Acupuncture is a 3,000 year old healing method. Its effectiveness has been widely documented by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. Many health insurance plans cover acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture is most often used to treat pain. Its history dates back to Mao Zedong’s Cultural Revolution, when he promoted the practice. Today, acupuncture is an accepted alternative medicine in many countries. However, there are some safety precautions involved. Acupuncture has some potential risks for those with bleeding disorders and those on blood thinners. It can also increase pain and discomfort at the site of insertion. In addition, unsterile needles may break, infect the patient, and damage internal organs. For these reasons, acupuncture should be performed by a qualified professional only. It should not be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments. Acupuncture practitioners are trained to administer the treatment, and all practitioners must be licensed. Acupuncture is based on the philosophy of the ancient Chinese people who believed that the universe and body are comprised of yin and yang. The flow of qi in the body helps keep the yin and yang forces in balance. The blockage of this energy can cause illness or pain. Acupuncture works to release blocked qi and encourage the body’s natural healing process. While acupuncture is safe for the body, there are some risks associated with it. Acupuncture can cause bruising and bleeding, and can interfere with the functioning of a pacemaker. Certain types of acupuncture may even lead to premature delivery. Before you schedule an appointment, it’s important to research acupuncture. If you have a bleeding disorder or a blood thinner, you’ll need to talk with your doctor about alternative treatment options. Acupuncture uses very thin metal needles to clear energy channels. The practitioner selects the locations based on a network of meridians that encircles the body like lines of longitude. Acupuncture is a staple of traditional Chinese medicine. According to the philosophy, the human body is a delicate balance of two forces called yin and yang. When the forces are out of balance, disease and illness results. While acupuncture can be relaxing, patients should get a ride home after a session. Afterwards, they should rest for five to 10 minutes before driving. Acupuncture sessions usually last about an hour. It’s important to avoid driving after acupuncture sessions. If you have any other health issues, it is recommended to seek medical advice. You can also go online to learn more about acupuncture. Acupuncture involves inserting filiform needles through the skin. These are different from hypodermic needles, which are hollow. In acupuncture, these needles are made of stainless steel, but can be gold. It is based on the jing luo channel network theory, which describes how Qi flows through the body. Acupuncture practitioners use these channels to stimulate certain points in the body.