Is acupuncture working? Here’s how to tell.
Acupuncture is used by millions of people around the world to relieve physical, mental, and emotional problems. During each session of this traditional Chinese medicine, a trained acupuncturist will insert very thin needles into specific points of your body to treat everything from pain and stress to digestion and sleep disorders.
The question on many newcomers’ minds is, How do you know if acupuncture is working? One thing to remember is that acupuncture takes time to treat physical and mental issues. It’s a cumulative effect, meaning that each session builds upon the previous session. Each person is different, but most begin to see notable results after several sessions have concluded.
Let’s take a look at some of the telltale signs that the acupuncture treatments are working:
Your Pain Has Changed
One of the biggest benefits of acupuncture is a reduction in both temporary and chronic pain. As you work through multiple acupuncture sessions, you’ll notice a change in the severity, intensity, and maybe even location.
This is an obvious indicator that the acupuncture treatment is working as it should. Just keep in mind that pain may leave temporarily just after a session and then return. The key is continuous acupuncture treatment to become pain-free.
You’re Sleeping Better
Another popular benefit of acupuncture is the improvement of sleep. After all, acupuncture targets physical, mental, and emotional problems, all of which can harm your sleep cycle. Acupuncture will give you a feeling of calm and reduce your stress level, allowing you to sleep longer and better.
You Have More Energy
People who have never experienced acupuncture before are often surprised at how energetic they feel. After a session has concluded, you might not initially have a lot of energy because you’ll be extremely relaxed. But after undergoing several sessions, some of your physical and mental issues will begin to dissipate, giving your body more energy than before.
You’re in a Better Mood
Even the jolliest type of person can have mood swings when their physical or mental well-being is out of sync. Once acupuncture begins helping whatever ailment you’re suffering from, there’s a very good chance that you’ll be in a better mood. This is often a byproduct of other notable changes (like pain reduction) and it’s always a welcome feeling for yourself and those around you.
You’re Less Stressed
Stress can cause a wide array of issues, both physical and mental. Many patients use acupuncture primarily for the reduction of stress… and it works like a charm. After your first session, there’s a good chance that you’ll already feel less stressed. But if it doesn’t happen right away, don’t worry; it won’t take long before you’re more at ease.
You Feel More Aware
Acupuncture can completely transform the way you interact with your own body. It basically puts you more in tune with your body’s physical and mental processes, meaning that you’re more mindful of what you’re feeling. This is helped along by the acupuncturist, who will instruct you to discuss in detail what you’re feeling. This intentional focus will also help you feel more aware of your body as you move forward with acupuncture treatments.
You’re More Emotional
Perhaps the most surprising effect of acupuncture is that patients will often become more emotional. In fact, your initial session may end with a big emotional release because of the level of relaxation that it helps you achieve. After several sessions, you may very well find yourself being more emotional in a general sense. This is because acupuncture puts you more in tune with your feelings.
You Have Better Digestion
Patients are often surprised at the different types of physical elements that acupuncture can treat. Several different types of gastrointestinal issues and digestive disorders can be relieved with the use of acupuncture. After several treatments, your body’s digestive process of breaking down foods—without excess gas that causes bloating—will be improved.
Contact East West Healing Solutions for Your Next Acupuncture Session
Asking, “How do you know if acupuncture is working?” is a question we get all the time. The indicators above are only some of the ways that you can tell it’s working. East West Healing Solutions is the most trusted name in acupuncture in Palm Harbor and the surrounding areas.
Contact us today to set up an appointment or for any questions.
