Acupuncture (針刺, zhēn cì) is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine in which the practitioner places thin needles along the meridians of the body. The needles are said to improve the flow of a person’s qi. Your Guide to Chinese Culture and readers share their acupuncture experiences.
What Happens During Acupuncture?
After months of shoulder pain that didn’t go away, I decided to give acupuncture a try. First, I had a brief five-minute consultation with the practitioner in which he asked about my general health and what I wanted treated. He also took my pulse.After the consultation, an assistant directed me to a firm bed. I was instructed to lay face down on the massage bed. A red light was turned on and aimed at my shoulder. The light provided a mild warming sensation.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Very small, thin needles were placed at strategic points on my shoulders and knees. Two needles were placed in each shoulder and two in the backs of each knee. As the needles were inserted, I didn’t feel much beyond a slight pressure at the incision point. Getting stuck with the needles is not at all like getting a shot. I hardly felt it.I did feel the last needle when it was placed on the back of my right knee. My calf muscle immediately tighten after the needle was inserted but then the sensation subsided after a moment. I was instructed to lie still for 12 minutes. Pop music played in the background which helped take my mind off the acupuncture treatment.
After 12 minutes, the assistant took out the needles. I didn’t feel anything when the needles were taken out. When I stood up, I felt more relaxed but I still had pain in my shoulder; however, the pain was reduced after the treatment. By the next day, I felt even more relaxed.
Does Acupuncture Work?
After the first treatment, I went back several more times and each time, needles are placed in my shoulders, but they have also been placed in other spots including my neck, arm and hand. The needle that was placed on my hand hurt.If you feel discomfort during the acupuncture treatment – whether the incision site is sore, a muscle cramps or tightens, or you feel dizzy – just tell the acupuncturist who can adjust the needle or remove it. Once removed, the symptoms subside in about a minute or so.
During one session, the needles were turned and adjusted. At another session, the needles were hooked up to electrodes and I felt a gentle pulse, like fingers tapping against my skin. It was actually quite soothing and made me more relaxed.While acupuncture isn’t for everyone – you should always consult a physician before trying it – I found the experience to be interesting. Acupuncture did not eliminate all my shoulder pain but it did help ease it.
Share Your Acupuncture Experience.
Forum: Submit Your Acupuncture Questions.
Back to Traditional Chinese Medicine Directory
