How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture Near Me is a form of treatment that involves inserting very thin needles through a person’s skin at specific points on the body, to various depths. PCOS acupuncturists will insert needles into a person’s body to balance their energy. This, it is claimed, can help boost well being and may cure some illnesses. Conditions it is used for including different kinds of pain, such as headaches, blood pressure problems, and whooping cough, among others.

How does it work?

Traditional Chinese medicine explains that health is the result of a harmonious balance of the complementary extremes of “yin” and “yang” of the life force known as “qi,” pronounced “chi.” Illness is said to be the consequence of an imbalance of forces. Qi is said to flow through meridians, or pathways, in the human body. These meridians and energy flows are accessible through 350 acupuncture points in the body. Inserting needles into these points with appropriate combinations is said to bring the energy flow back into proper balance. There is no scientific proof that the meridians or acupuncture points exist, and it is hard to prove that they either do or do not, but numerous studies suggest that acupuncture works for some conditions.

Some experts have used neuroscience to explain acupuncture. Acupuncture points are seen as places where nerves, muscles, and connective tissue can be stimulated. The stimulation increases blood flow, while at the same time triggering the activity of the body’s natural painkillers. It is difficult to set up investigations using proper scientific controls, because of the invasive nature of acupuncture. In a clinical study, a control group would have to undergo sham treatment or a placebo, for results to be compared with those of genuine acupuncture. Some studies have concluded that acupuncture offers similar benefits to a patient as a placebo, but others have indicated that there are some real benefits.

Uses

Research carried out in Germany has shown that acupuncture may help relieve tension headaches and migraines. The NCCIH note that it has been proven to help in cases of:

• low back pain

• neck pain

• osteoarthritis

• knee pain

• headache and migraine

They list additional disorders that may benefit from acupuncture, but which require further scientific confirmation. In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) listed a few conditions in which they say acupuncture has been proven effective. The WHO also suggests that it may help treat a few infections, including some urinary tract infections and epidemic haemorrhagic fever. They point out, however, that “only national health authorities can determine the diseases, symptoms, and conditions for which acupuncture treatment can be recommended.”

What to expect

According to traditional Chinese medical theory, acupuncture points are located on meridians, through which vital energy runs. This energy is known as “qi” or “chi.” An acupuncturist will examine the patient and assess their condition, insert one or more thin, sterile needles, and offer advice on self-care or other complementary therapies, such as Chinese herbs. The patient will be asked to lie down on their back, front, or one side, depending on where the needles are to be inserted. The acupuncturist should use single-use, disposable, sterile needles. As each needle is inserted, the patient may feel a very brief stinging or tingling sensation.