Common Misconceptions About Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and with that comes some pretty common misconceptions surrounding this ancient Chinese Medicine. Here are some of the most common misconceptions and the truth behind them.
Misconception #1—Acupuncture hurts!
Needles are automatically associated with something unpleasant so the idea of getting a bunch of needles doesn’t resonate with many well. Acupuncture needles are very tiny. In fact, they are many times thinner than the needles used to take blood or deliver medicine.
Misconception #2—Acupuncture is only for pain.
Acupuncture is known to be a great treatment for body and back, neck, and shoulder pain. But it can also treat sciatica, tennis elbow, headaches, menstrual pain, fatigue, insomnia, digestive problems, and more.
Misconception #3—Acupuncture is a “new age” folk medicine that doesn’t really work.
Acupuncture is practiced all over the world with many countries developing their own distinctive style. The effects of acupuncture have been the subject of thousands of studies throughout the world.  Many prestigious institutions, including the World Health Organization, the Mayo Clinic, and the National Institute of Health recognize the effectiveness of acupuncture on a variety of conditions. According to the National Institutes for Health (NIH), studies have shown that acupuncture may alter brain chemistry in ways that affect the body’s immune reactions, blood pressure regulation, blood flow and temperature, and it may aid the activity of endorphins (the body’s own painkilling chemicals) and immune cells “at specific sites in the body”.
Misconception #4—I don’t need acupuncture, I’m healthy.
Acupuncture is actually an effective preventative medical treatment. Acupuncture utilizes Traditional Chinese Medicine, which uses a system of evaluation and diagnosis involving the entire person. Practitioners can often see the beginnings of an imbalance and correct it before symptoms appear and become a disease.
Misconception #5—Acupuncture can’t be used on children, seniors, or those who are pregnant.
Acupuncture is safe and effective for most people. As with all treatments, a person’s individual circumstances are taken into account. Special techniques are used on children and infants and pregnant women have found relief from many pregnancy-related issues such as morning sickness and back pain.
Performance Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine is proud to offer our patients acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. If you would like to learn more about how you can benefit from acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and how it integrates with other services provided at Performance Rehabilitation & Regenerative Medicine, contact us for an appointment. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
