Acupuncture, an old Chinese practice, treats medical conditions such as constipation, fatigue, depression and high blood pressure. Acupuncture consists of a session of approximately one-half to one hour, during which the patient lies relaxed on a bed while the practitioner inserts very thin needles in various parts of the body, including the neck, hands or feet, depending on the medical condition treated. Acupuncture can also treat shoulder pain.
Shoulder pain usually results from a combination of factors, both physical and psychical. Analyze what causes your shoulder pain. If you spend a lot of time in front of the computer or work several hours a day in an uncomfortable position, that might cause the shoulder pain. If you’re going through a stressful period, that also contributes to muscle pain.
Acupuncture will help your relax, which in turn will relieve your shoulder pain. The practitioner will stimulate acupuncture meridians in your first sessions to boost circulation in your painful area and cause the muscle to relax. First the acupuncturist applies heat to the painful area, then she will insert needles in your neck and shoulder muscle. Don’t be surprised if the acupuncturist also inserts needles in areas where you don’t have any problem. Acupuncturists believe different parts of the body communicate; therefore a needle inserted in your wrist might help with mental relaxation, for example.
Consult with your doctor before trying alternative medicine. Discuss all your symptoms and make sure your shoulder pain doesn’t indicate a more serious condition. If you experience loss of vision or speech at any time, you should definitely consult with your doctor to find out what’s causing all your symptoms.
If your doctor agrees to your trying acupuncture, find a qualified acupuncturist. An acupuncture session can prove quite expensive, and you’ll probably need more than one session. The price depends on the location and credentials of the acupuncturist. You can find a list of acupuncturists in your area on Acufinder Web (http://www.acufinder.com/). Ask your friends and coworkers if they know a good acupuncturist. Many people try alternative medicine, and it’s reassuring to go to a practitioner whom someone you trust has recommended.
You can get acupuncture training yourself if you find you need to undergo prolonged treatment. This will prove more time and cost effective. But don’t try acupuncture techniques by yourself without specialized training. You can find a list of acupuncture teachers and classes on Acufinder Web.
If you don’t get any results after several acupuncture sessions, consider going to your doctor again and looking deeper into your affliction. You can also try other alternative medicine options, but make sure they are safe, effective and provided by a licensed practitioner.