Studies revealed that acupuncture gained a lot of popularity in the United States due to its ability to relieve stress, anxiety, and pain. But, this popularity also gave rise to several myths. As a professional provider of acupuncture and day spa services, our massage therapists at Tulsa encounter many daily. We take this opportunity to debunk some of the surrounding common myths in this article to promote complete awareness about this holistic practice.
Acupuncture is painful
The word acupuncture usually bring attention to needles. The needles used in the process are only about the width of a human hair. On insertion, a person may feel a weak tingling or an electrical sensation. This is referred to as Qi (or chi) energy. When the Qi is weak, blocked, or in excess, it can cause illness and disease. Needles awaken this energy. This sensation is an indication that the body’s healing energy is put to work.
Acupuncture is not suitable for modern treatment
Acupuncture is indeed a type of therapeutic oriental medicine that has been around for centuries. But, that does not make it outdated and ineffective. Being in the wellness industry providing acupuncture and day spa services since 1986 we can say that it is a widely accepted treatment and its usage is encouraged by many medical institutions. A Los Angeles Times article revealed 42% of hospitals offering complementary and alternative medicine treatments, including acupuncture, as a service to their patients.
They are expensive
It is among one of the common misconceptions because it may seem like a “specialized” form of treatment. On the contrary, acupuncture is reasonable and fairly well-priced. In the long run, acupressure also reduces expenses incurring from doctor visits and buying drugs and medications.
Anyone can become an acupuncturist
Professional and legal practice requires at least 3 years of training with different programs including studies in Asian bodywork, nutrition, ethics, needle technique, western medicine, and more. Apart from theoretical experience, it also requires extensive clinical work with real people to become a certified acupuncturist. To keep their practice license active and valid, therapists are further required to continue education classes and clear the national board licensure exams.
It only works for body pain
Pain management is just one aspect addressed by acupuncture therapy. As per our expert Tulsa massage therapists, the positive effects of acupuncture are broad and far-reaching. Clinical studies also indicate that acupuncture can treat conditions that include, but are not limited to:
● Allergies and respiratory problems like asthma
● Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
● Dysmenorrhea
● Fertility support, such as regulating periods, improving egg quality and ovulation, healthy support of the lining of the uterus, in vitro fertilization (IVF), and intrauterine insemination (IUI).
● Neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, paralysis, autism, Parkinson’s disease, aphasia, vertigo, complex regional pain, stroke rehab, dysphagia, traumatic brain injury, fibromyalgia, and more.
● Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis