4 Tips to Read Before Having Your First Acupuncture Therapy

It is believed that acupuncture can help with a lot of different health problems, for example, a wide variety of pains, headaches, diseases, mental problems etc. Even though it is not actually scientifically proven that acupuncture can be useful for treating all of those health issues, this therapy has become popular because people report that it has helped them.

Most of the people who are interested in trying out acupuncture are also usually a bit worried and maybe even scared because they don't know exactly what to expect from this strange Chinese therapy. Let me give you a few tips that you should read before paying a visit to the acupuncturist.

1) Don't be afraid - it is almost never painful.

In 95% of the cases, it doesn't hurt when the needles are inserted in your body if you are relaxed. It is mostly because acupuncture needles are much thinner than the regular sewing needles. Also they are never inserted deep and in some cases (mostly Japanese acupuncture) the needles just touch your skin without any insertion at all.

2) Don't worry - you are not going to lie there naked.

Acupuncture points are all over your body and which ones will the acupuncturist use depends on the diagnosis. It is very popular to use points on your back, feet and ears. Usually you have to uncover just a small area of your body. You can expect that the acupuncturist will use approximately some 15 to 30 needles.

3) Be calm - relax your mind and your body.

If you want to have a pleasant and comfortable therapy then it is suggested to let yourself relax and maybe even fall asleep for some time. It could actually be very beneficial and make the therapy more effective. Also try not to move your body too much when the needles are inserted in your body as it can cause some pain.

4) Be patient - the results are not usually quick.

People usually feel energized and revitalized after their first acupuncture therapy but it almost always takes several procedures to see some long-term results. Don't expect that all your pain will go away after the first time - instead try to visit your acupuncturist, for example, twice a week for a month and then take a look at your progress.

Is There a Successful Treatment of Endometriosis with Acupuncture?

Endometriosis is a medical condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows in other places such as around the ovaries, bowel, or around the hip. In rare cases, endometrial tissue may grow beyond the pelvic area. This condition can be very painful. The main symptom is pelvic pain during menstrual periods. Pain during intercourse may be present, as well as during a bowel movement or even during urination. Other signs of this condition include excessive bleeding and infertility. Many turn to medical procedures and treatments such as hormone therapy or surgery to treat this condition, although some find pain relief through acupuncture.

Many women with endometriosis who wish to become pregnant but suffered infertility as a result of the condition rather than turning to acupuncture treatment of certain drugs and surgery. Drugs to treat these conditions can affect the ovaries, and while surgery can remove endometrial tissue, may recur in the future. Acupuncture and herbal medicine treatments may help in alleviating this condition. One study published in late 2002 in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine notes that of 67 women with painful periods due to endometriosis, half were given ear acupuncture as a treatment, and 81% noted less painful periods after treatment.

So why acupuncture works? Experts do not fully understand why acupuncture works, but some speculate that it could have something to do with blood circulation promotion and regulation of the endocrine system, which involve hormones. Many couples who found success through acupuncture, and hear the success stories of others can inspire some couples or individuals to provide acupuncture to try to overcome infertility or endometriosis, or both.

A woman, whose story presented in Endo-Resolved.com, notes success through acupuncture after four laparoscopic surgery over a period of four years. "He's been treating me for endometriosis to slightly more than 3 months and I am really sick of this free September will be one year since my last surgery and! I'll celebrate It! As a relief to get out of the constant pain, but even more relieved that I can resume my life. "

What Body Points Acupuncture for Fertility?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment that's been used to treat individuals with several conditions including infertility. Practitioners believe in a life energy that flows through the body called, Qi. When this energy becomes blocked due to stress, trauma, lack of exercise, or poor diet, practitioners believe that it may manifest in certain conditions and symptoms such as infertility, pain, etc. By releasing positive energy through acupuncture, it is thought to push out negative energy in the process, thereby providing patients with relief from various ailments.

The treatment works by placing thin, sterile needles in certain points on the body, and then stimulating them. This is thought to release positive energy so the negative energy is pushed out in the process. As for its effects on fertility, it may help to regulate the menstrual cycle, enhance cervical mucus, enhance libido, reduce stress, thicken the endometrial lining, and clear blockages in the fallopian tubes. Other benefits are possible as well. The specific points used will vary from one patient to the next, and each patient will be evaluated by the acupuncturist prior to beginning the treatment. Common points include those that stimulate the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes. These points are located on the lower part of the abdomen, on the back, and on the arms and legs.

Acupuncture may be used in conjunction with in vitro fertilization, or IVF. This procedure combines sperm and eggs in a dish in a laboratory so they may create embryos. The embryos are later transferred to the uterus where they may implant in the uterine lining. The woman's menstrual cycle will be closely monitored to determine when ovulation occurs. Some women choose to take fertility medication to help stimulate ovulation. Eggs are retrieved through a separate procedure, meaning women must undergo two procedures for each cycle of IVF, unless embryos from previous cycles are frozen for use in future cycles.