Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture therapy that involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to alleviate pain, treat various medical conditions, and promote overall health and wellness.
How Can Acupuncture Help?
Some of the benefits of acupuncture include:
- Pain relief: Acupuncture is effective in reducing chronic pain, such as lower back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis.
- Stress reduction: Acupuncture can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by promoting relaxation and balancing the body's energy.
- Improved sleep: Acupuncture can help improve the quality of sleep and alleviate insomnia.
- Boosted immunity: Acupuncture can help boost the immune system and prevent illnesses.
- Improved digestion: Acupuncture can help alleviate digestive issues, such as constipation, bloating, and acid reflux.
- Fertility support: Acupuncture can help increase fertility and support conception for both men and women.
These are some of the benefits of acupuncture, but it's important to note that results may vary from person to person and that it should be used in conjunction with other treatments.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
The action of using acupuncture needles stimulates or regulates the life energy known as ‘Chi’ or ‘Qi’, which flows along channels, called Meridians, beneath the surface of the skin.
Computer imaging during acupuncture shows increased activity in various regions and structures within the brain[1]. Research shows that stimulating an acupuncture point causes increased production of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) and balances the immune and endocrine systems[2]. With data received for a total of 20,827 patients from 39 trials, evidence of Acupuncture for treating non-specific musculoskeletal pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headache, or shoulder pain was found[3].
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published support for the use of both traditional Chinese and Western acupuncture for chronic pain.
Patients often report a general feeling of calmness following acupuncture.
References:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1193550/