Acupuncture is a widely practiced medicine and has been there for many decades. It’s a healing practice that stimulates some body parts to relieve pain. The treatment involves the injection of narrow, sterile needles into strategic points of the body along particular energy meridian channels. The practice is widespread and has several benefits, such as preventing diseases, alleviating pain, and promoting wellness. However, although it has various benefits and pros, it also has many misconceptions. Here are the most common myths surrounding this practice.
Acupuncture is Ancient Medicine.
Some people think that acupuncture Indianapolis is traditional medicine as it has been around for a long time. However, acupuncture is a treatment for various conditions and is hyped and used by medical institutions.
A report written by a Los Angeles Times article reported that 42% of hospitals said they offered alternative medicine treatments such as acupuncture. However, with the upsurge of the opioid epidemic in the U.S., doctors limit opioid prescriptions and recommend natural medicine.
Government organizations, State Attorney General, and the White House have maintained complementary and alternative medicine as effective to defy the myth. An example is acupuncture has been put in the first line of treatment for chronic pain. In addition, most medical schools are supplementing their old curriculum with courses in alternative medicine such as acupuncture.
Acupuncture is Painful
When people hear about acupuncture, what runs into their minds is the needles. However, if you have the correct information about the needles and what they do, you would not believe the myth. The truth is that the needles used during the treatment are about the width of human hair. When the needles are inserted, the patient feels a bit of heaviness or weak electrical sensation. The sensation is normal and is known as Qi or Chi energy. When you feel the Qi, the body’s healing energy is working.
Acupuncture Treatments are Unaffordable
Most people assume that acupuncture is expensive. Put the assumption aside because acupuncture is affordable. The treatment helps relieve chronic health conditions, which can cost you a lot through hospital visits and drugs. The treatment price varies depending on the state, but it’s reasonably affordable. Acupuncture is becoming popular and is supported by the government, and this has led insurance companies to start offering plans that include acupuncture.
You can Become Addicted to Acupuncture.
Patients may need to go for several acupuncture sessions to see the results, but it’s not addictive. Surprisingly acupuncture is used to help in addiction recovery. Medical journals have shown that acupuncture is beneficial to recuperating tobacco addicts, combined with education. The treatment affects the dopaminergic system in the brain and helps relieve stress, which can be helpful to patients battling addiction.
Becoming an Acupuncturist Requires no Training.
The myth is not valid. To become a certified acupuncturist in the U.S., you must attend at least three years of graduate school. The program includes education on Asian bodywork, practice management, nutrition, needle technique, acupuncture points, and western medicine. There is more to books; students need to undergo several hours’ worth of clinical experiences to learn acupuncture practically.
After you are done with your studies and certified, you need certificates and licenses to practice. For example, to practice acupuncture in Indianapolis, you need a certification from the Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine(NCCAOM). In addition, you can practice both acupuncture and chiropractor in Indianapolis.
