Acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular as a pain-relief treatment. It is a treatment option based on traditional Chinese medicine, with wide ranging benefits from pain relief to mental health benefits, and even improved mental clarity.
We know that acupuncture relieves pain for some, but is it only a temporary fix? Acupuncture can help to alleviate the symptoms of a condition and any discomfort your clients may be feeling. It is not labelled as a treatment that can ‘cure’ pain with one treatment and, as a result, it often only offers temporary relief and should be used in conjunction with other interventions for results to be longer-lasting.
To learn more about how you can enhance pain relief for your clients, and allow them to experience the long-term benefits of acupuncture, read on.
Is Acupuncture a Temporary Relief?
Acupuncture generally only provides temporary pain relief. Typically, acupuncture is used to relieve pain over a period of time. It is not considered as a treatment that can ‘cure’ pain with one session, although many people do find it to be incredibly effective.
It is normal that after 3-6 sessions of acupuncture, your clients may notice that continued treatments begin to relieve pain and that they may need less frequent sessions to maintain the benefit.
However, whether or not the pain has been 'relieved' largely depends on the individual. Acupuncture has a different effect on each person and does not always aid those who are in pain. The degree of pain relief varies from person to person.
For clients looking for natural pain relief, the approach with the best potential may be to mix acupuncture with another intervention, such as massage therapy or exercise. We have listed below the most common sorts of ailments that acupuncture can help to relieve pain for.
What Types of Pain Acupuncture Relieves
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
- Dental Pain- Tension headaches and migraines
- Labour pain
- Pain in the lower back- Neck pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Cramps during menstruation
- Respiratory illness.
How Often Should I Have Acupuncture for Pain Treatment?
Pain differs amongst all and, for that reason, it varies from client to client whether or not they will require acupuncture on a regular basis, or less frequently. The number of sessions needed varies on the severity of their condition and how their body responds to treatment. However, patients often have acupuncture once a week to begin with, and reduce their attendance as they begin to see results in order to maintain those results.
The number of sessions of acupuncture clients require will depend on how long the effects of acupuncture last. For example, If they are suffering from pain frequently and intensely, they may require at least two sessions per week.
Furthermore, an experienced acupuncturist should be able suggest a regimen that is appropriate for their clients, and should make them aware that the full advantages of acupuncture may not be evident on the first or second appointment, but that they should commit to at least five sessions in order to maximise potential results. The more acupuncture appointments that clients attend, the more likely they are to see long term results.
Treatments To Use With Acupuncture
It is crucial to instruct clients to see a GP before starting any new treatment, including acupuncture. This conversation will determine their suitability (or lack thereof) for acupuncture, and any other treatments and interventions that may benefit their condition. That being said, if they are in excruciating pain and suspect it is negatively affecting their health, it is imperative that you instruct your clients to seek medical attention. However, there are cases where certain conditions have benefited from acupuncture in conjunction with other treatments. We have listed a few interventions which can work well in conjunction with acupuncture below:
- Medications
- Physiotherapy
- Chiropractic
- Osteopathy
- Massage
- Exercise
As an acupuncture professional, it’s important to be aware of alternative interventions so that you can properly make clients aware of alternative options, as well as complimentary treatments that may increase their results.
However, don’t forget that success is relative, and don’t underestimate the power of acupuncture. Whilst it may not be right for everyone, acupuncture has the potential to make the lives of those living with pain a little bit better, naturally. Even if it’s only temporary and ongoing treatment is required.
Acupuncture Courses at Breeze Academy
Breeze Academy, one of the UK’s leading CPD providers, offers a range of acupuncture or dry needling courses for healthcare professionals. Choose from beginner foundation courses, or more specialised courses for nurses, midwives, dentists, and acupuncture for women’s health.