Thinking of trying acupuncture but not sure if it’s right for you? Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that can be used to treat a wide range of health problems, from chronic pain and infertility to anxiety and depression. Despite its proven benefits and centuries-long history as a tool for wellness, there are still a handful of misconceptions that persist, which can make people who would benefit from acupuncture hesitate to try it.
At the Better Health & Wellness Center, our goal is to ensure you have the information you need to make confident decisions about your well-being. Knowledge empowers, and the more you know about effective wellness solutions, the more equipped you are to take control of your health.
We’ve put together this list of common misconceptions and the truth about acupuncture to help people understand how it works, what a session is like, and what’s in it for you! You can also make an appointment to visit us at one of our two locations — we provide acupuncture in Tampa, FL, and in Melbourne, FL.
This is a common misconception because acupuncture isn’t viewed as mainstream medicine. But, it’s still an effective treatment. There are studies showing it can be effective for fibromyalgia, migraines, and for alleviating nausea and discomfort in cancer patients.
Unlike drug therapy, acupuncture works by supporting overall wellness and stimulating the body’s natural healing processes, so it’s a tool to achieve better health rather than a specific treatment for a certain disease. If you’d like to learn more about the limits of what acupuncture can and cannot do, get in touch with us. We can let you know what you can expect from acupuncture based on your specific situation.
We totally understand — the thought of sticking needles into your body to feel better sounds kinds of counterintuitive. The reality is, the needles used by an acupuncturist aren’t scary, and the way they are applied isn’t painful.
There’s no drawing blood or injections. Also, the needles are actually more like small pins, so you might feel a tiny pinch for a moment, but nothing more. In fact, most of our acupuncture patients in Tampa and Melbourne, FL feel relaxed during and after their treatment.
Because there are no chemicals involved that may interact with medication you might be taking, acupuncture can almost always be safely used in conjunction with other therapies. It’s also a good idea to talk to your primary care physician before getting any type of treatment. Of course, we’ll take the time to learn about any medications you might be on, and we'll make adjustments accordingly. For example, if you’re taking blood thinners, we can use smaller needles.
An acupuncture treatment session usually lasts between 30 minutes and one hour. For most people, there are zero side effects, although some do experience slight soreness where the needles were inserted. Once you’re done with your session, you can go on with your life as normal, right away. There’s no downtime and no need to change your normal habits after treatment.
How many acupuncture sessions you have is totally up to you! We can talk to you about what you can expect over time, but most people experience improvements after just one session. Whether you want another one or not depends on your situation and your goals.
We’re 100% here to support your well-being. To learn more about our physicians, acupuncture, or any of our other wellness services in Florida, get in touch with us today. We can schedule an appointment for a health evaluation to determine your overall wellness and to develop a custom detox or health plan for you!
