By - January 24, 2022
Categories: General
When most people hear acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine, they might think about one of those martial arts movies where they use acupuncture needles to stop someone from moving. Or they might think about hypodermic needles – the kind that are long and unpleasant looking. But that’s not acupuncture. Today, I would like to dispel three common myths that I have heard about acupuncture.
“The needles will hurt.”
Needles are unpleasant for a lot of people. And I get that. Sharp, stabby objects aren’t exactly comforting. But the kinds of needles that most people are used to are nowhere near acupuncture needles. Acupuncture needles are very thin. Although there are different thicknesses, most are not thicker than a strand of hair. Most of my patients can’t even feel the needles once they have been inserted. And we don’t use them like they do in the movies. We ensure that our clients are relaxed and comfortable before we begin the treatment. Even if you still struggle with the thought of needles, there are still other treatments in TCM that we can use to help address your concerns.
“It’s not safe.”
A number of people I have met are concerned about the safety of acupuncture. I understand the fears because I was once there too. Every needle that is inserted during an acupuncture session is placed carefully into the body at specific pressure points that will help address and treat your specific needs. And the needles themselves are also safe. Each package of needles comes factory sealed in sterile packaging and once they are used, they are discarded and never re-used.
“It seems a little bit weird.”
One of the biggest fears I have seen is the aversion to non-western styles of medicine. In our western way of thinking, it is normal for us to see a doctor when we have green snot draining from our sinuses or when we are experiencing headaches on a daily basis. But, what is really happening when we are experiencing 2-5 sinus infections a year? That’s right, just the symptoms are being treated, but not the root cause and that is exactly where Traditional Chinese Medicine begins with the process. It is only weird because alternative medicine has only recently been considered. But, I can assure you that there are several peer-reviewed studies showing that acupuncture and Chinese medicine are far from weird and extremely effective at treating many ailments.
Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back
Fear is natural. But the benefits of acupuncture outweigh the fears we build up in our own heads. If you are concerned about acupuncture and have any questions, I would love to help you understand how acupuncture is safe and effective for you.
Be Well.
