Acupuncture

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment originating from ancient China where fine needles get inserted into certain areas of the body manipulated by hands or through electrical manipulation for both preventative and therapeutic purposes. This is based on the Chinese theory that an energy known as chi flows around and through one’s body in pathways known as meridians. The acupuncture practitioners have the belief that illness comes about when there is something blocking or unbalances one’s chi. As such, acupuncture is a means to unblock the chi to enable it flow back to balance in the body.

Although it is seen as some form of alternative medicine, it is used in most of general treatment practices all over the world. Western acupuncture refers to the use of acupuncture usually after proper medical diagnosis. This is based on research showing that this treatment stimulates the nerves under the skin as well as in the muscle tissue. The results are that the body produces pain-relieving substances like endorphins. These are likely the substances that are responsible for the benefits seen after acupuncture is administered.

Its benefits

A wide range of health-related conditions are treated using acupuncture. The acupuncturists- or the acupuncture practitioners- often use it to treat conditions such as lower back pains, headaches and osteoarthritis. Sometimes, it is used to help patients with conditions like anxiety or asthma. Generally, when it is administered by a practitioner, acupuncture is very safe. However, some people do experience mild side effects like drowsiness or dizziness. Very rarely do problems occur. Still, there are complications that have resulted from the use of non-sterile needles; an infection could occur. Licensed practitioners, however, throw away their needles after each use. When not done in a proper manner, acupuncture could cause adverse effects like infections, collapsed lungs, injuries to the nervous system or some punctured organs.