Acupuncture has been used to bolster self-healing for thousands of years. The numerous health advantages have withstood the test of time. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that health is based on the ideology of consistent balance.
To achieve health and wellness, the complementary opposites of “Yin” and “Yang” are the life forces known as “qi” (pronounced “chee”). It is believed that when these harmonies are imbalanced, illness and other negative forces may pose a threat. The acupuncture points (commonly referred as acupoints) are stimulated by the needles to assist with balancing the mind and body.
During a treatment session administered by an acupuncturist, thin sterile needles are inserted into specific areas of the skin to trigger the acupoint. The body contains various pathways of qi which flow through the body. When the balance is off, the qi will not stream fluently. When a blockage occurs, chronic pain, anxiety, or other uncomfortable circumstances may develop. The severity of the ailment will determine the number of needles, the exact location for each needle, and the depth through which they penetrate the skin.
Natural healing techniques have grown increasingly popular in the Western culture and not by accident. There is a plethora of health benefits to be gained through treatment sessions. There are over 2,000 acupoints. Each of them contributes toward achieving optimal health. If you are deciding whether this type of treatment is right for you, take time to uncover the 7 health benefits of acupuncture.
1. Reduces Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is the most common complaint when seeking acupuncture treatment. Various studies have been completed to prove the link between acupuncture and a reduction of chronic pain. In 2012, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) analyzed data obtained from participants in relevant studies. The NIH evaluated back and neck pain together and found that applying pressure to acupoints was more helpful than either no treatment or simulated treatment.
Acupuncture is a proven effective treatment method for pain in the lower back, neck, and osteoporosis. Chronic pain is often caused due to strain, overuse, trauma, poor sleeping habits, and other various types of physical stress. Give you your body the means to repair and heal itself. Because treatment is proven to reduce chronic pain, some insurance companies in the United States include acupuncture sessions in their policies.
2. Treats Anxiety
A study completed within the last 10 years concludes that acupuncture relieves generalized anxiety disorder. Analysis and system evaluations point out that pressure on acupoints treatment has more advantages than drugs in the treatment of anxiety disorders….” This concludes that acupuncture is far more beneficial with substantially less risk. The side effects of prescription drugs can be far more damaging than actually suffering from an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety is intense and causes great stress on the mind and body. People that suffer from anxiety worry excessively, are easily started and cannot relax. By using a trusted practice, these nuances will naturally improve without the use of manmade poisons.
3. Helps Nausea
In addition to anxiety treatment and physical pain, acupuncture is an effective method of treatment for nausea. Dozens of controlled studies have been published to prove that acupoint stimulation can treat or prevent nausea. Nausea is quite an uncomfortable uneasy feeling and could lead to vomiting.
The acupoint located on the wrist will help with nausea and with precise pressure and stimulation can make it cease. This convenient and effective treatment eliminates the need to take over the counter medication. Harsh ingredients in these medications may relieve the sensation of nausea, but at what cost? Allowing your body to heal naturally should always be the goal.
4. Helps IBS
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a disorder that affects the intestinal tract. Those who suffer from IBS often experience bloating, uncomfortable gas, cramping, and abdominal pain. Many diagnosed IBS patients have claimed that receiving acupuncture treatments is relaxing, reduces incidents of diarrhea, and decreases the number of bowel movements.
Recent studies confirm positive outcomes when used as a stand-alone method. IBS patients will notice that acupuncture will significantly reduce abdominal pain, diarrhea, and the ratio of abnormal stools. Overall, the effective rate of success was 76.7%. Researchers believe the stimulation of acupoints that release pain-killing chemicals ease the pain and discomfort. The main takeaway is that regular treatments helps IBS symptoms.
5. Helps with Migraines
Migraines can harshly interrupt a daily routine. Whether they are mildly uncomfortable or completely crippling, acupuncture is an effective treatment method. Regular sessions will decrease the frequency in which the migraines occur and the level of severity.
In a recent study, a group of people that suffered from frequent migraines received treatment five times a week for twenty weeks. Acupuncture was the only method of relief. The results were concrete and consistent. On average, the group saw a reduction in the average number of migraines from 4.8 per month to 3 per month. The group did not experience any side effects and overall were more relaxed.
6. Treats Muscle Spasms
Endorphins are the body’s natural form of pain-killers. Acupuncture specializes in the art of balance. Often times, a muscle spasm is caused by overuse and/or fatigue and can lead to involuntary muscle contractions. When specific acupoints are triggered, the body will release a non-toxic aid to help numb the pain and boost recovery.
During a treatment, the acupuncturist will try to re-create the spasm to confirm the area of concern. Once the issue is uncovered, acupoints will be used to treat the discomfort. The natural anesthesia will alleviate tense muscles and according to recent studies, will provide overall health benefits.
7. Helps with Depression
Anti-depressants have a widespread amount of unpleasant side effects. Blurred vision, nausea, and weight gain are often tolerated in an effort to treat depression. Fortunately, a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine proved that acupuncture is just as effective as prescription medications, without the harsh repercussions.
If you are seeking alternatives to anti-depressants, a natural remedy is plausible. When experiencing depression, the meridians of the body are blocked. When pressure is applied to acupoints, the barriers are released so the qi can flow freely. Our bodies are capable of healing and repairing. Acupuncture offers vast health benefits and is a tool that allows the body to achieve optimum health.
