Acupuncture is a healing practice, dates back to around 100 BC in China. Many studies have failed to show any scientific evidence that supports such practices. In Acupuncture, a thin needle is inserted into patients’ skin at multiple, varying locations based on their symptoms. Once inserted, some of the acupuncturists’ hands turn the needle to add therapeutic benefits. Although there are several acupuncture uses in traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to treat pain in the West.
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Acupuncture Needles
An acupuncture needle has a tip, handle, body, root, and tail. The tip and body of the needle are inserted into the body on the acupuncture points. The handle and tail are the parts that a practitioner uses to manipulate the needle. The root is what connects the handle and body of the needle. The most widely used acupuncture needles are made up of stainless steel with varying sizes. Because of its small size, people often describe it as a painless needle. The tip of the needle is blunt but has less chance of cutting your tissue as compared to a regular needle with the same gauge number,
Acupuncture Points
There are hundreds of acupuncture points on your body. They are too many to name. Three of the commonly used points by acupressure practitioners acupuncturists include:
- Liver 3: This is located on the top of your feet up from the big and the next toe space.
- Large intestine 4: This is in the fleshy, soft web between forefingers and thumb.
- Spleen 6: This is almost three-finger width above the inner anklebone.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Researchers are not fully aware of how Acupuncture works, but there are several theories. According to one theory, it works by stimulating the release of your body’s pain-relieving chemicals, endorphins. Acupuncture is also believed to control that part of the nervous system which controls bodily functions. Moreover, it influences the release of certain chemicals that regulate pressure and blood flow, reduce inflammation and calm the brain. Different people feel Acupuncture in different ways. Some feel relaxed, while some have a burst of energy. Some report pain during needle insertion, while some report no discomfort.
What Is Acupuncture Good For?
The primary reason for seeking Acupuncture is to deal with pain. The treatment may help reduce symptoms of several types of pain, including neck, back, dental and joint pain, and fibromyalgia, migraines, and arthritis. It also helps to reduce nausea after a patient receives chemotherapy or undergoes surgery. It also helps in smoking cessation and dealing with the irritating symptoms of menopause and allergies. Some couples seek Acupuncture to increase their fertility. However, Acupuncture cannot diagnose any injury, disease, or other condition but is a means of dealing with the known maladies.
Acupuncture is a non-invasive treatment compared to surgery with very little or no side effects or recovery time. It can therefore decrease your dependence on medications and unpleasant medical procedures. Regardless of the physical condition of a person, it is suitable for almost everyone. The only exception is that those taking blood thinners or suffering from bleeding disorders can not get this treatment. Acupuncture takes a holistic approach by eliminating the leading cause of sickness rather than mitigating the symptoms.
Disadvantages Of Acupuncture
Some patients report soreness immediately following treatment, although it is not often a cause for concern. In many cases, it may not cure physical pain like when a person has broken bones. Acupuncture needs follow-up treatments regularly, which can prove a hassle to some patients. Moreover, these treatments are often not covered by the health insurance providers, can be costly, and results are not guaranteed, which leads some patients to think that they have wasted their money and time. Acupuncture has little or no side effects when delivered by a licensed acupuncturist. Still, the unqualified practitioner can provide poor care leading to infections from unsterilized needles and can cause pain from improper needle placement.
Acupuncture is not suitable for everyone. If you want to visit an acupuncturist, talk to your doctor first and consult the best Acupuncturist via Marham.pk.
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