If the idea of sticking small needles into your skin makes you feel uneasy, you’re certainly not alone. However, the practice of acupuncture is very popular throughout the world and is one of the services offered here at your West Loop chiropractor. acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine and is most commonly used to treat pain, along with overall wellness.
What Is the Origin?
Acupuncture comes from ancient Chinese medicine, which describes it as a technique for balancing the body’s energy. The life force, known as the chi or qi (chee) is believed to flow through pathways in the body, and the small needles re-balance your energy when inserted on specific points in the pathways.
Modern Day Acupuncture
Many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connecting tissue. This stimulation of the body can boost your body’s natural painkillers, which is very useful to pain centers, and your chiropractor in West Loop. Acupuncture can be used to help treat a number of diseases and conditions: including chemotherapy-related nausea, dental pain, labor pain, back and neck pain, and headaches and migraines.
The Procedure
The acupuncture procedure involves needle insertion, needle manipulation, and needle removal. During insertion, your acupuncture practitioner will insert small needles at strategic points on your body, which usually causes little discomfort. After insertion, your practitioner may gently move or twirl the needles, stimulating the points further. Finally, after around 10 to 20 minutes, the needles are removed.
Contact Us
If you’re experiencing one of the aforementioned conditions, such as back and neck pain, headaches, or migraines, contact your West Loop chiropractor today to see if acupuncture might be right for you!