In tandem with certain types of healthcare, such as chiropractic treatment, acupuncture can offer patients a range of health benefits. While many of us may be hesitant to have thin needles inserted into various points in our bodies, acupuncture is actually relatively painless and studies suggest this type of care can treat a range of health issues. Here, we’re taking a closer look into the world of acupuncture and revealing some unexpected benefits to receiving this type of care that may surprise you.
What is Acupuncture?
First things first: what exactly is acupuncture? Originating in China, acupuncture is understood as a traditional form of treatment that has been used for thousands of years. For roughly 3,000 years, acupuncture has been practiced to treat a range of healthcare issues and even many mental health issues. The art of acupuncture is based on a Chinese belief in the flow of your body’s energy, which is also called Qi. This Qi is thought to be responsible for many different aspects of your health and wellness. Your Qi flows through your body on specific pathways that connect thousands of different acupuncture points over your body.
In recent years, acupuncture has spread to western societies and is becoming increasingly common in healthcare offices around the world. According to the Johns Hopkins Medicine school, acupuncture is defined as the “practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner’s hands or with electrical stimulation.” This type of therapy is practiced by a licensed acupuncturist, or at times a certified specialist, who is trained in performing acupuncture both safely and effectively to treat injuries and ailments.
So, how does this process work? When an acupuncture needle is applied to a specific point on the body, research suggests that this slight puncture can effectively treat a range of health problems, including chronic pain, limited mobility, or an injury. Receiving acupuncture from a licensed acupuncturist can help you relax and relieve stress, offer quick pain relief, and even improve circulation throughout the body. Many patients choose acupuncture over other types of treatment because it’s fast, effective, and safe.
Who Could Benefit from Receiving Acupuncture?
In recent years, acupuncture has become immensely popular throughout the world. In part, this is true because it is such an effective form of treatment for a wide range of health issues—both mental and physical in nature. As a holistic, safe approach to care, people are amazed to learn about the benefits of acupuncture. Once you get over the initial concern about the needles (which are harmless, and for some patients, even relaxing), acupuncture can be an ideal way to treat your total health.
While more scientific data is still needed, many studies suggest that acupuncture can be beneficial for treating the following health conditions:
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- Chronic back pain or neck pain
- Inflammation
- Limited joint mobility
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Sciatica pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Stress and anxiety
- Sinus problems
- Headaches and migraines
- Nausea
- Insomnia
And in many ways, this is only the beginning. Researchers are still learning more and more about this traditional Chinese treatment. And if the test of time proves anything about the effectiveness of acupuncture, this type of care certainly isn’t going anywhere soon.
5 Benefits of Acupuncture
Most of us probably link acupuncture with providing quick pain relief to patients, but in reality, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Acupuncture offers patient’s many different holistic benefits, both physical and mental, to treat existing health problems and to boost your overall physical and mental wellness.
5 of the most touted benefits of acupuncture treatment include:
- Quick relief from pain: when a trigger point is treated, patients often feel quick and immediate relief from pain as acupuncture can work to “reset” the nervous system in your body.
- Improved mobility: targeting specific points, acupuncture has been shown to improve joint mobility in your shoulders, legs, knees, and more. This becomes especially important as you grow older or you’re recovering from an injury.
- Improved circulation: acupuncture can also improve blood flow and circulation throughout your body and reduce inflammation. With improved blood flow, your organs will receive vital nutrients and oxygen to function properly.
- Few (if any) side effects: while prescription medication (especially designed to provide relief from pain may often comes with unwanted side effects or even addictive properties, acupuncture does not. This type of all-natural care comes with little side effects. Potentially, some patients may experience soreness following an acupuncture session, but it fades quickly.
- Holistic treatment: compared to other types of care, acupuncture works to treat the whole body and mind. This means than in treating one health issue, you may also experience a range of additional health benefits.
Conclusion – 5 Benefits of Acupuncture
At first glance, it may seem like sticking tons of little needles into certain points of your body sounds a little strange when it comes to treating pain or injuries. But you shouldn’t allow for the unique nature of this approach to healing to cause you to never explore it as a healthcare option. Ample evidence reveals the holistic benefits to receiving acupuncture and it is understood as a safe and effective form of treatment for a wide variety of patients.
Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years and has helped countless individuals find relief from pain, improved mobility, and faster healing. Additionally, acupuncture has other benefits you may not expect, such as the potential for improving blood flow and circulation, improved mental health, and working as a safe alternative to more invasive types of treatment, such as medication or surgery. While western science is still learning more and more about the potential benefits of acupuncture, you can experience the benefits today. Contact your primary care physician or your local chiropractor’s office to learn more about how acupuncture can improve both your physical and mental wellness.