Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of healing known to humans. It originated in China nearly five thousand years ago, and has developed into a sophisticated, intelligent healing art. Acupuncture is a very safe, gentle modality that involves inserting extremely fine needles into specific locations on the body to alleviate pain and stimulate the body’s inherent healing system.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that originated in China over 5,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that living beings have a vital energy, called “qi”, that circulates through twelve invisible energy lines known as meridians on the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system. An imbalance in the flow of qi throughout a meridian is how disease begins.
The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system.
The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.
How does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture treats health conditions by stimulating “acu-points” found at specific locations on the surface of the body. Acupuncturists stimulate the acu-points by inserting very thin needles through the skin to produce physiological effects. Other methods are also used to stimulate acu-points, such as heat or finger-pressure.
The general theory of acupuncture is that proper physiological function and health depend on the circulation of nutrients, substances and energy called Qi (pronounced “chee”) through a network of “channels” or “meridians.” This network connects every organ and part of the body, providing balance, regulation and coordination of physiological processes.
Pain and ill-health result when the flow of Qi through the body is disrupted or blocked by many things, including disease, pathogens, trauma/injuries and medication (side-effects), as well as lifestyle factors such as overwork, poor diet, emotions, lack of rest and stress. Stimulation of the appropriate acu-points through acupuncture treatments helps to restore sufficient, continuous and even flow of Qi and other nutrients throughout the body, thereby restoring health and balance to the body, while relieving pain and other symptoms.
I’m afraid of needles. Does Acupuncture hurt?
Don’t worry. Acupuncture is used to quell pain, not cause it, and only a few people out of a thousand have any problem with the treatments. This is because the needles usually create only about as much pain as a mosquito bite, which lasts for only a second or so.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture has been shown to be extremely safe when given by a qualified and licensed acupuncturist. Risks include fainting, mild discomfort, bruising and possible infection. As for the latter two, because these are tiny, solid stainless steel needles, the risk of either bleeding or infection is lower with acupuncture.
What are the Acupuncture Benefits?
Acupuncture therapy is considered to be one of the most popular methods of healing the body. You will find an acupuncture clinic in almost every major city of a nation. In spite of it being full of controversies, there are many benefits linked to it. Some of the benefits are listed below:
Drug-Free Healing: Acupuncture therapy does not use any kind of drugs in order to heal the body. It is a drug-free approach of curbing health related problems. The drugs may contain harmful chemicals which may cause additional damage to the body.
Provides Energy: Acupuncture therapy is known to be extremely instrumental in providing energy and strength to the patient. After the therapy is over, the patient feels re-energized and accumulates strength.
Builds Immunity: Acupuncture therapy is believed to develop and boost immunity into the patient. The patient will be less susceptible to diseases if acupuncture therapy is done on a regular basis.
Improves Blood Circulation: Acupuncture therapy is also known to improve the blood flow in the body. Due to this, the person will be able to live a much healthier life and be away from harmful conditions.
Fights Harmful Diseases at a Quick Pace: Acupuncture therapy claims to heal various dangerous diseases after a few sessions. Some of these diseases include:
Depression
Angina
Vertigo
High Blood Pressure
Inflammation
Obesity
Bodily pains
Therefore, based on the above mentioned benefits of acupuncture, it is a therapy which is worth considering for overall health improvement as well as treatment of various health conditions.