Source: Acupuncture Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Liu Fan
Scientific Guidance: Acupuncture Department, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Wu Jiaping
The spectrum of diseases treated by acupuncture encompasses internal, external, gynecological, and pediatric conditions. Due to its “simplicity, convenience, effectiveness, and affordability”, it is widely favored by patients.
In common parlance, “acupuncture” generally refers to needle therapy, colloquially known as “sticking needles.” The ancient character for “needle” is “鍼” (zhēn), with the radical for metal being “咸” (xián). The commentary on the hexagram “Xian” in the Book of Changes states: “Xian means to feel… Heaven and Earth feel and all things are born; the sage feels the human heart and the world is at peace.” Feeling refers to interaction and resonance; in fact, acupuncture treatment is a process of interaction and communication between doctor and patient. Only with good cooperation from both sides can satisfactory treatment results be achieved.
To enhance the effectiveness of acupuncture, what preparations should we make before and after treatment? How should we cooperate? Let’s take a look together!
Understand the basic treatment process of acupuncture, including obtaining Qi (得气, dé qì), treatment course, treatment frequency, needle retention time, and needle fainting.
Acupuncture Tips: Obtaining Qi:
Refers to the sensations felt by the patient after needle insertion at the acupuncture point, such as soreness, numbness, distension, heaviness, or sensations of heat, cold, itchiness, twitching, ant-like crawling, or other needle sensations that are transmitted and spread. (Note: Not every patient will experience these sensations at every acupuncture point.)
Acupuncture Treatment Course:
There are generally no specific regulations; it is usually determined based on the specific disease and the patient’s recovery condition.
Treatment Frequency:
Generally, acupuncture treatment frequency is 2 to 3 times per week; for acute conditions, daily treatment may also be appropriate.
Needle Retention Time:
Retention time depends on the patient’s condition; typically, fine needles are retained for 20 to 30 minutes, and there are cases where needles are not retained, such as with Qi Huang needles, blade needles, and small needle knives.
Needle Fainting Reaction:
During acupuncture, patients may experience dizziness, nausea, palpitations, pallor, sweating, or even fainting. (Note: Needle fainting often occurs when patients are overly tense or in a fasting state; there is no need to panic, as symptoms generally resolve within a few minutes.)
Electroacupuncture Therapy:
This treatment method involves passing a low-frequency pulse current, close to the body’s bioelectricity, through the fine needles inserted into acupuncture points, which may cause local muscle twitching, a normal phenomenon.
During acupuncture treatment, it is advisable to wear loose-fitting, open-front clothing that is comfortable and has a low neckline.
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Avoid excessive emotional tension before acupuncture; you can adjust your physical and mental state through calming breathing exercises before treatment.
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Do not undergo acupuncture when overly hungry, overly full, overly fatigued, or intoxicated.
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It is recommended to empty the bladder before acupuncture treatment to avoid discomfort during needle retention.
Calm the Mind:
During needle retention, avoid using your phone; it is recommended to close your eyes and focus on feeling the changes in your body, practicing breathing exercises to enhance the therapeutic effect.
Avoid Movement:
During acupuncture, maintain a comfortable and natural position; avoid moving the area where the needle is inserted during retention to prevent adverse outcomes such as needle breakage or displacement injuring tissues.
Avoid Burns:
When using moxibustion or a lamp, maintain a comfortable warmth in the area; if the temperature feels too high, promptly inform the doctor for adjustment to avoid burns. If the patient has reduced skin sensation, it is even more important to inform the doctor in advance to prevent unnoticed burns.
01Careful Inspection:
After needle removal, check for any retained needles, bleeding at the acupuncture points, or subcutaneous bleeding. Minor bleeding at the acupuncture points after needle removal is normal; it is recommended to apply pressure with a cotton swab for 2 to 3 minutes.
02Infection Prevention:
Generally, do not allow the acupuncture points to come into contact with water for 2 hours after treatment. If using fire needles, buried threads, or bloodletting, do not wet the acupuncture points on the same day to avoid infection.
03Avoid Cold:
After acupuncture, do not immediately take a shower, wash your hair, swim, or expose yourself to cold water, wind, or air conditioning, as this may lead to external symptoms or exacerbation of symptoms.
04Rest Adequately:
After acupuncture, you may engage in gentle stretching activities, drink warm water, and it is advisable to rest adequately, avoiding vigorous exercise and social drinking.
[Department Introduction]
Introduction to the Acupuncture Department of Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (Click to learn more)
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