Acupuncture is a drug-free way to address pain and improve overall health. Many people find it relieves back and neck pain and nausea caused by chemotherapy and surgery.
Acupuncturists stimulate the acupuncture points with thin needles that may cause a slight prick or tickle. You might also feel a deep heaviness or tingling, which means the treatment works.
Acupuncture and Herbs
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the body and health holistically. Its beliefs are rooted in the concept that all things are interconnected within the universe, and acupuncture seeks to balance this connection through a series of treatments.
Acupuncture aims to unblock and rebalance your body’s invisible life force called qi or chi, which flows through pathways in the body known as meridians. Licensed acupuncturists insert very thin needles at various points throughout the body, stimulating or dispersing your qi or chi along the meridians and encouraging your body to return to its natural state of equilibrium.
Research has shown that acupuncture triggers your nervous system to release chemicals like endorphins, which reduce pain. It also has nonspecific effects, such as increased energy levels and immune function. Often, patients feel their condition improving after just one session. Moreover, several studies have demonstrated that acupuncture has real, long-lasting effects on pain and other symptoms.
Acupuncture and Nutrition
Acupuncture is a critical component of Chinese herbal medicine, used for thousands of years to treat ailments and improve overall health. It involves placing needles at specific points on the body to relieve pain and stress.
Endorphins, substances released in the brain that assist in lessening pain signals to the central nervous system and muscles, are thought to be the mechanism of acupuncture. These same chemical releases also help promote healing and improve mood.
Eastern philosophy posits that your body has an invisible life force called qi (pronounced “chee”). This force flows through pathways known as meridians throughout the body. If your qi is out of balance, this can cause illness or pain. Acupuncture is thought to restore the balance by re-establishing your body’s natural rhythm. Acupuncture is not without risk, however. It can cause bleeding if the needle accidentally pierces a blood vessel, and it should not be done on people with bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinners. Additionally, it is not a good option for pregnant women.
Acupuncture and Meditation
Acupuncture restores energy flow throughout the body, promoting balance and wellness. It relieves many health problems, including headaches, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, asthma, and back or neck pain caused by osteoarthritis. It is also helpful in reducing the nausea and vomiting that may accompany cancer chemotherapy or surgery, as well as chronic bowel diseases like Crohn’s and IBS.
A typical Ming acupuncture session involves placing thin needles in acupoints. The procedure is virtually painless. You could feel a tiny pinch as the needle is inserted, but it will pass soon. The practitioner will either twist or twirl the needles or apply heat or electrical stimulation to the needles.
Practitioners of acupuncture adhere to an antiquated Chinese theory that holds that the body’s meridians are channels through which an invisible life force known as qi (pronounced chee) travels. The yin and yang, the complementary opposites that form everything in nature, must be balanced to maintain a state of wellness. When qi is blocked, the disease results. Acupuncture unblocks the qi and allows it to flow freely, stimulating the body’s natural healing process.
Acupuncture and Yoga
A wide range of ailments can be safely and effectively treated with acupuncture. It has been used to relieve pain, improve sleep, balance hormones, enhance immunity, and promote overall wellness.
Research has shown that acupuncture affects many body systems, including the central nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. It also helps reduce inflammation, stimulates the growth of new cells, and decreases blood pressure. Acupuncture is known to treat conditions such as fibromyalgia, headaches, asthma, and irritable bowel syndrome. It has even been used to treat uterine fibroids, menstrual cramps, and postpartum depression. The only discomfort associated with acupuncture is the initial pinch upon needle insertion. After that, most patients experience a sense of deep relaxation.