How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture is a time-honored treatment that originated in Asia and is now widely used in the United States to ease many conditions, from low back pain and nerve pain (such as from painful shingles rashes) to headaches and menstrual cramps. The acupuncture needles pierce the skin at specific points, or “acupoints,” on the body. They’re believed to relieve pain by triggering the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals. They may also affect the part of the brain that governs serotonin, a chemical involved in mood.Go here
How pain is acupuncture?
Researchers aren’t sure exactly how acupuncture works, but they do know that it can help reset the nervous system’s freeze mode, which is often activated by chronic stress and that can lead to symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and chronic pain. Acupuncture can also stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes rest and recovery.
Most acupuncturists ask patients to relax and enjoy the experience. You’ll lie on a futon or a treatment table, usually with your clothes off. The practitioner may move the needles around, adjusting them for your specific needs. You might feel a small prick or a slight tingle. These sensations are usually a sign that the acupoints are working.
Your acupuncturist might add or remove needles, apply other techniques like cupping and gua sha, or stop the session altogether for a few minutes to check in with you. Your acupuncturist should also tell you how many sessions are recommended, how much each session costs, and whether your insurance covers it.