Things you should know about acupuncture 21^st December 2022

Of all the inventions and discoveries the human race has made over time, its progress in medical science has been the most significant. The human mind has made everything possible, from simple practices like using herbs to heal wounds by trial and error to developing advanced laser surgeries. Despite consistent advancements in scientific knowledge, certain age-old traditions, like alternative medicine, are believed to be effective and used in modern times while lacking complete scientific backing.

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine rooted in Chinese medicine. It is believed to cure illnesses and eliminate stress. While not entirely backed by scientific evidence, western medicine converges on some beliefs of sticking needles in the body at strategic locations. While buying a comprehensive health insurance policy for family is the safest bet for keeping your loved ones safe if you're interested in acupuncture, here's what you must know!

What acupuncture seeks to resolve?
Like all ancient medical practices, acupuncture claims to correct many medical issues, ranging from muscle aches, back pains, headaches, and arthritis. Some also believe that targeting specific nerves with thin needles can eliminate cancer, cure infertility and strengthen the immune system.

The fundamental principle behind acupuncture.
Traditionally, the practice is seen as a corrective measure to balance an individual's energy, which is the cure for all of one's problems. However, western medicine agrees with some of its claims while stating a different reason- it is possible to cure pains and aches by targeting the muscles and tissues that are tense by releasing the knots formed.

When to avoid acupuncture?
While the procedure can set right multiple issues ranging from common posture issues to chronic illnesses, it is not suitable for everyone. If you have a bleeding tendency or suffer from weak immunity or epilepsy, you should avoid acupuncture. The same applies to pregnant females or patients with an unclear diagnosis since it may cause more significant problems.

Precautions to ensure before acupuncture.
You must approach any medical procedure with caution. A patient must take all necessary preventive measures to ensure that minimal risk is involved. Before you visit an acupuncturist, keep the following in mind:

1. Make sure to do due diligence when choosing an acupuncturist. Ensure you talk to previous patients about the procedure, clinic, and practitioner and their credentials.

2. Disclose your medical history to the acupuncturist to make an accurate diagnosis.

3. Avoid caffeine before your appointment.

4. Wear loose clothes to allow easy placement of the needles in appropriate places.

5. Make sure to check that sterile needles are used for each appointment.

An acupuncturist's appointment.
Like any other medical procedure, acupuncture is not a one-time solution that will eliminate your problems. It takes multiple sittings, supplementary practices, and a reliable acupuncturist to provide effective results. Here's a short synopsis of what the procedure entails

1. Diagnosis:
The first appointment is the most crucial as it is when the initial diagnosis is made regarding the patient's health while considering their medical history. Usually, the acupuncturist examines your overall health by inspection and requires supplementary information to make an accurate diagnosis.

2. Acupuncture sessions:
Usually, sessions can last between 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the severity of the issue. Sessions are generally scheduled up to two times a week and may continue for 2 or 3 months. This may also depend on the add-on services like acupressure, cupping, etc.

3. Associated risks:
Although rare, the procedure comes with the risk of developing some serious side effects. They include excessive bleeding, fainting, infections, and, worst case, puncture of organs.

Acupuncture may seem like a relatively harmless procedure involving thin needles, but it has several risks you must consider if your body is not susceptible to it. Irrespective of your beliefs in alternative practices, we strongly recommend purchasing a health insurance policy for family to cover the financial burden of medical issues.

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Disclaimer: The information provided above is for illustrative purposes only. To get more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before purchasing a policy.