The Benefits of Acupuncture

James Bamford

Acupuncture is a holistic health technique that stems from Traditional Chinese Medicine practices in which trained practitioners stimulate specific points on the body by inserting thin needles into the skin. The use of acupuncture and other TCM techniques has risen steadily in the U.K. and other Western countries over the past several decades. According to a large survey done on complementary health approaches by the National Institute of Health in 2007, in the U.S. alone at least 3.1 million people had tried acupuncture in 2007.

Acupuncture is used by people from all walks of life to treat many ailments and for good reasons. Acupuncture is hugely beneficial with little downside. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t not hurt, is completely safe and can be used by people of all ages.

Acupuncture has a vast range of benefits…

Reduces Chronic Pain: This is perhaps the most common and celebrated use of acupuncture on the human body, and as such, it has undergone the most research to test its validity. A recent study in the Archive of Internal Medicine has shown acupuncture to reduce pain up to 15% when used for a variety of different types of pain, but primarily focused on chronic back pain that may result from physical stress, poor sleeping habits, old injuries that never fully healed, tightness of muscles, pregnancy, or other sources.

Minimizes Heartburn & Indigestion: Regular acupuncture therapy has been proven to reduce signs of heartburn, indigestion, and required sufferers to use fewer antacids, a recent study shows. Brazilian researchers carried out the test subject and found significant difference between symptoms of pregnant women who used acupuncture, and those who simply watched their diet and took medication when necessary.

Treats Anxiety: There have been a number of studies done on the effects of acupuncture on anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety neurosis, and perioperative anxiety. Like many of the other uses of acupuncture, the exact mechanism is not completely understood, but clinical trials show a positive correlation between anxiety reduction and acupuncture.

Reduces Insomnia: Studies have shown that acupuncture can reduce the frequency of insomnia for many people. It shows that acupuncture increases the secretion of nocturnal melatonin, which is a chemical that aids and induces sleep. The study showed that in less than five weeks, regular acupuncture significantly decreased the presence and effects of insomnia in the test study group. So, if you can’t sleep, and you don’t want to suffer through the potentially complicated side effects of sleep aid pharmaceuticals, speak to an acupuncturist!

Treats Arthritis: By inserting needles onto meridians, our nerve endings communicate with our brains, and tell it that our muscles feel aching or “full”. This will cause the release of endorphins, which are typically released during stress for an energy boost and to block pain receptors. These endorphins, combined with the normal neurotransmitters that affect nerve impulses, may be able to stop the pain associated with arthritis that physically limits so many people. One very unusual form of acupuncture that is gaining ground is called BVA (Bee Venom Acupuncture) where bee venom is topically applied to an acupuncture point of penetration. Studies have shown positive results between this style of acupuncture and a reduction in pain associated with arthritis.

Relieves Migraines: Another of the most popular applications of acupuncture in recent years has been for the relief of migraines and headaches, both in terms of pain relief and reduction in frequency. Although the exact mechanism to prevent these conditions via acupuncture around the face, neck, and scalp is not fully understood, positive results from research have in some ways justified, dozens of generations of this treatment method. Studies in the past have shown that patients treated with acupuncture had a higher chance of showing a marked decrease in pain rather than modern medical treatment. There is also a far lower chance of intense side effects from acupuncture than those frequently reported from strong migraine medicine.

Acupuncture has a wide range of benefits that can help you feel better. If you would like to book a first session, contact Body Mechanics today.

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