There is so much more to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) than meets the eye. The practice is deeply rooted in the belief that good Qi flow keeps an individual’s mental, physical and emotional state balanced, promoting overall health in return.
Acupuncture, in particular, is a TCM therapy with approximately 2,000 years of history that has skyrocketed in popularity over the years. This ancient practice is known for its ability to create or restore Qi flow through the body for improved health and even rapid pain relief.
Effective for a variety of conditions, acupuncture helps with issues ranging from chronic bodily pains to digestive problems like gastritis, common sleep disorders like insomnia and even emotional woes such as anxiety.
Despite being a renowned TCM therapy, there are still myths surrounding acupuncture. If you are feeling apprehensive about going for acupuncture, these myths debunked will hopefully convince you to take a leap of faith – keep reading to find out more.
Myth 1: Acupuncture is painful
One of the most common misconceptions about acupuncture is that it is painful since it involves the insertion of needles into acupoints of the body. On the contrary, very thin needles are used and you will usually only feel a slight prick and tingling. Most people feel at ease during an acupuncture session once the needle passes through the skin’s pain receptor, so there is no need to worry about any unbearable discomfort. Any soreness and pressure will also be relieved when Qi flow is established, usually shortly after the insertion of the needles.
However, in the unlikely event that you experience pain or discomfort, do not hesitate to sound it out to your TCM physician.
Learn more: Is Acupuncture Painful?
Myth 2: Acupuncture is only effective in treating pain
Although acupuncture is most commonly known as a TCM therapy to provide pain relief, it is, in fact, a versatile treatment that has way more benefits than that. Acupuncture can also boost fertility, improve insomnia, alleviate depression and anxiety, and aid in weight loss just to name a few.
Speak to your TCM physician to find out if acupuncture is right for you.
Myth 3: Acupuncture is accompanied by bad side effects
The good news is unlike taking medications and undergoing invasive medical procedures, acupuncture promotes the body’s natural healing ability through enhancing Qi flow, and is generally safe with minimal and short-term side effects. You can expect to feel some soreness or see light bruising but these side effects should resolve on their own within a few hours or days.
It is also important that you visit a trained and certified TCM physician in Singapore for acupuncture sessions for greater peace of mind.
Myth 4: One session of acupuncture is sufficient
While you will see and experience the benefits of acupuncture after just one session, consistency is key for optimum and longer-lasting results. Your TCM physician will be able to advise you on the frequency and duration based on your unique needs and it is advisable to stick to them.
Once you have achieved your health goals, you should be able to slowly reduce the number of acupuncture sessions.
Myth 5: Acupuncture is the same as dry needling
Both acupuncture and dry needling require the insertion of needles but their similarity stops there. They are two different therapies done by different practitioners – acupuncture focuses on stimulating the acupoints on meridians to promote overall health while dry needling focuses on trigger points for muscle release.
Go for acupuncture if you are looking for a holistic approach to treating a wide range of conditions.
Myth 6: Acupuncture is not backed by science
Another common misconception about acupuncture is that it is an ancient folk practice not backed by science. While more research still has to be done, some studies have shown that acupuncture may be helpful for many pain conditions ranging from neck pain to knee pain arising from osteoarthritis. This could be thanks to the effects on the tissues where the needles are inserted.
Get acupuncture done in Singapore at Oriental Remedies Group
At Oriental Remedies Group, our TCM physicians are trained and have years of experience under their belts in providing acupuncture for patients suffering from a wide range of conditions.
Book an appointment today to experience the benefits of acupuncture for yourself!
Note: All words in Italics refer to the TCM organ-system and not the anatomical organ referenced in western medicine.
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