Ms. Melisa Skyrm, MAC LAC

In many instances, acupuncture can help with shoulder pain, especially for strain or frozen shoulder. Limitations could be if there is a complete tear in the shoulder.

Many people feel changes during the first treatment. This will include feelings of more relaxation, less stress and ability to rest more deeply at night. There should be a change in the headaches even if that change only lasts for a few hours. To have more continuous improvement with the headache it will take a series of treatments. On average it can take about six treatments. Sometimes there are other reasons for the headache such as dietary considerations, stress management or postural considerations. This is something that the practitioner will go over.

Sometimes there is bruising at the sights of the needles. Certain points can remain achy for up to a day or two. If you feel muscle aches this can be part of the detoxification process. I would suggest following up with the practitioner as there are many different techniques done with acupuncture. This can include washer, cupping moxibustion or chines medical massage. The acupuncturist will have a better idea of what is common based on the treatment that they provided to you.

Many people go right back to work after an acupuncture treatment. Some people find that they like to rest or take a nap after a treatment. This can vary from person to person. I always recommend that my patients stay hydrated and eat clean after an acupuncture treatment.

Acupuncture can be very effective in helping treat anxiety. A good practitioner will also go over other things such as diet, sleep schedule and meditation or mindfulness exercises.

I would suggest that you contact your practitioner who provided you with acupressure. I am an acupuncturist. Dengue is a condition from the tropics that can cause many people to feel very sick. Usually, we do not do any types of massage when a person is very ill.

Some people argue that acupuncture is just a placebo. There has been research done with functional MRIs and acupuncture. Different areas of the brain light up during the fMRI’s when acupuncture needles are used. Animals or pets receive acupuncture from trained veterinarians and have positive results from the treatments. Young children receive acupuncture and have positive results as well. A placebo effect would be difficult to explain in either group.

Melisa Skyrm, M.Ac, L. Ac.