Acupuncture entails the insertion of very fine, sterile needles into your skin at specific points of your body. This ancient therapy creates a healing effect as the needles stimulate the points. Throughout history, acupuncture has been used for thousands of years and in many places around the world. Oddly enough, even though acupuncture has a long track record as a successful treatment for a variety of ailments, it continues to be misunderstood in western society.
A chiropractor near you may recommend this fascinating treatment as a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapy. Although the reason why acupuncture reduces pain is not fully understood, it is believed that it:
- Increases your blood flow
- Decreases muscle tension
- Aids your body in the production of natural painkilling chemicals
Continue reading to learn five facts about acupuncture below:
1. Acupuncture treats pain
According to research, acupuncture can aid in the relief of pain, especially in your lower back, knees, neck, shoulder, jaw, and teeth. Patients with other painful conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, sprains, tennis elbow, headaches, and migraines can benefit from acupuncture.
2. Qi plays a vital role in acupuncture
“Qi” is a Chinese word that loosely translates to “energy.” In terms of Chinese medicine, it is primarily used as a metaphor for metabolic function. For example, the functions of the heart and cardiovascular system are referred to as “heart qi.”
The world qi is used in several different ways to describe different things, just like the world energy. For example, if you are angry, you have a “rising” qi, and if you are stingy, that is “little qi.”
3. Acupuncture may help to treat more conditions
There is a range of different conditions that may benefit from acupuncture. According to some evidence, acupuncture may be an effective complementary and alternative (CAM) therapy for the following:
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Digestive issues
In addition, acupuncture can be used for some of the side effects of chemotherapy and surgery, including nausea accompanied by vomiting.
4. Acupuncture has very few side effects
Since acupuncture has such little side effects, your physician might say there is no reason not to try it, especially when all else fails. You can expect minor soreness, bruising, and bleeding after the insertion of needles.
5. Almost anyone can benefit from acupuncture
Almost anyone is an eligible candidate for acupuncture, despite their health history and physical background. Whether you have an ailment or feel well, acupuncture can help relieve pain or assist you in maintaining wellness. Also, acupuncture boosts immunity and helps you manage stress. Many patients notice a more significant improvement in their condition when they are treated by both an acupuncturist and chiropractor in Calgary, SW.
6. Acupuncture should not hurt
If you are concerned about the pain of acupuncture, do not worry. When the needles are inserted into your skin during acupuncture, you should only feel a little pinch. The needles used are tiny and thin–comparable to a cat’s whisker. It is not necessarily exceptionally comfortable, but it is not truly painful either. For some patient’s, the whole process feels soothing, and they end up falling asleep during their session.