Acupuncture Treats Modern Ailments

Interested in acupuncture but still doubtful about it’s healing powers and squeamish about undergoing the process? Many people swear by this method to defeat stress and achieve a relaxed and focused state of mind. A new survey demonstrates increasing acceptance and utilization of acupuncture for treatment and health promotion. The analysis was published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine and looked at utilization rates, demographics and reasons for using acupuncture. Overall, the researchers found that between 2002 and 2007 there was a significant increase in the number of patients using acupuncture.

Acupuncture dates back more than 2,500 years to Chinese doctors who believed that illness was due to imbalances in energy. Acupuncture was thought to stimulate the body’s meridians, or energy-carrying channels, to correct these imbalances and restore health. Some doctors believe that these benefits are derived from the proximity of acupoints with nerves. Stimulation of these points causes nearby nerves to release signal molecules, called endorphins. Endorphins are well known to suppress the sensation of pain.

Acupuncture restores and maintains people’s health, through the application of fine sterile needles placed at specific points of the body to stimulate qi. Our body is made up of yin and yang aspects. As opposite as they are, they are inseparable forces that maintain the body in balanced states, or HEALTH.

 To achieve that balance, acupuncture needles are placed at acupoints along 12 primary meridians that are believed to be pathways for the flow of blood and the Qi. According to Chinese Medicine, the 12 primary meridians run vertically, bi-laterally, and symmetrically on the whole of the bo

The WHO has created a list of more than 4 dozen common ailments that acupuncture can effectively treat inclusing skin disorders, circulatory, neuromusculoskeletal conditions, emotional and psychological disorders and hormonal imbalances since the 1970s.

Even further, in 1997, the National Institutes of Health also spoke of its impact on chronic discomforts like headaches, osteoarthritis and various kinds of muscle pain.

Alone and in combination with other treatments, cosmetic acupuncture increases skin’s overall vitality and lends a more relaxed, healthy appearance to the face. Like other acupuncture treatments, when performed by a trained practitioner, cosmetic acupuncture is entirely safe for most people. And, as an added benefit, acupuncture doesn’t cause the side effects and discomfort associated with many procedures. In fact, treatments tend to be rather relaxing.

Because the results are progressive, acupuncture is rarely a one time treatment. When it comes to addressing medical conditions, your acupuncturist may suggest treatments ranging from every day for a week, to once a week for an extended amount of time. And, in the case of cosmetic acupuncture, the recommended course of treatment is 12 to 15 treatments over 2 and a half months, followed by maintenance treatments every 4 to 6 weeks.

If you are considering acupuncture, it is essential to find a reliable and qualified practitioner. Check with your physician to see if acupuncture is right for you based on your medical history and to see if he or she can refer you to a specific practice. This is especially important given that fact that needles are used.

It is important to keep in mind that most treatments take time before experiencing results, so allow for a few appointments before deciding if acupuncture works for you. Some insurance companies will pay for acupuncture, so consult your provider to see if you are covered.