Acupuncture, a prevalent and well-practiced form of medicine in the Eastern hemisphere, is becoming more omnipresent in Western medicine. When conventional treatment methods are ineffective in terms of managing pain, many are turning to acupuncture as an alternative. In fact, around 3 million Americans will seek acupuncture treatment every year. So what exactly is acupuncture and why is it becoming so popular? Find out more below.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine; it is also one of the oldest practicing forms of medicine. Acupuncture is based on the belief that health is dependent on patterns of energy flow, or “qi”, within the interconnected channels of your body. When the opposing forces called “yin” and “yang” are balanced and flowing, then the body is in good health and harmony. A disruption or blockage of this flow, however, can lead to bad health, sickness and disease. Stimulating certain acupressure points and meridians through the insertion of needles can unblock this disruption while promoting the body’s natural healing capabilities. Pain alleviation can be achieved as your body restores its harmonious balance and energy flow is regulated.
There are approximately 2,000 different acupressure points along the body’s meridians; the acupressure points that are targeted are dependent on the symptoms or conditions. The treatment is painless and even relaxing.
What can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can heal a wide range of disorders and diseases. It can effectively manage pain ranging from headaches to osteoarthritis to conditions such as allergies and insomnia. Below are just a few of the conditions that may be treated through acupuncture.
- Knee pain
- Back pain
- Stroke
- Fibromyalgia
- Neck pain
- Tennis Elbow
- Sciatica
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Benefits of Acupuncture
Undergoing acupuncture treatments can have several benefits for the body. Below, we outline just a few:
- Not only can acupuncture successfully treat pain by itself, but if you’re using it in conjunction with meds it also boosts its effectiveness. Alternatively, going through acupuncture sessions may also eliminate the need to take pain-reducing drugs.
- If you’re looking for a drug-free and holistic approach for treating your pain, acupuncture is a great option. It is natural, effective, and safe. Not only is acupuncture used for existing pain, it can be used for preventing illnesses as well.
- Acupuncture rarely has any complications or side effects and is becoming increasingly popular in America. The needles are smaller than hypodermic needles, so they do not draw any blood. The treatment is painless and even relaxing.
- Since the treatment is customized to each individual based on their body and condition, no two people will have the same treatment.
Are you a good candidate?
If you have made several attempts at pain relief, acupuncture can be an effective treatment option. It can be even more effective in conjunction with physical therapy or other modalities. As always, it is best to advise a medical Doctor so that you can rule out any serious medical conditions that may need immediate attention. Additionally, doing so will ensure that you have a complete understanding about the source of your pain. A specialist trained to practice acupuncture will be able to assess your pain and develop the proper regimen for you based on your condition.
