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If this video represents your idea of what acupuncture is like, I can understand why you might be a little hesitant to try it.  But acupuncture, at least the way it is practiced in most acupuncture clinics in the United States, is usually a much more comfortable (and safe) process than what you might imagine, and whais portrayed humorously in the video.

While there are exceptions to every rule, most acupuncture clinics are very professional and clean.  The majority of acupuncturists now use disposable needles that are fresh out of steril packages to be used on each patient so there is no risk of cross-contamination. 

 While many people fear the needles because they think that they will be painful, acupuncture is actually pretty comfortable for the most part because the needles are extremely thin.  There may be a brief sting on some of the needle placements, but once the needles are in, you probably won’t feel them at all (despite the scary scenes in the video, you’ll notice that the patient doesn’t seem to be in any pain).

As with any treatment, acupuncture works great for some people, and not as well, or not at all for others.  In my opinion, it is a pretty reliable treatment for most types of pain, including headaches, back pain, and even dental pain (I know several people wo have had dental work done with only acupuncture for anaesthesia).  In addition, it can be an effective form of treatment for a wide variety of health problems, and while certain conditions and patients tend to respond better to other forms of treatment in my experience, acupuncture is always on my list as an option to recommend.

If you are considering acupuncture, I have a couple of tips for choosing an acupuncturist.  First, whenever possible, try to get a referral from a friend who has had a good experience.  Second, try to set up time to simply talk with the acupuncturist by phone or in person before you commit to getting treated.  Because many of the most experienced acupuncturists are immigrants from Asia, be prepared for the fact that he or she might have a rather thick accent and/or use a translator.  If the language barrier is too great for you to feel comfortable with that particular acupuncturist, then it probably is best to find someone you can communicate with more easily. 

Believe it or not, acupuncture treatment is actually quite relaxing for most people once they get past their initial fears.

 Stay tuned to my natural remedies blog for more on acupuncture and other alternative medicine approaches.

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