Many western therapists have surrendered to the concept of acupuncture and accepted it as a way to stimulate the nerves, tissue and muscles of the body. The practice rekindles the body's activity and is a natural painkiller to normalize the rate of flow of blood to the various parts of the body.

Acupuncture and the Needle Technique

The acupuncture procedure involves using a set of disposable stainless steel needles. The needles vary in size and thickness. The short ones are useful for the area near the face and the eyes and longer ones for fleshy regions.

Chronic diseases do not subside with simple acupuncture needles; an alteration in the needles helps in generating stronger stimulation. Ancient therapies of acupuncture consist of using hot needles and hook needles for patients with persistent problems. People who do not have a chronic disease should refrain from using these needles unnecessarily and follow the recommendations of their physician.

The Painless Procedure of Acupuncture

The acupuncturist carefully pricks the pressure points in the body with the needles. The patient might encounter sensations of numbness or soreness in the areas where the therapist pinches the skin with the needles, which is a normal reaction of the body to foreign intrusion. Other than that, there is no excruciating pain.

The vibrations that the body goes through are subjective and vary according to the patient's endurance level and the technique. The calming effect of acupuncture helps the patient to fall asleep during the course of treatment. Acupuncture does not involve the use of drugs or medications of any kind.

Things to Be Aware Of About Acupuncture

Acupuncture's health care system is extremely safe and has no side effects. The number of sessions and technique are adjustable according to the body's response to the ‘piercing' treatment and the severity of the symptoms the body displays.  However, there are certain precautions to bear in mind:

• A person should discuss his condition with a reputable health care practitioner and ask for advice about using the treatment of acupuncture
• The acupuncturist should be a licensed professional who knows the art of needles. Not just anyone can perform acupuncture; non-professional acupuncturist might mistreat the patient with incorrect usage of points, this can have damaging effects on the patient
• Patients who have certain skin disorders or infections should not opt for acupuncture
• Expecting mothers should consult their doctors as acupuncture might stimulate an early delivery
• Acupuncture in Toronto is not meant for people who are prone to rupturing of the skin
• Make sure that the needles are of a good quality, are properly sterilized and disposable