To understand how acupuncture helps
relieve pain, one must understand what acupuncture is. It has been used by
people of Asian descent for centuries. Over the last few decades it has gained
popularity in our country because of the relief that it brings without side
effects. It is an alternative form of treatment invented by the Chinese. It is
based on the concept that the energy or life force of a person flows through
their body in channels which are referred to as meridians.
Qi
This energy that flows through the
body is referred to as “Qi”. This is pronounced “Chee”. When the Qi or life
force is not flowing normally through the meridians of the body, the force gets
disrupted giving rise to various problems. Practitioners of this complementary
form of medicine believe that with acupuncture the nerves of the body can be
stimulated causing a reversal and bringing the Qi back to normal.
What methods are used in acupuncture?
Practitioners of acupuncture use fine
needles that are inserted at various pressure points throughout the body. These
points will differ from person to person as the point where the needle is
inserted depends on the nature of the complaint, and the body type of the
person among other factors. The patient will only feel a pin prick as the
needle is inserted because the width of the needle is extremely thin. The
practitioner also has to be very experienced to make sure that the needles are
inserted efficiently and effectively.
What kind of illnesses does acupuncture cure?
Acupuncture is used in a variety of
illnesses and is gaining popularity and followers at a rapid speed. This is
because acupuncture provides pain relief, and a cure for other illnesses and
maladies without any side effects. Let’s take a look at some of the afflictions
that acupuncture can provide relief for.
Backache
Acupuncture has been so effective in
providing relief for people who suffer from chronic back pain that the National
Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends acupuncture as a
treatment option. This is based on research and scientific evidence. It also
provides relief for other kinds of joint pains. The kind of treatment that you
are given will depend on which part of your body needs pain relief.
Migraines
People who have suffered debilitating
migraines have found a lot of relief after starting acupuncture treatment. Studies
have shown that the insertion of the needles in certain parts of the head
stimulates the nerves and helps rid a person of migraines.
Chronic obesity
There has been quite a large
percentage of success for chronically obese people who have lost a lot of
weight after starting acupuncture. It is also used in obesity
related diseases like diabetes, heart problems, hypertension and
cholesterol and those who have used it have shown dramatic improvement.
Cancer
There have been cases where people
with cancer have gone into remission after acupuncture. It is very useful for
people who are terminally ill with cancer to help relieve the pain that they
are undergoing.
Depression
Many folks with mental disorders have
found relief after undergoing an acupuncture treatment. Obviously, mental
disorders originate in the brain. By using needles to stimulate the nerves in
the brain, practitioners are able to help people deal with all kinds of mental
illnesses.
There are those who scoff at
acupuncture and call it quack medicine. But there are enough cases and enough
proof to show that acupuncture is a safe and reliable treatment for many
illnesses. It is important though, to find an acupuncturist who is well known,
recommended and experienced.
