1. It's just a placebo effect.
Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to relax your nervous system and allow your body to release its own endorphins. Even if you don’t believe the process is working, there are physiological changes occurring in your body that are out of your control.
2. You can't move once the needles are in place.
It’s best not to move too much after the acupuncturist has inserted the needles, because movement can change the position of some of the needles, which may make you experience a slight pinching sensation. But there’s no problem if you need to adjust your body to be more comfortable.
3. The needles make you bleed.
There are capillaries all over the body, and yes, sometimes an acupuncture needle can nick them. But a cotton ball applied takes care of what is normally a tiny drop of blood.
4. The needles are long and are pushed deep.
Actually, acupuncture needles have different thicknesses and lengths. Most needles are inserted into the skin less than half an inch. And the needles are as thin as a strand of hair.
5. Needles + skin = no bueno.
Most people just feel a pinch but the needles are much finer than the ones that draw blood at your doctor's office.
6. The needles aren't sterile.
Acupuncture needles are one time use, made of stainless steel filiform needles and are disposable.
7. Acupuncture is only useful for treating pain.
According to the WHO, acupuncture can also treat a variety of conditions including, but not limited to: Gastrointestinal disorders, insomnia, menopausal symptoms, infertility, and various mental disorders.
8. You have to do acupuncture every day in order for it to work.
Once the needles are in, there’s a already a shift of energy happening in the body. The amount of treatments needed varies condition to condition and person to person. You should give it at least six visits.
9. Acupuncture is expensive and insurance doesn’t cover it.
Comparatively speaking, acupuncture is quite affordable. Also, when used as preventative medicine, ithe cost savings could be huge. In the last few years, more and more health insurance companies are now covering acupuncture, at least in part. Check with your insurance provider.
