Probable Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a non-pharmacological treatment for multiple disorders. It is mainly safe. The blog mainly focuses on the positive benefits of acupuncture.  

Acupuncture is a system of medical treatment that is based on teh principle of applying pressure or thin needles to specific points in teh body. The origin of this therapy is grounded in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM theory and practice are not based upon scientific knowledge, and acupuncture is a pseudoscience. Various techniques vary according to the different countries. It is mainly used for pain relief, though it is also used for a wide range of other conditions. Acupuncture is mainly used in combination with other treatments. The majority of the people who seek out acupuncture do so for musculoskeletal problems, including low back pain, shoulder stiffness, and knee pain.

Method of treatment

Acupuncture is the process of inserting thin needles into the skin. According to the physicians, the patient should lie still while approximately five to twenty needles are inserted; for the majority of cases, the needles will be left in place for ten to twenty minutes. It can be associated with the application of heat, pressure, or laser light. Classically, acupuncture is individualized and based on philosophy and intuition, and not on scientific research. There is also a non-invasive therapy developed in early 20th-century Japan using an elaborate set of “needles” for the treatment of children.

The skin is sterilized, and needles are inserted with a plastic guide tube. Needles may be manipulated in various ways, including spinning, flicking, or moving up and down relative to the skin. Since most pain is felt in superficial layers of the skin, a quick insertion of the needle is recommended. Often, the needles are stimulated by hand in order to cause a dull, localized, aching sensation that is called de qi, as well as needle grasp, a tugging feeling felt by the acupuncturist and generated by a mechanical interaction between the needle and skin. Acupuncture can be painful. The skill level of the acupuncturist may influence how painful the needle insertion is, and a sufficiently skilled practitioner may be able to insert the needles without causing any pain.

Benefits of Acupuncture:

Acupuncture is used to treat various disorders, from emotional disorders to digestive complaints. Various disorders which can be treated by acupuncture are as follows:

1. Lowers stress and anxiety: If you suffer from stress and anxiety, and don’t want to go on medications, acupuncture can be your saviour. Research says that acupuncture slows the production of stress hormones in the body. Another study reveals that acupuncture lowers anxiety by affecting how it triggers the stress hormone.
2. Reduces pain and inflammation: According to the American Pain Society, acupuncture is mentioned as an effective treatment option for those dealing with chronic pain, neck and low back pain, migraines, and pain related to osteoarthritis. However, it’s still not understood how acupuncture helps to control pain. It is believed that acupuncture triggers your nervous system to release natural pain-relieving chemicals, like opioid pain relievers (morphine). But it is always important to consult a healthcare specialist if you develop chronic pain so that your healthcare provider can rule out any severe condition that may require immediate medical attention. Acupuncture therapy is also helpful in lowering inflammation and may be used to treat inflammatory conditions such as hay fever.
3. Releases tight muscles and prevents sports injury: Acupuncture can be beneficial for those who struggle with muscle tightness and pain during or after exercise. The therapy improves blood circulation to muscle tissues. Overuse, poor posture or structural issues may tighten your muscles. These tight muscles pull on tendons and joints, which causes pain, and this sometimes leads to an injury. Acupuncture is helpful in relieving muscle tightness and preventing injury by releasing areas of constriction in the affected muscle area. These areas are often referred to as knots. When these knots become tight or hyperirritable, they can cause pain in other areas of the body. Now, this pain from trigger points can develop the symptoms of chronic pain conditions, including shoulder pain, migraines, or headaches.
4. Relieves menstrual cramps: During menstruation, acupuncture therapy can provide some relief from cramps, helping you continue your workouts uninterrupted by pain. Therapy works to reduce menstrual pain by keeping menstrual cramps under control. It can also help with:

• • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Parkinson’s disorder
  • Gynecologic disorders
  • Infertility
  • Fatigue
  • Addictions

Some research has shown that acupuncture can help improve the condition of cognitive impairment. It is very useful in treating age-related or disease-related cognitive decline by stimulating a neural response in areas of the brain, such as the putamen and the thalamus, that are particularly affected by Parkinson’s disease. The needles stimulate specific points, which help manage various disorders. Acupuncture releases the blocked qi in the body and stimulates function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. By stimulating the body’s key points, acupuncture helps resolve pain and improve sleep, digestive function, and overall well-being.

Safety

Acupuncture is generally safe when it is performed by an experienced, appropriately trained practitioner using clean needles and sterile single-use needles. When improperly delivered, it can cause adverse effects. Accidents and infections are associated with infractions of sterile technique or neglect on the part of the practitioner. To reduce the risk of serious adverse events after acupuncture, the clinicians should be experienced and well-trained. If it is not done properly, the following side effects can be experienced by the patients:

• • Worsening the symptoms
  • Fatigue
  • Soreness
  • Bruising
  • Muscle twitching
  • Lightheadedness
  • Emotional release

Conclusion

Acupuncture offers something for everyone, from fitness junkies to homemakers. The therapy can ease muscle tightness and ease pain, speed up exercise recovery and enhance performance.  It is relatively safe and complication-free. It is very useful and can treat various problems without any side effects. For your safety, you must consult a trained and experienced acupuncturist for the treatment.