Pain is one way of knowing that there is something wrong with the body. Without pain, the individual may be seriously suffering from a serious condition but has no knowledge of it. Once the problem has been taken care of, the pain usually goes away but what if the pain persists? This is what doctors call chronic pain in Hawaii. Sometimes there are identifiable causes for the pain but most of the time it is unknown. Fortunately, there are many ways of relieving pain through physical therapy, pain relievers or acupuncture.
Acupuncture is the Chinese traditional method from thousands of years ago and has been proven effective to treat pain. It is based on the theory that an imbalance of chi will result in illness both in body and mind. Acupuncture returns the balance of chi with the use of needles in different parts of the body. Nowadays, acupuncture is no longer exclusive for the Chinese and other Asian believers of the treatment since the Western World has also come to recognize the importance of acupuncture in pain management. Acupuncture has been made legal and that includes the state of Hawaii where there are certified acupuncturists that have completed the required education and training on traditional Chinese medicine.
Is acupuncture really effective? Chronic Pain in Hawaii is not the only ailment successfully addressed by acupuncture; other ailments like addiction, menstrual cramps, headaches, osteoarthritis and pain associated with post surgery are also effectively relieved by this method of treatment. Nobody can say what happens to the body after the needles are placed at different points but based on theories it increases the release of endorphins that reduces the body’ pain. Acupuncture makes a significant difference in the life of patients who have enjoyed long term relief from their pain due to the alternative pain management.
Is acupuncture safe? Generally acupuncture is safe as long as it is done properly. It is to safeguard the health and safety of patients that Hawaii requires formal education and training for acupuncturists before they are given the license to perform acupuncture in Hawaii. Acupuncture does not have any side effects as it is a non invasive form of treatment. Some acupuncturists use traditional herbal medicine and massage in providing treatment.
You may want to pick out the acupuncturists that combine traditional Chinese treatment methods with Western medicine? The acupuncturist may request for blood sample test and laboratory results to make an effective treatment plan. If these tests are not enough, he may require for x-rays and ultrasound depending upon the extent of the pain. It is also important to ask how much the treatment costs but basically, acupuncture is affordable.
The acupuncturist will explain the process even before starting the treatment and will discuss the treatment plan that he finds to be effective for your condition. He would describe the technique; explain the need for herbal medicine including other equipment that will be used. In very rare cases, problems may occur but this is often due to unsterilized needles. A licensed acupuncturists know about the needs for safety hence they always make it a point to use a new pack of sterile needles.
