Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Tips To Get The Most From Acupuncture


Acupuncture has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat a wide range of health problems. It is based on a premise that one's health depends on the flow and balance of two contrasting energies in the body - the Yin and the Yang. 

The Yin is the female energy and is passive, cold, and dark. Yang, on the other hand, is the male energy and the complete opposite of Yin. It is active, warm, and light. These energies flow in specific points or meridians in the body. When they flow in unison, a person's health is maintained. However, if for some reason, these energies are blocked or there is imbalance between them, a person would start to feel something wrong with his/her body. 

This is where acupuncture comes in. It aims to correct the imbalance or get rid of the blockage that keeps the Yin and Yang from flowing along the points in unison. It makes use of small and sterile needles to stimulate the meridians and get the person back to his/her optimum level of health. 

Anyone can benefit from acupuncture even those who are afraid of needles. If you're thinking of trying acupuncture, here are tips that can help you make the most of its benefits: 

1. Eat a light meal before your session
Avoid heavy meals prior to acupuncture session. This is because if you're full, it will be harder for you to relax and stay comfortable. Also, when you're full, your body's energy will be concentrated in your stomach, making the session ineffective. 

You should also avoid going inside the acupuncture center with an empty stomach as it can result to low blood sugar. You're more likely to experience lightheadedness after the session if your blood sugar is too low. 

When it comes to meals prior to your acupuncture, the best thing you can do is eat a moderate amount of food for at least 30 minutes prior to your session. 

2. Inform your acupuncturist of your medications including vitamins and herbal remedies
Informing your acupuncturist of the medications you're taking including vitamins can help him/her get to know more about your condition. 

3. Wear loose and comfortable clothing
It's easier for your acupuncturist to reach the target areas of your body if you're wearing loose clothing. Wearing comfortable clothing also makes it easier for you to relax before, during, and after the session. 

4. Schedule your acupuncture session on late afternoon or early evening
You're more likely to be relaxed during these periods. Also, when you're scheduling your next acupuncture session, make sure that you avoid day or days between stressful activities as it may only counteract the effect of acupuncture.

5. Avoid alcohol and processed food after the session
Your body is in fragile state after the session. Drinking alcohol or eating processed food after the acupuncture session can dramatically affect your body. Introducing alcohol and processed food after an acupuncture session counteracts the effects of the treatment as you're introducing toxins in your body. 

Whether you're looking for alternative solution to your health problems or just want to achieve optimum health without the use of chemical substances, acupuncture can be your go-to solution. Try the tips above before you see your acupuncturist and enjoy the benefits of this traditional medical practice.