Acupuncture is a traditional method of Chinese medicine (TCM) that developed thousands of years ago. It is based on the idea that a blockage or disruption in the body’s energy flow or “qi” may cause health problems. Acupuncturists insert hair-thin needles at various acupuncture points in the body to restore the flow of qi. This balances the energy of the body, induces healing, and promote relaxation.
As mentioned in the TCM theory, there are over 1,000 acupuncture points in the body. These points lie on an invisible energy path, or “meridian.” Whereas, each meridian is connected with an organ system.
What is Acupuncture? How Does It work?
Acupuncture is a minimally invasive procedure. It is used to stimulate nerve-rich areas of the skin surface. These include muscles, glands, organs, and various body functions. It is an ancient Chinese method for treating different conditions by activating particular skin points with needles.
It improves the body’s functions and facilitates the normal self-healing process. This is done by enhancing specific anatomical sites – usually referred to as acupoints. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is to inject fine, sterile needles into the skin. Furthermore, pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation might enhance the effect. Other acupoint stimulation methods include manual massage, moxibustion or heat therapy, tapping, and topical herbal medicines and linaments.
Traditional acupuncture is based on the idea that energy, or “life force,” flows in the body through meridians’ channels. This life force is known as Qi (pronounced as “chee”).
Practitioners who use acupuncture claim that when Qi does not flow freely through the body, it can cause illness. They also assume that it will restore the flow of Qi and restore health.
What Does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture practitioners use it to treat a wide range of health conditions. However, the use of it is not necessarily founded on substantial scientific evidence.
Acupuncture, however, is said to be useful in addressing a variety of health conditions., including:
#1 Lower Back Pain
If your chronic low-back pain is not relieved by traditional treatments, acupuncture can do the job. Two respected medical organizations recommend that people try it in this situation. A major study showed that both real and “fake” acupuncture performed better than conventional back pain therapies that lasted longer than three months. The jury is still out on it for short-term (acute) pain in the lower back.
#2 Headaches
It can help to alleviate migraines or tension headaches. Two major studies showed that people receiving this treatment have fewer days with stress headaches than those undergoing conventional care.
#3 Fibromyalgia
Research examining how well acupuncture works against fibromyalgia pain has had mixed outcomes. Some have shown that it offers temporary relief for pain, but others have not. A small study by the Mayo Clinic indicated that it could alleviate two other fibromyalgia problems: fatigue and anxiety. But ultimately, there is not enough proof yet to show that it works for fibromyalgia.
#4 Arthritis Pain
It may be a beneficial complement to conventional treatment for osteoarthritis, says the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. And some of the most promising early trials have shown that it has relieved arthritis pain in the knee. However, further research is required to show that it is beneficial for osteoarthritis.
#5 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
It was studied compared to hand and arm pain steroid pills for carpal tunnel syndrome. Researchers in Taiwan have provided eight treatments in one group over a month. These patients have indicated more relief for a longer time than the group taking medicine. While studies like this have been encouraging, further research is still required to confirm that it is effective for carpal tunnel syndrome.
#6 Dental Pain
Acupuncture provides relief from the pain of tooth extraction or dental surgery as shown in some studies. In addition, many consider dental pain to be one of the conditions that respond to it but further research is needed under this topic.
#7 Other Pains
People have tried it for neck pain, muscle pain, tennis elbows, and menstrual cramps, hoping to avoid drugs and their side effects. The World Health Organization lists 28 different disorders that acupuncture may treat. In the United States, the National Institutes of Health analysis called for rigorous studies to verify the promise that it holds for many different conditions.
#8 Nausea
Acupuncture at the pericardium (P6) point in the wrist may reduce nausea and vomiting symptoms even after cancer treatment or surgery. Studies compared ten different methods — including needles, electrical stimulation, and acupressure — to drugs that block nausea or vomiting and found acupuncture therapies to work.
#9 Cancer Care
Acupuncture can relieve pain, nausea, and vomiting, therefore, it may help people deal with cancer or chemotherapy symptoms. It can also help control hot flashes associated with breast cancer. Be sure to speak to the doctor first and search for a professional who has experience working with cancer patients.
#10 Fertility
Celebrities such as Celine Dion and Mariah Carey credited acupuncture — used along with infertility treatments — helping them get pregnant. A review of medical studies supports this view, suggesting that acupuncture can enhance fertility treatments’ efficacy. One theory is that acupuncture helps relieve tension and improve blood flow to the ovaries.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture needles are very thin, and most people do not feel discomfort or discomfort when inserted. They also claim that they feel energized or relaxed after a treatment. However, the needles can cause temporary sorrow.
Possible Side Effects Of Acupuncture
As in every treatment, acupuncture poses certain risks. The risks associated with it are low if you have a qualified, licensed practitioner using a sterile needle. Common side effects include soreness and minor bleeding or bruising where the needles have been inserted. Single-use disposable needles are now standard practice, so the possibility of infection is minimal. Not everybody is a successful acupuncture candidate. The following conditions can raise the risk of complications if you have:
Bleeding Disorder
Your chances of bleeding or needle bruising increase if you have a bleeding problem or take blood thinners.
Pacemaker
Acupuncture involving the application of mild electrical pulses to the needles can interfere with the pacemaker’s activity.
Pregnant
Caution! Some forms of acupuncture may stimulate labor, leading to premature delivery.
Acupuncture May Not Be Correct for People with Some Conditions Of Health.
According to the report published in the Scientific Journals, it may cause severe adverse reactions. This includes infections, nerve, and blood vessel injuries. Furthermore, needle breakage or leftover needles can cause complications. It may also result in punctured organs, central nervous system or spinal cord injury, bleeding, and organ/tissue damage.
Can You Consider Acupuncture?
It rarely causes more than minor side effects, therefore it is a potential alternative to pain or steroid therapy. Often known to be a “complementary” medicine, can be used along with other treatments. It is best to explore the use of acupuncture with your health care provider.
If you decide to visit the acupuncturist, check his or her certification. Most states require a certificate, diploma, or registration for the practice of acupuncture.
However, education and training standards and requirements for accessing acupuncture differ from state to state. Although the license does not guarantee the quality of treatment, it does suggest that the practitioner complies with certain requirements for the understanding and use of acupuncture. Most countries require a diploma from the National Qualification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine for licensing.
