Acupuncture is a healing practice that has been around for more than 3,500 years. It can be used to treat many types of pain and promote overall wellness.
Despite its numerous benefits, acupuncture is often misunderstood because it isn’t what many consider a “modern” medical practice. At Dixon Chiropractic, we see first-hand how effective acupuncture can be. Here are some of the most common myths about acupuncture — and the truth behind them.
Myth 1: Acupuncture is a painful practice
Since acupuncture uses needles, many assume it must be painful. In reality, the needles are extremely thin — nearly as fine as human hair. You may feel a slight prick at insertion, but it quickly fades. Dr. Ashley Dixon carefully places the needles in precise points, and most patients experience only mild sensations such as heaviness or a tingling energy (Qi), which indicate the body’s healing response.
Myth 2: Acupuncture is not a legitimate health care procedure
Because acupuncture is ancient, some think it must be outdated or ineffective. The truth is that acupuncture is recognized worldwide as a valid treatment method. Many hospitals even offer acupuncture to support patients with various conditions and for overall wellness.
Myth 3: Acupuncture always involves needles
Thanks to technological innovation, laser acupuncture is now available. This method uses low-intensity laser light to stimulate traditional acupuncture points without the use of needles.
Myth 4: Acupuncture disrupts your daily routine with side effects
Some believe acupuncture has many side effects and requires recovery time. In fact, acupuncture has very few to no side effects, and patients are usually able to resume normal activities immediately after treatment.
Myth 5: Acupuncture can only treat physical pain
Acupuncture is not limited to pain relief. It can help with a wide variety of conditions, including:
- Allergies and asthma
- Back, knee, and joint pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Menstrual cramps
- Hypertension
- Anxiety and depression
Myth 6: Acupuncture always delivers immediate results
Acupuncture is not an instant fix. Some patients notice improvements after just three sessions, while others may need up to ten sessions. Dr. Ashley Dixon will monitor your progress and adjust treatment to your individual response.
Experience the Benefits of Acupuncture
Now that these common myths are debunked, it’s clear that acupuncture can provide meaningful benefits for a wide range of conditions. At Dixon Chiropractic, we also offer moxibustion — the burning of dried plant material (“moxa”) on the skin — which, like acupuncture, supports the flow of Qi and overall wellness.