Is anyone else a little hesitant about the thought of someone putting bunches of tiny needles into our bodies? To me, the thought isn’t exactly exciting, but as I put together a list of healing treatments I’m intent on trying in 2019, acupuncture somehow appeared at the top of my list. The positive testimonials of this practice are seemingly abundant, yet I was still a bit nervous to jump in head first (rightfully so, I might add…needles are not really my thing). After researching and entering the acupuncture rabbit hole for hours, I decided to reach out to the expert herself, Rose Goodman, for the truths behind this alternative measure of healing.
What exactly is acupuncture, and how is it related to Traditional Chinese Medicine?
During a treatment, hair-fine needles are placed at specific points on the body to increase circulation, release blockages and encourage a harmonious flow of life-force or Qi (pronounced chee) throughout the body. The idea is to restore the body’s innate intelligence to balance and energize itself.
Acupuncture is a single branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is a complete system of medical treatment that’s thousands of years old. Other branches include herbal medicine, cupping, qi gong, nutrition, and chi nei tsang (abdominal qi massage).
What are the benefits?
Regular acupuncture treatments are beneficial for preventative health and longevity as well as relieving current symptomatic complaints and pain. Benefits of treatment are holistic; while you come in for back pain, other (seemingly unrelated) symptoms are often relieved as well. You may start to sleep deeply, notice your headaches are subsiding, feel less anxious, have more energy, observe improved concentration, and start to see improvements in your digestive system.
Is acupuncture painful?
Treatment is usually painless – if you do have some sensation it’s usually only as the needles are inserted, and it typically feels more like a mosquito bite rather than an injection.
Are there risks and side effects associated with treatment?
Acupuncture is effective, has an exceptionally low risk of experiencing side effects, and is not addictive.
What is the most surprising part about the treatment?
Many people are surprised to discover how relaxing and calming acupuncture can actually be! It’s absolutely worth a try if you’re considering it.
Rose Goodman, L.Ac, is an Acupuncture and Integrative Medicine Physician, licensed in California with a Masters degree in Traditional Oriental Medicine. She has developed a dynamic health system that integrates Acupuncture, Taoist Internal Alchemy, advanced technologies for lymphatic activation and cellular renewal, and sound healing. Her methodology is aimed at catalyzing sustainable health transformations, resolving stress and trauma and cultivating longevity. Rose has a private clinic in Santa Monica, California, as well as hosting intensive treatment programs in Costa Rica, New York & London. She has been practicing around the works for over a decade, and loves working with people to find balance, clarity and live activated, well-nourished lives within the complexity of the modern world.