Acupuncture: Ancient Treatment Modern Healing

Acupuncture: Ancient Treatment Modern Healing

By Jennifer Goldston

For thousands of years acupuncture has been a mainstay of Chinese medicine. Though popular throughout Asia and some parts of Europe, it wasn't until the later part of the twentieth-century that this incredible healing tool made its way to the United States.

Acupuncture involves inserting thin, metal, needles into various depths on the skin along acupuncture points. According to Chinese medicine, acupuncture points are located along a meridian that runs through the body. It’s believed that vital energy, or chi runs through this meridian and can become obstructed, causing illness. Only through acupuncture is the Chi balance restored, that the body becomes well again.

Acupuncture And The Scientific Community

It’s not scientifically clear how acupuncture works, however, modern research has shown the positive effects of acupuncture on the cardiovascular, immune, and nervous systems.

Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective in treating the following health conditions:

• Migraine & Tension Headaches

• Tempromandibular Dysfunction

• Arthritis

• Osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Dental Pain

• Peptic Ulcers

• Asthma

• Allergies

• Sinusitis

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Gastritis

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

• Sciatica Pain

• Neck Pain

• Back Pain

• Biliary Colic

• Renal Colic

• Hypertension

• Hypotension

• Leucopenia

• Postoperative Pain

• Dysmenorrhea

• Labor Induction

• Malposition Fetus Correction

• Induction Of Labor

Some medical professionals insist that several other health conditions have benefited from the use of acupuncture treatment.

The following health conditions are showing promise, when treated consistently with acupuncture:

• Abdominal pain

• Earache

• Infertility

• Diabetes

• Cholecystitis

• Bronchitis

• Alcohol Detoxification

• Fibromyalgia

• Cardiac Neurosis

• Bell’s Palsy

• Gastrokinetic Disturbance

• Chronic Eye Pain

Treating Chronic Pain With Acupuncture

With the safety of prescription pain medication being questioned by many health professionals, a growing number of chronic pain sufferers are seeking out alternative therapies to treat their chronic pain. Acupuncture is one such treatment. A recent study showed that those who suffered from chronic pain, reported decreased pain and a better quality of life, after receiving twice weekly acupuncture for three months.

If you suffer from chronic pain, you might look into adding acupuncture to your treatment plan. The benefits are numerous, and the risks and side effects are low compared to other treatment options and therapies.

What Happens If I Decide To Have Acupuncture?

The first thing you should know is, acupuncturists are trained professionals who have your best interests at heart. That being said, make sure the acupuncturist you choose is licensed to practice in your state of residency.

On the day of treatment, arrive fifteen minutes early to your appointment to fill out the necessary health forms. Then you’ll be escorted to a treatment room where you’ll receive your treatment. Most patients report feeling no discomfort, as the needles are inserted. An acupuncture treatment lasts anywhere from 5 to 60 minutes, and many people report feeling very relaxed after.

How Many Times Do I Have To Come Back?

The number of treatments vary from patient to patient, and are based on a number of factors. If you suffer from a chronic condition, you may need treatment more frequently than someone who’s suffering from sinusitis.

If the current treatment for your health condition is proving ineffective and you'd like relief, I encourage you to give acupuncture a try. Ultimately, the decision to undergo acupuncture treatment is up to you, but what have you got to lose?

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