For anyone who’s ever uttered the phrase “I’ve tried everything”, you’re well acquainted with the agony that goes along with the chronic pain or insomnia or a multitude of other ailments that have quickly become overwhelming.
However, relief is possible and for many the key to regaining their health has been through acupuncture. It’s a treatment that has been around for millennia and the scope of relief it can offer is certainly worth a deeper dive into some of the what, how and whys of this ancient therapy.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture began as a traditional therapeutic treatment in China dating back to 100 BCE. It was first documented in “The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine” but many experts believe it was practiced even earlier than this.
Traditional acupuncture is based on the idea that we all have an energy – called Qi – that flows throughout our entire body. Any disruption to that Qi can lead to illness or disease.
Along with Qi, our body houses pathways – known as meridians - that run throughout the body connecting all our major organs and is responsible for our overall health.
Acupuncture works to rebalance the body’s Qi and lessen the targeted symptoms.
How it Works
Acupuncture utilizes thin, flexible needles that are carefully inserted into the body at precise points and depths to stimulate specific points along the meridian to help improve the flow of Qi and help heal the body.
While the concept of meridians and Qi don’t coincide with modern scientific medicine, recent neuroscience research does suggest that acupuncture may provide health benefits by stimulating the nervous system. Functional MRI and PET scans have shown a stimulation or deactivation of neurotransmitters within the nervous system which can help with the body’s natural ability to heal itself while promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM), Doctors of Acupuncture (D.Ac.), Registered Acupuncturists (R.Ac.) and Naturopathic Physicians (ND) have all studied acupuncture for a minimum of 3-5 years to fully understand more than 2,000 acupuncture points and their associated meridians and functions.
Why Acupuncture?
Acupuncture can be used to treat a wide variety of physical and mental health concerns. Pain is often the most commonly treated condition as acupuncture is widely known to have a significant impact on the nervous system. It offers effective relief from an array of issues including tennis elbow, headaches, low back pain, osteoarthritis, menstrual cramps and fibromyalgia.
Acupuncture can also be used to effectively treat digestive issues, gynecological issues including fertility concerns and mental health challenges that encompass depression, anxiety and insomnia.
What you can Expect
While needles sometimes make patients nervous, most don’t feel anything when they’re inserted. Some report a dull ache or pressure at the site of the needle but that sensation usually disappears after only a few moments.
Energy levels after an acupuncture treatment may also vary. Some patients feel energized after treatment while others leave more relaxed. This can often be determined by the treatment protocol selected by the practitioner.
Your practitioner will thoroughly discuss your current health and treatment plan prior to your procedure so you’re always fully informed and prepared for treatment. Rest assured all acupuncture needles used by licensed practitioners are single use and sterile. Like all medical procedures, health and safety protocols are always paramount.
Acupuncture has helped so many patients with an almost unbelievable array of health concerns, but it’s always best to consult your primary care health provider to ensure that this treatment is the right one for you.
References:
ScienceDirect
ScienceDirect
Health Technology Assessment
Healthline
Cancer Network
Johns Hopkins Medicine
Comments