I remember one time when I went hiking with friends, and halfway up the mountain, my foot suddenly hurt severely, as if countless ants were biting the soles of my feet. At that moment, I squatted down and massaged my foot vigorously for a long time before the pain gradually eased. Later, I researched and found out that this might be due to prolonged walking causing blockage in the jingluo (meridians).
I suddenly recalled a principle in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): “If there is no flow, there is pain”. When the jingluo are blocked, the qi and xue (blood) cannot flow smoothly, leading to pain. Acupuncture works by stimulating acupuncture points to unblock the jingluo, achieving therapeutic effects.
How long should acupuncture actually last? This question does not have a fixed answer. Each person’s constitution and condition are different, and thus the required treatment time varies.
Generally speaking, first-time acupuncture recipients may feel that the duration is a bit long, or even somewhat unbearable. At this time, you can adjust the duration of acupuncture based on your feelings. If it feels comfortable, you can stay a little longer; if it feels tiring, you should shorten the time appropriately.
The frequency of acupuncture is also important. For first-time recipients, undergoing acupuncture 2-3 times a week is quite suitable. As the body adapts, the frequency can gradually increase, but the duration of each session should not be too long.
I also remember a time when a friend of mine received a week-long acupuncture treatment for headaches. After each session, he felt a significant reduction in headache and improved energy. This indicates that appropriate acupuncture treatment can effectively alleviate headache symptoms.
However, if the acupuncture duration is too long, it may also lead to some side effects, such as local bleeding or infection. Therefore, when receiving acupuncture treatment, it is essential to choose a reputable medical institution and an experienced acupuncturist.
In addition to the duration of acupuncture, several other factors can also affect the treatment’s effectiveness:
1. Selection of Acupuncture Points
Different acupuncture points correspond to different effects. Choosing the appropriate acupuncture points can allow acupuncture to work more precisely. Therefore, before receiving acupuncture treatment, it is best to consult a professional acupuncturist to select the appropriate points based on your specific situation.
2. Condition of Qi and Xue
Qi and xue are vital forces within the body, and the jingluo are the channels through which they flow. If there is insufficient qi or blockage in the jingluo, the effectiveness of acupuncture will be affected. Therefore, before receiving acupuncture treatment, ensure that your qi and xue are sufficient to allow acupuncture to work better.
3. Differences in Constitution
Everyone has a different constitution; some are more heat-prone, while others are more cold-prone. These differences can also affect the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment. Therefore, before receiving acupuncture treatment, it is important to understand your constitution to choose the most suitable acupuncture methods and duration.
Sometimes, I encounter friends who ask me, “Is acupuncture really effective?” I smile and reply, “Of course it is effective! However, the effects of acupuncture are not immediate; it requires a process.”
Just like learning TCM, it requires long-term accumulation and practice to truly grasp its essence. Acupuncture is the same. It stimulates acupuncture points, unblocks the jingluo, and allows qi and xue to flow smoothly, thus achieving the purpose of treating diseases and maintaining health.
However, I have also encountered friends who felt that the effects of acupuncture were not obvious after treatment. In such cases, I tell them, “This is not surprising. The effects of acupuncture vary from person to person and from time to time. Each person’s constitution and condition are different, so the effects of acupuncture will also differ.”
Therefore, if you want to try acupuncture treatment, be sure to choose a reputable medical institution and an experienced acupuncturist. Also, be prepared for long-term treatment and do not expect immediate results.
Finally, I want to say that acupuncture is not a panacea. While it can alleviate some pain and symptoms, it cannot replace medication and other treatment methods. When receiving acupuncture treatment, it is also important to combine it with lifestyle habits and dietary adjustments for comprehensive body conditioning.
For example, you can eat more foods rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vegetables and fruits; at the same time, maintain moderate exercise to strengthen your constitution; avoid staying up late and excessive fatigue, and ensure adequate sleep.
Acupuncture is a very effective TCM treatment method, but it also needs to be tailored to individuals and situations. If you are interested in acupuncture, you might want to give it a try and see if it suits you. Remember, a healthy lifestyle and a positive mindset are the keys to pursuing health!