There are More than 2,000 Acupuncture Points
To say there are a lot of acupuncture points would be an understatement. Practitioners of this popular form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have identified more than 2,000 acupuncture points, each of which has it’s own specific uses.
It Doesn’t Hurt and is Actually Relaxing
The thought of being poked with needles may discourage some people from seeking acupuncture, fearing it will cause pain and discomfort. On the contrary, though, most people find acupuncture to be painless and even comforting. The "needles" are the size of a human hair - to give you some perspective - they're one eighteenth the size of the needles used to draw blood. Of course, choosing the right practitioner will go a long ways in creating a comfortable, painless experience that is actually extremely relaxing. Most of my patients fall asleep during their treatments and say it's very relaxing.
Acupuncture Has Been Around for Thousands of Years
You might be surprised to learn that acupuncture has been around for thousands of years. According to some reports, the first documentation of acupuncture was in The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine, which was published around 100 BC. Acupuncture has since gone through countless changes, although its fundamental principle remains the same: to treat and prevent adverse conditions by promoting balance, activating your calm nervous system (the body can't heal unless its in the "parasympathetic" nervous system mode, and activating the body's natural healing mechanisms.
Acupuncture is Regulated
Acupuncture is regulated in the U.S., U.K., China, Japan, Australia and many other countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) even recommends acupuncturists receive at least 2,500 hours of training in a four-year Masters Degree program - this is required in the U.S. Now there is even a more advanced Doctorate in Acupuncture which Dr. Annie received in 2014.
Acupuncture Treats Everything from Pain to Infertility
One of the great things about acupuncture is the simple fact that it can be used to treat a variety of diseases and adverse conditions, ranging from chronic pain and inflammation to nausea, heartburn, acid reflux and even infertility. It’s this sheer versatility that has made it such a popular form of TCM. Even after all of those years since it was first invented, acupuncture remains a popular, time-tested treatment that’s sought after by millions of men and women.
These were just Five Fun Facts About Acupuncture but there are many more! Make an appointment today and see how well acupuncture can work for you, too.