The ancient treatment called "Acupuncture" is gaining renewed attention for its potential health benefits. According to traditional Chinese beliefs, it works by affecting the flow of energy (called qi) through 12 channels known as meridians, which run lengthwise through the body.
According to Harvard Health, the health benefits of Acupuncture include treating many pain conditions, including low back pain, shingles and other nerve pain, hand and knee pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, and menstrual pain, according to an article on Harvard Health.
How it works
The treatment involves the insertion of extremely fine needles into specific points on the body called "acupoints" along the meridians.
Scientific Studies suggest that it could help relieve pain releasing endorphins, which are the body's natural painkilling chemicals, and may influence serotonin levels, which is a major brain chemical involved with mood.
However, a related technique called "acupressure" does not involve the insertion of needles at all, it works with deep pressure instead, usually with a finger or thumb, at acupressure points.
How is acupuncture administered?
While the technique of Acupuncture can vary depending on the practitioner, Chinese acupuncture often includes more than just inserting needles. Sometimes to enhance the effects, acupuncturists turn or twirl the needles slightly or apply heat or electrical stimulation.
In some cases, another technique called "moxibustion," where an herb called "mugwort" is burned near the needle tips or over specific areas of the body to stimulate the acupoints.
Traditional moxibustion may involve placing the herb directly on the needle or skin, however, in the US, indirect methods are used more commonly, where the herb is burned near the skin without making contact.
The Japanese form of acupuncture involves shallower needle insertion, and needles usually are not manipulated. On the other hand, Korean acupuncture focuses on needling points just in the hands and feet.
Generally, the acupuncturist starts the treatment after discussing the patient's pain and other symptoms and medical as well as family history. They may also do a physical examination, including checking pulse, examining the tongue, and applying gentle pressure on various parts of the patient's body to identify swelling or sensitivity.
Acupuncturists use a holistic approach, aiming to treat not only specific general whole-body imbalances but also underlying imbalances throughout the body. The acupuncturist typically inserts four to 10 needles and leaves them for 10 to 30 minutes while the patient rests. A standard course of treatment includes six to 12 sessions over a three-month period.
Minor side effects of acupuncture can include pain, bruising, or bleeding at the site of the needle insertion but complication rate appears to be quite low. Skin infections have also been reported but the use of sterile, single-use needles has reduced the risk of blood-borne infection such as hepatitis B or HIV.
Scientific research continues to the effectiveness of acupuncture. A study published in The Journal of Pain reviewed data from 39 trials involving nearly 21,000 people who received either acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, or no acupuncture for osteoarthritis, headaches, or chronic pain in the back, neck, or shoulders.
The findings showed that accurate acupuncture provided the greatest pain relief, and the benefits persisted for at least a year. Another study, published in Advances in Therapy in 2021 found that acupuncture can help with low back pain up to two years after treatment.
Therefore, if you decide to try acupuncture, choosing an experienced acupuncturist is crucial. Licensing requirements vary from country to country. In areas where there are no licensing requirements, the safest option is to find an acupuncturist with certification from professional place.
Some medical doctors also practice acupuncture, so asking a physician for a referral can be a good starting point.
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