Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine-based approach is most commonly used to treat pain. This method of treatment was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an official method in 1979 and recommended more than 50 diseases for treatment with this method.
What does acupuncture do?
- chronic pain, often in the neck, back, knees, and head
- headache and migraine
- respiratory disorders, such as allergic rhinitis
- neurological and urogenital syndromes
- allergies
- hypertension
Diagnosis
According to traditional Chinese medical theory, acupuncture points are located on meridians, through which vital energy runs. This energy is known as “qi” or “chi.”
Diagnosis is made in a complementary approach with modern diagnostic methods, and traditional theory is used only for the selection of points.
Traditional theory makes diagnoses of energy disharmony syndrome, but they can correspond to several entities of modern medicine.
What to expect
The patient will be asked to lie down on their back, front, or one side, depending on where the needles are to be inserted. The acupuncturist should use single-use, disposable, sterile needles. As each needle is inserted, the patient may feel a very brief stinging or tingling sensation.
After the needle is inserted, there is occasionally a dull ache at the base of the needle that then subsides. Acupuncture is usually relatively painless. Sometimes the needles are heated or stimulated with electricity after insertion.
It usually takes between 5 and 10 treatments to achieve the initial therapeutic effect. In acute conditions, acupuncture is applied daily, and in the case of subacute and chronic problems, treatments are diluted, and then acupuncture is performed three or twice a week. After ten therapies, the patient already feels the change, and after a break of a month, it is best to repeat ten more treatments.
Laser acupuncture
Laser acupuncture is of special importance as a method, because it represents a combination of modern technology and traditional medicine. The laser allows one point to be stimulated painlessly and safely, and the entire treatment is completed in a few minutes. This way there is no risk of infection, no pain and a lot of time is saved. Unlike this method, the classic method of acupuncture involves the application of needles that should stand for 20 to 30 minutes in order to achieve a certain effect.
Acupuncture should not be performed immediately after radioactive radiation, after large doses of corticosteroids and psychopharmaceuticals, and is not recommended for patients with implanted pacemaker (for electroacupuncture)
As an invasive method, hematomas sometimes occur after acupuncture as a result of an accidental puncture of the circulatory system. Nerve injuries can also occur, and very rarely chest injuries. Disinfection and sterilization of needles is very important.