United States after President Nixon's visit to China in 1972 when he learned about acupuncture. If needles sound scary, there is actually proof it can help with a variety of ailments. Here is some more information about acupuncture from HealthLine.

What does acupuncture do?

You may be interested in acupuncture for a variety of reasons — for example, I sought treatment for my chronic headaches and sinus pressure — as there are countless conditions and symptoms that acupuncture has been said to help with. Here are just some of the many claims:

allergies
anxiety and depression
osteoarthritis
chronic pain, often in the neck, back, knees, and head
hypertension
insomnia
menstrual cramps and PMS
migraines
morning sickness
sprains
strokes

If You’re Considering Acupuncture

Acupuncture is safe if done correctly. If you’re thinking about getting it, remember these tips from WebMD.

Acupuncture can be dangerous if you take certain medications, have a pacemaker, are at risk of infection, have chronic skin problems, or are pregnant. Talk to your doctor before you jump in.
Check your acupuncturist’s credentials. Most states require a license to practice it. You can get a referral from your doctor.
Don’t rely on a disease diagnosis you may get from an acupuncture practitioner unless they’re also a licensed medical doctor. The American Academy of Medical Acupuncture can provide a referral list of doctors who practice it.
If you get a diagnosis from a doctor, ask them if acupuncture might help.

At Advanced Physical Medicine, our experienced physicians are here to help you live a pain-free life. Contact us today to learn more about our services.