When you’re accustomed to Western medicine, the kind of medical care that we are used to here in the United States, acupuncture can seem very different. That’s because it is. With Western medicine, your symptoms are generally the starting point for your treatment. In contrast, acupuncture treatments are intended to help the body achieve homeostasis, i.e., its ideal state. Rather than treating symptoms, acupuncture treats the patterns of illness in the body that might be causing a variety of symptoms.
That’s right: Acupuncture does not treat symptoms. It treats the person. Keep this unusual approach in mind when you begin exploring acupuncture treatments. It might take a little time to get used to, but we think you’ll find that acupuncture is well worth the adjustment.
So, you might be wondering, what conditions can acupuncture treat?
What Conditions Can Acupuncture Treat?
When your body is in balance, your overall health improves. However, many new acupuncture patients are searching for assistance with specific physical issues – and you will be glad to hear that we can help with those as well. What conditions can acupuncture treat? A wide range of ailments can be remedied with this ancient Chinese practice, including all of the following:
- Migraines and headaches
- Chronic pain
- Depression, anxiety, and other psychological conditions
- Infertility
- Allergies
- Insomnia and other sleep disorders
- Muscle and nerve pain
- Menstrual issues and other hormonal imbalances
- Smoking cessation
- Weight loss
- Irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal issues
- Overactive bladder
- Fibromyalgia
This list is only a small sample of the health issues that we can treat with acupuncture. If you have questions about acupuncture’s effectiveness in regard to a particular condition, consult with our acupuncturists.
Your Treatment Plan
After your diagnosis, your doctor will go over your acupuncture treatment plan with you. As a part of the discussion, you will learn how many acupuncture sessions may be needed to alleviate your condition.
Don’t fret about discussing your treatment plan – we make it easy. Unless specifically asked, we do not discuss your diagnosis or treatment in medical terms, including Oriental medical terms. This is not because we’re keeping secrets; it’s because traditional Chinese medicine, like many complex fields, has a language all its own, and we know that this jargon can be confusing for those who aren’t familiar with it.
For example, a diagnosis of Liver Yang Rising provides an acupuncturist with a great deal of information, but it doesn’t mean much to a patient. Thus, to avoid confusion and potential misunderstandings, we will keep our explanations simple and accessible.
Your Acupuncture Experience
During your first visit, your doctor will ensure that you’re comfortable with the treatment plan and assess how you respond to the treatment. Typically, between three and ten acupuncture points are utilized during this first session. However, the actual number depends on your personal health situation, your diagnosis, and the particular acupuncture technique used.
As you undergo acupuncture treatment, your doctor will discuss your treatment plan with you based on your condition and how your body reacts to the treatment. Your doctor may also suggest other treatments as an adjunct to acupuncture. For example, chiropractic care, dietary changes, exercise, sleep routine improvements, and other similar options may be recommended to improve your condition.
Preparing for Your First Acupuncture Session
Although you may be nervous at first, know that most patients find acupuncture to be a relaxing experience. If you have questions about your initial consultation, please visit our page Your First Visit. Be prepared to answer questions during this first appointment. Your practitioner needs to gather as much information as possible to clearly identify and diagnose your ailments. Finally, remember that your first needling session may be limited as your practitioner evaluates your response to the treatment.
Are you ready to learn more about acupuncture? Contact Loehr Chiropractic & Acupuncture today to schedule your acupuncture consultation.
