What Is Acupuncture?
History
This treatment has been used for more than 2000 years in countries of East Asia, making it much older than modern medicine. It began in China where archeologists have found evidence of sharpened rocks and bones being used for this purpose. In the 15th century, Chinese practitioners developed maps of the body showing the points of stimulation that are currently being used.
During the Ming dynasty, the book that is considered the basic manual was published. This book describes the points of stimulation and other specifics of acupuncture that are still pertinent today.
Healing
This practice is used for healing all parts of the body and the mind. Its effects can even reach certain areas in the brain. Many people use acupuncture along with medical treatments given by their regular doctor or psychiatrist. Others find that acupuncture can be used to treat specific conditions on its own.
Qi
Qi is a Chinese concept that refers to the energy or life force in our body. Acupuncture is a practice of medicine that is designed to regulate and balance the energy that is believed to flow through channels, also called meridians, that interconnect in our body. This balance leads to the body being able to resolve the symptoms of disease and progress towards health.
How Does It Work?
Needles
Sometimes people shy away from pursuing acupuncture treatment because it involves the use of needles, but there is typically no pain involved. Hair-thin needles are inserted into the skin to stimulate certain points on the body, based on an understanding of channels that connect the body, in order to address a variety of symptoms, conditions and diseases.
Nerves
One way this treatment works is by stimulating and balancing the nervous system in the body. The brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous systems can all be addressed through acupuncture. Acupuncture has a proven track record of reducing pain. It can help restore function faster after strokes. The sympathetic nervous system can be overactive with chronic stress, and acupuncture treatment can return balance to the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, thereby relieving the physical manifestations of stress and anxiety.
Blood Components
Our blood is responsible for carrying all kinds of substances throughout our bodies. This includes oxygen, nutrients, hormones, and substances that build our immunity. When blood flow is hindered, these substances are not properly distributed and it can affect our health in negative ways. Acupuncture treatment promotes blood flow, helping the blood to carry all of these important things throughout the body to support our organs and body systems.
Natural Healing
The treatment itself does not necessarily heal the body but instead promotes the body’s ability to heal itself. It creates changes within the body’s nervous system, blood flow, and brain to energize and encourage the body to self-heal. The treatment stimulates the body to release certain chemicals into the brain and spinal cord that change the chemical makeup of the body. When these chemicals are released, the body can more easily heal many areas of itself and reduce symptoms like pain, stress, digestive issues, nervous system issues, and even mental health problems.
Conditions Treated
Pain
Pain is the most common reason that people seek acupuncture treatment. People suffering from back pain, headaches, muscle pain, and pain in other areas of the body find relief through this treatment. Types of pain that this treatment can address can be caused by physical injury, conditions like arthritis, or it can be a physical consequence of stress.
Anxiety
People suffering from anxiety and other mental health issues can be helped through this treatment. When proper chemicals in the brain are released, balance can be restored and the brain can relax.
Insomnia
This treatment is helpful to people who have trouble relaxing and sleeping at night. This is accomplished through a balance of chemicals in the brain and the body.
PTSD
PTSD is a mental health issue that is different from other conditions like depression and general anxiety. This treatment can support and help people who suffer from PTSD and can reduce the instances of PTSD-related incidents.
Allergies
Allergies are another reason that people try this treatment. When the energy in the body is properly balanced, many people find that allergies are significantly reduced or disappear completely.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
The digestive system is another area of the body that can be supported through this practice. Many people find relief from irritable bowel syndrome and other disorders that are related to digestion and the gut.
Infertility
Women who are having trouble getting pregnant will often seek out this treatment in order to restore balance in the reproductive system. This allows many women to get pregnant more easily. This treatment can also support women in having a healthier pregnancy.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that is sometimes misdiagnosed or not able to be treated properly. People who suffer from this disease can often find relief in this treatment even when they do not find it through traditional medical means.
Treatment That Can Transform Your Health
Once you try this treatment, you will find that it can effectively address and eliminate many symptoms of disease in the body whether it is related to physical health or mental health. The digestive system, the nervous system, musculoskeletal system, and even the brain are all affected by this treatment. Try this transformative treatment and live a healthier life with less pain.
