Acupuncture is an ancient practice in Eastern medicine. Some records date the practice of acupuncture going as far back as five millennia — and Western medicine has noticed its benefits for a long time now.
In traditional practice, the purpose of acupuncture is to adjust, or realign, the flow of energy through the body by applying needles in specific points. Chinese practitioners believe by inserting needles into the meridians in the body can result in overall wellness. According to the Mayo Clinic, what Western medicine practitioners have discovered is that what are called meridians in Eastern medicine are points in your body that stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. As a result, the body releases its own substances to manage pain and boost its natural recovery process.
Before going any further, it’s important to mention two things:
* Always consult with your primary physician before undergoing any treatment outside of their practice.
* Make sure you get your acupuncture from a licensed practitioner.
How can acupuncture help my health?
Johns Hopkins Medicine, one of the top health centers in the United States, highlights studies that have found acupuncture to be effective in patients with a variety of ailments, on its own, or combined with other conventional treatments. Some of the most common applications include:
- Sleep improvement and stress management.
- Headaches, including migraines
- Asthma
- Allergies, including hay fever
- Body pains, including (but not limited to) neck, lower back, joint pain, menstrual cramps, and nerve-originated pain such as sciatica.
- Autoimmune diseases, such as fibromyalgia
- Nausea caused by chemotherapy and morning sickness
- Dental pain relief
- And many more
Some behavioral health specialists have also used acupuncture successfully in combination with other treatments to aid patients in recovering from addiction and depression.
Acupuncture releases endorphins — the feel-good hormones — which can also be released during exercise and when we are with our loved ones. Acupuncture may also block pain signals from reaching the brain, making patients feel better overall.
Specialists at the University of California, Irvine point out that the effectiveness of the treatment depends on the patient and the condition, but in some conditions, patients experience benefits in as little as 10 sessions.
If you have questions about acupuncture, contact Dr. Diane Aslanis today!