5 Common Myths About Acupuncture

A key healing approach at Herald Square Chiropractic and Sport is matching treatment approaches to our patients’ needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer because every patient and every injury is unique.

That’s why we enlist wellness partners to ensure you receive effective treatment tailored to your needs. This includes the traditional Chinese medicine therapy of acupuncture.

Although the medical mechanisms of acupuncture aren’t fully understood, it’s a proven treatment often used to reduce discomfort and pain by stimulating your body’s natural pain relief systems.

As an alternative therapy, it’s not surprising that misconceptions arise about this modality. In this blog, we’ll examine and debunk five common acupuncture myths so you can gain a clearer picture of how acupuncture may help you reach your wellness goals.

Myth #1: Acupuncture is folk medicine with no research support

The reality of acupuncture is that clinical support confirms its effectiveness. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, a branch of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, reports that numerous studies rate acupuncture as a pain treatment equivalent to common nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen.

The United States military uses acupuncture as a valid treatment, as do the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization.

Acupuncture is a low-risk therapy, so it’s safe for most people, including those who can’t use other medications or treatments.

Myth #2: Acupuncture is only a pain-relief treatment

While pain relief is a benefit, it’s also effective for conditions like:

Allergies
Chemotherapy side effects
Depression
High blood pressure
Infertility
Menstrual cramping
Morning sickness
Nausea and vomiting

Acupuncture is also used to counter stress and improve your sense of well-being.

Myth #3: Acupuncture isn’t compatible with other treatments

Acupuncture is a drug-free process that makes it ideal as a complementary therapy. That said, always inform our team of all medications, supplements, or other treatments you’re receiving.

Myth #4: Acupuncture has treatment side effects

The opposite is true. Acupuncture has few to no side effects. At most, you might experience minor bruising or skin irritation, but you can have an acupuncture session and return to your normal routine without recovery time.

Myth #5: Acupuncture is painful

While being stuck with needles sounds painful, it’s actually not. Acupuncture needles are about the width of a cat’s whisker. In fact, many people say that they don’t even notice the needle entering the skin.

It surprises first-timers that acupuncture is actually a comfortable and relaxing therapy. Once the needles are inserted, you won’t even realize they are there.

Learn more by contacting Herald Square Chiropractic and Sport in Midtown, New York City. Dr. Chris Cueto and our team can help you decide if acupuncture can help your health and wellness.

Call or click to book your appointment now.