Health Benefits of Acupunture to Promote Natural Healing
Aesthetics Daily – Modern lifestyles that tend to ignore health have the potential to make your body and mind vulnerable to various diseases. Whereas, the body if properly maintained has the ability to heal and the immune system.
This potential can be maximized with an ancient Chinese medicine called acupuncture that has been practiced for thousand years. The effectiveness of acupuncture in treating numerous diseases has been recognized in various parts of the world.
What is Acupuncture?
Part of the ancient practice of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles into the skin. This therapy is based on the assumption that the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by meridian pathways.
This pathway creates a natural flow of energy called qi which is responsible for the overall health of the body. A person is at risk of various diseases if this energy flow is disturbed. Blood flow is likely to stop when qi is blocked, resulting in pain and illness.
The flow of qi to organs, body tissues and glands can be rebalanced with acupuncture. A study revealed that acupuncture activates pathways between the endocrine system and the nervous system.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Hair-thin needles that have been sterilized are first inserted into specific points on the body that produce the sensation of pain or pressure. Various types of stimulation at acupuncture points that may be used include electromagnetic energy impulses, suction (cupping), pressure (acupressure), heat (moxibustion), and friction.
Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system which in turn releases chemicals into the spinal cord, brain and muscles. Not only does this stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities, these biochemical changes can also improve physical and mental well-being.
The acupuncturist, at the start of the session, will tell you what points to focus on and whether you need to remove any clothing. During the treatment, you lie down on a soft table while on the other side, the acupuncturist inserts some needles in the acupuncture points.
When the needle is inserted, most people report some little pain. To improve results, acupuncturists sometimes use electrical and thermal stimulation of the needles. The acupuncture session which lasts for approximately 20 minutes will end with the removal of needles that have been inserted in several parts of the body.
Benefits of Acupuncture
Acupuncture targeting specific points is believed to improve qi flow. Having been recognized in the world of medicine, acupuncture can stand alone or combined with other types of treatment.
1. Headache relief
Acupuncture needles that are carefully placed near certain nerves have an amazing pain-reducing effect. Discomfort from migraines and recurring headaches can be relieved thanks to the endorphins released during the treatment.
2. Immune system support
The body will be free from all kinds of diseases if you have a good immune system. Not only strengthens the immune system, acupuncture can also speed up the healing process. Acupuncture is also beneficial for balancing immune function and preventing autoimmune diseases.
3. Mood improvement
Moods that generally tend to fluctuate are at risk of worsening due to various stressors in real life. The pressures and uncertainties of life also have the potential to make people feel worried and even worse depressed.
The application of acupuncture needles stimulates the nervous system and helps it release endorphins and other mood-enhancing chemicals. This process prevents the damaging effects of prolonged anxiety and helps you think more positively.
4. Improved sleep quality
Your body has a natural ability to produce a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles called melatonin. Acupuncture helps the body produce more melatonin so you avoid insomnia and fatigue all the time.
5. Blood pressure control
Acupuncture helps with healthy blood flow and optimal heart function. Regular treatment makes the cardiovascular system work more optimally, resulting in a reduction in blood pressure.
Summary
Some patients find acupuncture therapy more energizing while others find it relaxing. Acupuncture for some patients may not have an immediate visible effect so they likely need more than one treatment.
When performed by a licensed acupuncturist, acupuncture provides many physical and emotional benefits. There are no serious side effects as long as proper safety protocols are followed. Acupuncture can be a good option if you have used other treatment methods but have had little or no effect.
