Know the Treatment Techniques and the Role of Acupuncture Specialists
Acupuncture has been known as a traditional treatment technique to deal with various health problems, ranging from back pain, headaches, to difficulty sleeping. Not only that, but acupuncture techniques can also be used as part of additional therapy for stroke sufferers.
Acupuncture is one of the oldest methods of treatment originating from China and has been practiced for thousands of years. This treatment technique is done by sticking a special needle that is small and thin at certain points in the body.
Over time, acupuncture techniques have adapted to become a branch of modern medical science called medical acupuncture. Medical acupuncture is performed by medical acupuncture specialists (SpAk) and general practitioners who are certified in the field of acupuncture.
Difference between Traditional Acupuncture and Medical Acupuncture
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the body has an energy flow called Qi (chi). In a healthy condition, the Qi energy in the human body will flow smoothly to various bodily systems of certain organs.
The theory also states that the body may experience certain functional disorders or complaints, such as pain, when the flow of chi energy is blocked and cannot flow smoothly throughout the body, for example, due to injury or certain diseases.
To balance and refit the flow of chi energy in the body, acupuncture techniques can be used. This principle is believed to stimulate the body's natural ability to recover from illness.
Unlike traditional acupuncture, medical acupuncture no longer uses the concept of energy Qi, but the science of anatomy and physiology of the body to stimulate the function of cells and certain organ systems, such as the nervous system and muscles.
In addition, medical acupuncture techniques are also performed to stimulate the release of certain substances in the body, such as serotonin and endorphins, to reduce pain.
Various Conditions That Can Be Treated by Medical Acupuncture Specialists
Until now, treatment with acupuncture techniques has not been done as part of the main therapy to overcome certain diseases or medical conditions. However, acupuncture acts as complementary or additional therapy to treat a disease.
Based on evidence from various health studies that have been carried out, acupuncture is known to be useful to alleviate complaints caused by various medical conditions, such as:
Acupuncture is one of the oldest methods of treatment originating from China and has been practiced for thousands of years. This treatment technique is done by sticking a special needle that is small and thin at certain points in the body.
Difference between Traditional Acupuncture and Medical Acupuncture
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the body has an energy flow called Qi (chi). In a healthy condition, the Qi energy in the human body will flow smoothly to various bodily systems of certain organs.
The theory also states that the body may experience certain functional disorders or complaints, such as pain, when the flow of chi energy is blocked and cannot flow smoothly throughout the body, for example, due to injury or certain diseases.
To balance and refit the flow of chi energy in the body, acupuncture techniques can be used. This principle is believed to stimulate the body's natural ability to recover from illness.
Unlike traditional acupuncture, medical acupuncture no longer uses the concept of energy Qi, but the science of anatomy and physiology of the body to stimulate the function of cells and certain organ systems, such as the nervous system and muscles.
In addition, medical acupuncture techniques are also performed to stimulate the release of certain substances in the body, such as serotonin and endorphins, to reduce pain.
Various Conditions That Can Be Treated by Medical Acupuncture Specialists
Until now, treatment with acupuncture techniques has not been done as part of the main therapy to overcome certain diseases or medical conditions. However, acupuncture acts as complementary or additional therapy to treat a disease.
Based on evidence from various health studies that have been carried out, acupuncture is known to be useful to alleviate complaints caused by various medical conditions, such as:
- Tension headaches and migraines
- Pain, such as low back pain, neck, and knee, or postoperative pain
- Arthritis
- Nerve disorders, for example, due to neuropathy, pinched nerves, and carpal tunnel syndrome
- Stomach cramps due to menstruation
- Menopause
- Nausea and vomiting due to the side effects of chemotherapy and morning sickness
Acupuncture is also used as an additional treatment for stroke sufferers. Acupuncture therapy is believed to relieve pain, muscle stiffness, and help strengthen the body's motion abilities of stroke patients, especially the hands and shoulders.
In addition to dealing with physical disorders, acupuncture can also be used as a companion treatment to deal with psychological disorders, such as stress, anxiety disorders, and depression.
However, to date, the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as a treatment for various medical problems still require further research.
Preparation Before Consulting with a Medical Acupuncture Specialist
The following are some things that you need to prepare before making an appointment with a medical acupuncturist or acupuncturist:
- Make notes about the symptoms you are experiencing, as well as any treatments that you have done.
- Also note about your medical history, habits and your daily lifestyle. Moreover, if you have a bleeding disorder, take blood-thinning drugs, are pregnant, or use a pacemaker.
- Make a list of questions that you will ask the acupuncture doctor, starting from the most important questions, such as whether acupuncture is suitable for your illness, how long you have to undergo acupuncture therapy, to how much it costs.
- Make sure the doctor or acupuncturist you choose has official certification and practice permits.
Acupuncture Treatment Therapy Procedures
When undergoing acupuncture therapy, the doctor will ask several questions related to patient complaints, a history of illness and treatment, and the patient's general health condition. After that, the doctor will determine whether the patient needs to undergo acupuncture treatment.
Before the therapy is performed, the acupuncture specialist will sterilize the needles to be used and determine the acupuncture points according to the conditions or symptoms experienced by the patient.
Acupuncture can be done with the patient sitting or lying position, depending on the location of the needle to be placed. Next, the doctor will stick the needle into the acupuncture point that has been determined.
The needle will usually be left at the acupuncture point for about 10-20 minutes. When the needle is pricked, the patient may feel a tingling sensation or slight pain.
Acupuncture therapy usually lasts for 20-60 minutes, depending on the type of disease and the patient's overall health condition. The number of needles used ranges from 5-20 needles in one therapy session.
Sometimes, to overcome complaints and medical conditions in patients, acupuncture specialists may perform other procedures, such as acupressure massage, electrical therapy through acupuncture needles, or laser acupuncture therapy without needles.
Side Effects of Acupuncture Treatment Techniques
If done correctly and practiced by a trained doctor, acupuncture is quite safe to do and relatively rarely causes side effects.
Even if side effects occur, usually these side effects are mild and do not last long. Possible side effects of acupuncture include dizziness, pain, bruising, or minor bleeding in the puncture area.
However, if done by an unskilled person or acupuncture needles used are not sterile, then acupuncture risks causing dangerous complications, such as:
- Infection in the puncture area
- Injury to certain skin and body organs
- Allergic reaction due to the use of herbal ingredients
- Nerve disorders
- HIV infection and hepatitis
- Bleeding
The thing to remember is that not everyone is suitable for acupuncture treatment. If the symptoms of your disease do not change after a number of times undergoing acupuncture therapy, this treatment technique may not be suitable for you.
If you experience some of the health problems mentioned above and want to try the acupuncture technique as a treatment step, you should consult a doctor first. The doctor will conduct a medical examination and determine whether you need to undergo acupuncture or not.
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