A newcomer to acupuncture may feel intimidated, wondering if the treatment will hurt. There is actually very little to fear, as acupuncture needles are so small that even young children can be treated with very little discomfort! Furthermore, needles are not always necessary, as Traditional Chinese Medicine can use other therapies to elicit a response from the body. You do not need a special mindset to reap the benefits of acupuncture: instead, you just need to relax, maybe enjoy a heating lamp on your feet, and let your acupuncturist do the healing.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, summer is associated with the element of fire. Fire symbolizes maximum activity, which means it is a time to get out there, be outgoing, and move outward within nature and in our daily lives. Why not try something new this summer. Have you ever wanted to try acupuncture, but had some reservations; let me put your mind at ease. Here are 3 common objections people have about acupuncture:
1. “I don’t like needles”
I can’t say that I have ever had a client who says they like needles…..but many clients do say they like the effects their body gets from the needles. To some degree, many people have “needle” fear. Throughout the 10+ years that I’ve worked as an Acupuncturist, I have been able to talk and “breathe” these patients through the scary part-the experience of needle insertion. From there “the treatment” takes care of the rest. For those individuals who can’t overcome their fear, there are still many ways that Traditional Chinese Medicine can help. Some examples are: Acupressure, Cupping, Gua Sha, which are all effective therapies for any number of complaints. The best part about these techniques is… no needles, and similar effects!
2. “I don’t know much about acupuncture or what value it holds for me”
My response to this is: why let what you don’t know hold you back! Suspend your disbelief and invest an hour or two of your time to experience an Acupuncture session. Bring your curiosity. Ask questions. There is more and more evidence to support acupuncture as an effective intervention for many chronic issues; where pain and inflammation is a factor. Some of which may be: fibromyalgia, arthritis, IBS, digestive disturbances and food sensitivities, many kinds of pain, emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression, sleep disturbances and insomnia. Acupuncture and TCM can also help with fertility and IVF support as well.
3. “I don’t know how to find a qualified Acupuncturist”
In Alberta, all acupuncturists must be licensed by the CAAA (College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta). Registration can be verified on the CAAA website. I recommend asking friends or family, or a trusted health professional.
The #1 Reason To Try Acupuncture:
Acupuncture excels at treating (reducing, eliminating or managing) many symptoms of stress such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and pain (physical or mental). The “secondary gain” that comes as part of a well-executed acupuncture session is usually an enhanced sense of ease and general well-being. So tell me this: in this world we live in today, who doesn’t want a little more of that in their lives?!