Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Three Steps to Your First Acupuncture Session

When first choosing an acupuncturist in Seattle, it is important to ensure three elements for your comfort and safety:

1. Check to be sure the acupuncturist is licensed. A licensed acupuncturist uses the abbreviation L.Ac. Currently, no license is required and no additional training is required to practice acupuncture for medical doctors and osteopaths. If you choose to use a medical doctor, be sure they have received extensive training in acupuncture.
2. When searching for acupuncture in Seattle, keep in mind that many massage and spa establishments offer acupuncture services.
3. Be sure that the place where the services will be offered is clean and a good environment. The attention to detail that is taken to cleanliness shows that they are more likely to transmit this care into their sanitation and health practices.

Frequently Asked Questions - Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a therapy which originated in China thousands of years ago. The practice consists of inserting into the skin tiny needles at specific points in the body. Although acupuncture has been used to treat conditions from anxiety to weight loss, its most accepted use is to treat musculoskeletal pain. It can also be used as a complementary therapy for many conditions, such as

* Chronic pain and headaches
* Autoimmune conditions
* Acute injury-related pain (strains and sprains)
* Gynecological disorders
* Cardiovascular conditions
* Digestive disorders
* Addictive behaviors
* Muscle and nerve conditions
* Stroke rehabilitation
* HIV support therapy
* Chemotherapy side effects
* Radiation side effects

The experience can be deeply relaxing and soothing. The stress relief that follows can aid and enhance your body's natural healing abilities.

Remember to always seek the advise of qualified medical professionals for your condition. Do not rely on alternative forms of medicine.

How to Choose a Practitioner:

1. Ask for referrals, and check online reviews of practitioners.
2. Check their credentials and training. Many states require that practitioners pass an exam.
3. Call them to interview them. Getting your questions answered can help reduce any anxiety you have about your first visit.
4. Be sure your practitioner uses single-use, sterilized needles.

How Big are the Needles?
The needles used in acupuncture are ultra-thin, about the diameter of a strand of human hair.

Do the Needles Hurt?
It is common to experience little to no pain, and many find the experience calming and relaxing. Many times you will not even feel the insertion of the needles, and at other times, it will feel like a tiny pin-prick.

What is the First Session Like?
Your acupuncturist will begin the first session by reviewing with you your health history, and taking a health assessment. This helps ensure a customized plan to help your body in the healing process.

Where Will the Treatment Take Place?
Typically it is done on a massage table, with your clothes on, or partially unclothed.

How Do I Know if Acupuncture is for me?
The best way to find out if it is for you is to try it out. This may not be for you if you have an anxiety towards needles, but remember that these needles are much smaller than the types used to draw blood!
Acupuncture is an effective means to help your body heal itself.

This article was prepared on behalf of Dreamclinic. Dreamclinic offers services in massage and acupuncture in Seattle.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jon_Godfrey

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