Last week, I mentioned Sciatica and how yoga stretches were one way that I have personally received relief from the pain. It is a great way to loosen up muscles and use breathing treatments to offset the side effects of the condition. However some people I speak to are often worried about stretching incorrectly or they are not mobile enough to jump into an exercise routine. There are other options that may be less aggressive. One treatment concept to consider is acupuncture.
Originated in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used holistic medical procedures in the world. You may think that poking a needle into your skin would hurt a lot, but the treatments cause a variety of sensations including warmth and pressure. Acupuncture points are actually believed to be points that allow entry into channels in the body. This is designed to increase, decrease or redirect Qi (or Chi) and restore balance on an emotional spiritual and even physical level.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine technique that is used to treat all kinds of ailments. You will find success stories for many conditions. Some of the most popular conditions include: Body aches and pains, Sinus Problems, Chronic Fatigue & Insomnia, Joint Pain, Back/Neck Pain, Stress, Digestive Disorders, Migraines, fertility and of course sciatica.
How does Acupuncture work?
According to experts, Chinese medicine states that the body is interconnected which means no one part can be separated from another. Acupuncture treatments are focused upon identifying specific imbalances in the muscles and the body as a whole. Correcting the imbalance encourages self-healing of the body. The most common imbalance in acute sciatica is Qi and blood stagnation in the back channels. When this occurs, pain is felt most frequently in the lumbar, hips and pelvis areas. This is where chronic sufferers can experience muscle spasms and shooting pain most common with acute sciatica.
Taking time out to focus on your health is not always easy. As the founder of Creative Choice Group in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, I will admit that my time is a precious commodity. But I have found that the average acupuncture session is about 30 minutes. You may actually find you have plenty of time to work in a treatment over lunch and maybe even squeeze in a healthy salad on your way back.
When scheduling your first appointment, here are a few do’s and don’ts recommended by Acupuncturists:
- Eat before your appointment
- Wear comfortable clothing to help with relaxation
- Avoid heavy exercise immediately after your session
- Track your pain levels to help guide your follow-up appointments.
Don’t be afraid to take a “stab” at eliminating your back and leg pain. Acupuncture treatments can help to reprogram the muscles to stay relaxed. No need to spend your day on pins and needles anymore!
*Source: AlbanAcupuncture.com