Acupuncture is a type of alternative medicine used widely to treat different types of pain. Used as part of physiotherapy treatment, acupuncture finds a number of supporting evidences in its claim to reduce the pain and inflammation of different parts of your body.
The treatment process is based on the claim that acupuncture can stimulate the brain and parts of the spinal cord to produce chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin and melatonin, which can relieve the pain of the afflicted area.
History of Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been developed as part of Chinese traditional medicines and dates back to 1000BC. The concept of acupuncture is based on the belief that there is energy within the body that is termed qi or chi. This energy, when maladjusted, is blocked in different parts of the body and it is this obstruction that causes all the different kinds of pain we experience. The aim of acupuncture is to re-establish the proper balance of this energy flow to maintain the concept of yin-yang.
What Is The Process Of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture processes are generally performed with the help of needles, which are sterilised and inserted into different parts of the body, based upon the adjustment that is needed by the patient. The depth up to which the needle is inserted and the pressure applied is dependent upon the skill of the performer and the level of adjustment required by the patient.
The process of acupuncture is dependent upon locating the various pressure points of the neurological system of the body and attempting to put just enough heat or electric current on these points to ensure that the balance is restored. The performer will determine the period of time that the needles should remain in your body for but it is generally somewhere between 25-30 minutes.
What Can Acupuncture Cure?
There are a number of ailments that can be cured using this ancient process. The primary benefit of pain relief aside, acupuncture has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of migraines, seasonal allergies, mild depressive episodes (most likely due to the release of serotonin), acid reflux diseases and other gastrointestinal diseases like heartburn, and low blood pressure. It induces sleep by relaxing the body and mind, boosts the immune system and to top it all off, has been known to help patients lose weight!
Does It Hurt?
Most people shy away from acupuncture as they are concerned that the procedure may hurt due to such a large amount of needles being poked into the body, but apart from a slight pinch when the needle pierces the skin, most patients feel nothing but a state of euphoria.
With the numerous benefits of acupuncture, more and more fitness enthusiasts are attempting to opt for this form of alternate medicine for a holistic development. Acupuncture, thus, can greatly improve your quality of life and grant you a stress free existence.