Acupuncture is an alternative treatment method that originated in China and then gradually became popular in Europe, the United States, and Canada as a means to promote health and well-being. The Chinese method of treatment believes that a type of life force, popularly called qui, flows through energy pathways in the body, known as meridians, with each meridian corresponding to a group of organs. According to Chinese medicine, health and wellness is the result of proper flow of qui, which, in turn, helps maintain a balance between yang and yin – found in everything in nature.
Any disease in the body is due to the imbalance of qui. Acupuncture helps restore the balance with the use of needles, which are inserted at points along the energy pathways by an acupuncturist. In the human body, there are about 400 acupuncture points, of which 20 are connected with the meridian. Acupuncture, is a popular treatment method for muscular disorders, including sciatica, neck pain, frozen shoulder, back pain, bursitis and tendonitis, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and even tennis elbow.
The Peninsula Medical School, Plymouth, and the University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers analyzed a number of studies on acupuncture, revealing that the popular Chinese practice of medicine worked effectively for treating low back pain and provided “true pain relief.” Researchers found that acupuncture offered definite pain relief in the short-term, which sustained over the longer term. However, more studies are under way to establish the long-term benefits of acupuncture.
Acupuncture Uses
According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, it is effective for treating nausea and vomiting after surgery or chemotherapy, migraine headache, anxiety, insomnia, different type of musculoskeletal problems, neurological problems and many acute and common chronic illnesses. Many people try acupuncture when other treatment fails to fix certain serious medical problem.
As per beaumont.edu, acupuncture is used in the treatment for toothaches, ringing in the ears, laryngitis, sore throat, digestive disorders, acid reflux, gastritis, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, diarrhea, respiratory disorders, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, skin rashes, cold extremities, infertility, urinary and gynecological disorders. Besides, it is being increasingly used for the treatment for psycho-emotional disorders, including acupuncture for anxiety, stress and tension, insomnia, and depression.
Bottom Line
Some patients might experience minor discomfort while the needles are at work. However, generally, the needles are sterile and disposable and do not cause much pain. A small bruise might appear at the site where the needle is used, while sometimes the patient might experience worsened symptoms, ranging from a few hours to few days, immediately following the first or second treatment. However, there isn’t anything to worry, as this is a clear indication that the treatment is beginning to work. As a result, you might feel a boost of energy or a sense of deep relaxation, feeling the need for a sound sleep.
References
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/acupuncture-000345.htm
http://www.beaumont.edu/integrative-medicine-acupuncture
http://www.vpul.upenn.edu/shs/acupuncture.php
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