Well to start off, if you never heard of acupuncture, here’s a simple explanation.
Acupuncture is a healing method that involves using very thin needles (hair-thin) by inserting them into a person’s skin at specific spots on the body called „acupuncture points “.
Now, what’s the science behind acupuncture?
Or how is stabbing needles into someone gonna help?
Well, don’t worry we got you covered. There are 2 ways to explain acupuncture.
- Since this technique originated in China, the Chinese medical practitioners explain acupuncture as returning the energy flow of Qi (life force) into its proper balance. Qi flows through meridians (pathways) in the human body. These meridians are approachable from about 361 points in the body (acupuncture points). After inserting needles in those points, they are left to stay there for about 5 to 20 minutes. In some cases, the needles are heated or stimulated with electricity after insertion.
2. Neuroscience explains acupuncture as placing the needles at the nerves, muscles and where a lot of mass cells are so that it helps with the circulation and so the body would release its natural pain killers which in turn helps relax the nervous system and increase blood flow. The body releases its natural chemicals as the needles are actually damaging the body and so the body in return speeds up the healing process.
Now, what does acupuncture heal and what effects does it have on the body?
Controlled clinical studies have shown that acupuncture has been successful in treating the next diseases, symptoms, conditions:
· Headaches and migraines
· Dental pain
· Tennis elbow
· Back pain
· Asthma
· High Menstrual pain
· Anxiety, insomnia, depression
· Osteoarthritis
· Neck pain
· Muscle cramping
· Strokes
· Addictions
And these are just the basic ones, click here to find out more.
A few more points
1. How does acupuncture feel like?
Like it was said above it’s a hair-thin needle so you barely feel anything, most people said that the inserted needles feel like an itch or a slight ache. Some needles will be heated and some will have applied electricity so you might feel slight tingles from that. Best to describe acupuncture is if someone is tickling you. Others say they do not feel anything at all.
2. Choose the right professional for the job
Only seek treatment from certified acupuncture professionals. Pain can be caused by improper placement of the needles, furthermore, if the needles are not sterilized before the treatment, an infection might happen. You can find certified practitioners on this website (this link will lead to https://www.nccaom.org/) nearest to your area.
3. Acupuncture is not for everyone
Consult your doctor, a medical professional or a licensed acupuncturist before you get acupuncture. It’s very important that you tell the person you’ve decided to consult about previous treatments and medicine that you took and/or are taking, if you’re at risk of infection, if you have specific skin problems like chronic skin problems and if you have fear of needles.
