Acupuncture has been found to be effective at alleviating pain, nausea, and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy treatments and fibromyalgia symptoms. Furthermore, studies have been done for other conditions including seasonal allergies, stress incontinence, and headaches.
It can be performed safely when administered by a trained healthcare provider using sterile needles. Before beginning to undergo this treatment, speak with your provider first.
Origins
Acupuncture first gained recognition five to six millennia ago through its description in Huang Di Neijing (Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine). At first, bloodletting was used as the precursor for what later evolved into acupuncture; early records show that needles were being used to influence body functions and structures without their knowledge.
The Sui and Tang Dynasties (581-907 A.D) witnessed economic and cultural prosperity, along with increasing scientific interest and advancements. Under Tang government orders, Zhen Quan revised and modernized earlier treatises such as Beiji Jiufa (Moxibustion for Medical Emergencies) as well as Mintang Sanren Tu, which illustrated twelve primary meridians and eight secondary meridians as well as over one hundred extra points.
At the height of China’s struggle against Guomindang rule and to establish a new socialist society in the late nineteenth century, acupuncture made a comeback in revolutionary base areas and many important books were published reviving it with new life.
Unfortunately, with the rise of the Qing Dynasty and the Opium War in 1840, Chinese traditional medicine was decimated. You can learn more about this historical period by clicking the link. Acupuncture was no exception but due to pockets of conservative resistance, it survived to become an essential component of modern Chinese medicine.
Benefits
Acupuncture has the ability to alleviate pain in many forms, from back or neck strain to knee osteoarthritis and tension headaches or migraines. It may also help alleviate nausea or vomiting associated with chemotherapy treatments or surgeries and may even improve bowel function for those experiencing constipation and diarrhea.
According to the American Academy of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, this practice may also help pregnant women relieve uterine cramps and lower back or pelvic pain experienced during gestation. Several sessions during pregnancy often leave expectant mothers more relaxed and calmer.
Ancient Chinese believed that our bodies are filled with an invisible life-giving force known as qi (pronounced chee). When this force flows smoothly, health and mental wellness improve as well as immunity against illness. Acupuncture helps restore this balance through treatment to maintain an effective flow of qi.
A study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine demonstrated how this practice could effectively lower inflammation by decreasing the production of an inflammatory protein known as IL-6, helping individuals suffering from asthma reduce symptoms by relaxing muscles surrounding the lungs while relieving inflammation.
Techniques
Practitioners employ different techniques to address your symptoms. One style of acupuncture relies heavily on palpation diagnosis to pinpoint specific points – ideal for hormonal imbalances, muscular issues, and digestive troubles.
Moxibustion, in which dried mugwort is burned near acupuncture points to warm and stimulate them, has proven particularly helpful for relieving rashes, chronic pain, and muscle spasms.
Electroacupuncture involves connecting needles to devices that generate electrical pulses to increase treatment effectiveness. This method is ideal for increasing energy levels, relieving muscle tension, and breaking addictions.
Many acupuncturists offer cupping therapy, which involves placing cups on your body to create suction to increase blood flow and promote relaxation.
Some individuals report feeling relaxed or refreshed after an acupuncture session while for others the effects vary according to individual experiences – some people even report worsening symptoms initially before seeing any improvement – this is completely normal and an indication that your body is adapting to treatment! You can visit this site: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/acupuncture for more information.
Precautions
Since more research is being done and acupuncture has proven itself effective for specific illnesses like cancer-related fatigue, back pain, and fibromyalgia, it is becoming more widely utilized by patients and insurers are beginning to cover acupuncture sessions.
This can be performed safely when administered by a licensed practitioner who adheres to standards of practice. As it involves needles, though, complications are possible and should always be managed accordingly.
Make sure that your practitioner is licensed, a member of a professional organization, and uses only single-use needles sterilized using medical grade bleach to minimize risks. Let them know if you have any special expectations from your session; an Acupuncture for Performance session will be different from a pain management one. If you communicate upfront, you will have the best experience.
Also, let them know if you are expecting; certain points cannot be used while expecting. Before beginning treatment, your acupuncturist should review your full medical history as well as check for signs of illness such as heat, redness, or tenderness as well as de qi which is the energetic pulse in the skin.
