This article looks at the health benefits of acupuncture treatment and how acupuncture can help your body.

Acupuncture is a famous treatment procedure for a wide range of health conditions. It is a drug-free approach that entails inserting thin needles through the skin at specific body points. So, when and where did it originate from? How does it work? What are the health benefits of acupuncture treatment? Does it have any side effects? Read on to find out everything you need to know about acupuncture.

When and where did it originate from?

Acupuncture is the oldest form of treatment dating back to around 2nd century B.C. Its roots can be traced back to China where it started before spreading to other parts of the world. Despite the rapid growth and inventions in the medical field, Acupuncture has proven its worthiness and its still being used alongside modern medical practices.

What health conditions is it used to combat?

Acupuncture is used to fight various health conditions related to the digestive, reproductive, and respiratory systems of the body. Such conditions include acute bronchitis, chronic tonsillitis, migraine, infertility, lower back pain, bronchial asthma, chronic sinusitis, rheumatoid arthritis, facial paralysis, spasm of the cardia and esophagus, and many more. This procedure can also be used to combat addictions such as smoking and alcoholism. Acupuncture corrects imbalances in the major organs of the body which is the primary origin of many diseases hence preventing their development.

How Acupuncture Works

Acupuncture is based on the assumption that most health conditions develop due to blockage or interruption of the body’s life energy flow. This interruption or blockage of flow results to the accumulation of fluid in some parts of the body resulting in swelling and pain due to excess pressure. Acupuncture A blockage also cuts out the supply of nutrients to all parts of the body leading to malnutrition. This makes one feel fatigue, weak and even experience slow healing if they have injuries on these parts.

Acupuncture removes blockages in the body hence relieving pain and swelling, allowing nutrients to reach all body parts thus making one to be relaxed. The body’s energy balance is restored making one feel vibrant and energized. This treatment approach involves inserting fine needles into specific points on the body called acupuncture points. Depending on the condition being treated, the points of insertion and the number of needles may vary from one person to another. The needles used in the treatment are pre-sterilised and should be used only once. They are inserted just under the skin or deeper to reach the muscle where are they left in place for around 20 to 40 minutes. In some cases, the needles may be rotated or stimulated using a mild electric current. At the end of the session, you will get a deep sense of relaxation.

Does it hurt?

The procedure is not painful, but one may experience a tingling or warm sensation when the practitioner is inserting the needles. If you experience too much pain, numbness or any other form of discomfort, let the practitioner know immediately.

Benefits of acupuncture?

 

• No significant side effects as compared to using drugs
• Can be combined with other forms of treatments when carried out appropriately
• One gets personalized therapy according to their needs
• Works both as a preventive and treatment measure
• One can comfortably continue with their normal life even when undergoing this procedure

These are all good examples of how acupuncture can help your body.

 

Side effects of acupuncture

 

• Soreness, bruising and bleeding on the points of insertion (Risky for patients with a bleeding disorder or users of blood thinners)

Other alarming side effects of acupuncture procedure mostly arise from poor hygiene and training of the practitioner. Such include;

 

 

• Infection because of using unsterilized needlesof internal organs especially the lungs which can collapse
• Wrong angle of inserting needles or doing it too deeply resulting damage

Why Acupuncture can be a better approach to healing than using modern western drugs:

 

Modern western drugs have side effects that sometimes even outdo the condition the drugs are meant to treat. This means they will do more harm than good, especially when used over a long period. Acupuncture, on the other hand, doesn’t leave behind significant side-effects if it’s carried out safely by the right professional. Another good example of how acupuncture can help your body.