Essential Points Regarding Acupuncture Mapleridge BC Residents May Find Useful

By James Meyer


The use of tiny needles to manage given medical conditions is referred to as acupuncture. It is a traditional method of dealing with stiffness of joints, knee pain and other disorders of joints, muscle and bone. Of note is that this method has no scientific research done to back it and proof of effectiveness is only based on experiences. These are some of the basics regarding acupuncture Mapleridge BC residents may be interested in if considering this treatment modality.

Typically, acupuncture entails placing needles deep into the skin of the patient. Ordinarily, no form of anaesthesia is employed. Pressure from the needle insertion is meant to provide therapy to the individual. The size of the needle is minute enough to prevent undue pain. Approximately ten needles are used in a single session which takes about fifteen minutes before they are removed. The client can either lie down or sit on a couch depending on their most comfortable position.

Just like it is done conventionally, a specific routine has to be followed to formulate an appropriate treatment plan. This is composed of problem inquiry, inspection, palpation and auscultation. Inquiry is not any different from the usual taking of histories done in hospitals and medical clinics. The only difference could be that in acupuncture, questions are limited and much more specific. The acupuncturist inquires about menstruation, passing of stool and urine and charecteristics of pain.

The tongue is inspected for any changes in appearance including size, shape, colour and coating. Nasal examination is done in order to note down any bad body odour. The specialist listens to the chest for wheezes, stridor and any other abnormal sounds. Tenderness is picked through palpation of various points in the body. Feeling of the pulse is additionally done during palpation.

Stainless steel is the metal of choice for needle because of its flexibility and resistance to rust. Needles are usually disposable but in case the specialist plans on using them again to save on finances, they need to be fully sterilized. Longer needles are applied on strong tissues while shorter ones are preferred for the face because of greater vulnerability in the facial region.

Any length between fourteen to one hundred and thirty one can be used depending on the pressure point in question. The choice of thickness depends on how muscular the patient is. Thicker needles are preferred for those with good muscle cover and thinner ones for lean clients. There is a need to be cautious when using sharp pointed thin needles as they tend to easily break.

Acupressure, fire needling and electric acupuncture are some of the modifications of this technique in current use. Acupressure replaces needles with hands to manipulate pressure points. Needless can be exposed to fire and the resultant heat applied on the skin surface. This is called fire needle therapy.

In conclusion, acupuncture is an alternative form of medicine that aims at treating various musculoskeletal skeletal disorders. It has to work hand in hand with major mainstream medicine treatment approaches to ensure effectiveness. Despite being unproven by science, it has helped quite a number of individuals to navigate through life comfortably.




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