8 benefits of acupuncture and how to find an acupuncturist – Insider

Acupuncture is a type of complementary medicine that uses needles inserted at specific sites on the body to help relieve pain and treat other health concerns. These needles aren't the same as the ones you're used to seeing at a doctor's office they are solid, very thin, and flexible.

"The needles don't really hurt. Most people feel peaceful and calm during a treatment. They usually end up taking a nap," says Sam Soemardi, a licensed acupuncturist at The People's Acupuncture of Asheville.

It's believed acupuncture originated in China approximately 3000 years ago. More recently, it continues to receive interest in the United States as research expands and Americans increasingly seek out complementary and alternative medicine.

And indeed, research does suggest that acupuncture can have benefits for certain conditions, but many people find it effective for issues beyond those supported by research.

"Pain relief is the most common reason people come to my clinic, but I also see all sorts of health and wellness concerns, from autoimmune disease to insomnia to gynecological issues. People are just trying to find a way to feel better," Soemardi says.

Here are eight conditions acupuncture may benefit.

Anxiety disorders affect about 18% of Americans each year. Common treatments include talk therapy, medication, and according to some preliminary research acupuncture.

In a small 2015 study of 36 people with chronic anxiety, participants reported a decrease in anxiety symptoms after receiving acupuncture for 10 weeks. This improvement lasted through follow-up 10 weeks later.

Acupuncture may also have benefits for easing dysmenorrhea, or painful periods:

Numerous studies show that acupuncture may help relieve different digestive concerns:

Acupuncture is safe to receive during pregnancy, and research suggests it can help relieve the low back and pelvic pain pregnant people commonly experience.

It could help with other common pregnancy concerns, too.

"Moms-to-be come to see me for nausea, heartburn, difficulty sleeping, and aches and pains," says Nic Pitts, a licensed acupuncturist who operates the private practice Onward Acupuncture.

Everyone experiences stress sometimes, but finding ways to reduce or cope with stress can offer plenty of health benefits.

Acupuncture works to relieve stress by regulating the autonomic nervous system, which helps get the body out of the flight or fight response.

"This could be as simple as feeling your heart rate slow and breath lengthen, or it could be that you fall asleep. I tell patients that this feeling may stay with you and slowly fade for the rest of the day," says Pitts.

Acupuncture is increasingly used as an integrative approach to cancer care.

According to the National Cancer Institute, acupuncture can help with both cancer-related symptoms and side effects of treatment, including:

Up to 80% of people will experience low back pain at some point in life, and many studies have explored the benefits of acupuncture for low back pain:

Evidence also suggests acupuncture can ease persistent head pain:

When choosing an acupuncturist, you'll want to make sure they attended a three or four-year accredited graduate program and hold a current state license.

What's the cost? Acupuncture treatments usually cost between $75-$150 for a 45 to 60-minute session. You can also look for low-cost community acupuncture clinics that focus on accessibility by offering low-cost acupuncture in a group treatment setting.

Before getting started, take the opportunity to ask any questions you have about the process. They'll tell you what to expect, and they should also clearly communicate a treatment plan.

Your acupuncturist should also use pre-wrapped, single-use, sterilized needles and dispose of these needles safely immediately after your session. This reduces the risk of infection and blood-borne diseases.

Feel free to ask what experience they have treating the issue you're seeking help for some practitioners might have more experience treating specific conditions or symptoms.

"Make sure your acupuncturist is someone you can connect with. It's very important to be comfortable with who you choose to work with," Pitts says.

Evidence supports acupuncture's effectiveness in treating some common ailments, and research on this treatment continues to expand.

That said, it's generally recognized as a safe form of complementary medicine with few side effects, so if you're considering alternative treatments for pain, anxiety, or digestive concerns, it could be worthwhile to give acupuncture a try.

Go here to read the rest:

8 benefits of acupuncture and how to find an acupuncturist - Insider