Acupuncture is a form of medicine that has been used for thousands of years. But can you really fight illnesses with acupuncture treatments? Treatments are performed by a trained acupuncturist, who uses needles to treat different types of ailments.
The use of needles, on acupoints, has been used to numb pain and prevent swelling, to treat fevers, and treat skin conditions. Acupuncture has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. In the Western world more people are beginning to use the healing powers of acupuncture in their lives. Even some traditional doctors now accept that it is possible to treat illnesses with acupuncture treatments.
Theory behind fighting illnesses with acupuncture
Acupuncture is based on the theory that all diseases are caused by energy blocks or energy imbalances between some of the hundreds of energy points that exist. These energy points are connected by meridians. There are twenty of these meridians which act as energy pathways and run the length of the body. The energy is known as chi or qi. Each of our major organs is connected to two meridians on either side of our body.
If you have an energy imbalance it will interfere with the flow of qi energy and manifest as symptoms and, over time, cause health problems. Acupuncture helps to treat these energy blockages and aims to cure and then prevent future disease.
Dealing with energy blockages
If you accept that energy blockages are the source of many health problems, then it makes sense to address them by dealing with the source. The acupuncturist inserts fine needles into the body, and focuses the energy of the body through the placement of the needles. By doing this the practitioner believes that he can target and treat the source of the blockage. In many cases, the treatment is successful, and a healing process begins.
Acupoints, are the places where needles are inserted into the body. The needles can be placed either into the skin or in some cases outside the body. They are usually inserted into specific points on the body anywhere from just below the skin to an inch or so deep.
Some people believe that acupuncture works best when the practitioner and the patient have a strong connection or energy source.
In some cases the acupuncture needles may be combined with using heated sticks to enhance the effect. These sticks are made from various herbs.
An electrical current can also be used for some conditions.
Conditions That Acupuncture May Help
Acupuncture has been shown to be beneficial in many conditions. Some of the conditions that you may want to consider it for are:
- Back, shoulder and neck pain are some of the most common conditions that you may go to an acupuncturist for. Here are other ways to treat back pain.
- Headaches and migraines are other common conditions that may be helped.
- If you want to stop smoking then you may consider acupuncture. There are some success stories of people giving up smoking this way but there may be better ways to quit smoking. Needles are placed in your ear lobes and wrists.
- Acupuncture can also help with skin conditions like acne and psoriasis as well as allergies.
- Infertility is distressing to many. If you have tried other methods and not had success then you should consider trying acupuncture. You will have needles put in many areas of your face.
- Stress is a growing problem for many. Acupuncture releases endorphins so can help alleviate stress and anxiety. In truth there are probably easier and better ways to reduce stress in my opinion.
Some advocates of traditional Chinese medicine will recommend combining acupuncture with herbal treatments.
Acupuncture is often combined with acupressure. In acupressure the energy points are manipulated and massaged by the fingers rather than by inserting needles.
Is Acupuncture safe?
You may be alarmed at the thought of having someone stick needles in to you. Many people are. It is very important that you choose a licensed, regulated acupuncturist for your treatment. Obviously as your skin is being pierced there is a risk of infection. However a reputable practitioner will use sterile procedures. These days it is usual for them to use disposable needles which are intended for single patient use.
You may suffer from minor side effects. These may include minor bleeding, bruising, nausea, dizziness and pain.
As with most therapies the outcome of any type of acupuncture treatment will vary from person to person. The goal is to find a way to treat the symptoms of your illnesses and to prevent them from coming back.
Acupuncture is one of the few therapies that has shown great promise in the fight against chronic illnesses and other health problems. It is a form of natural medicine that is highly recommended for those that suffer from many different conditions.
You can indeed fight illnesses with acupuncture treatments. If you have exhausted mainstream medicine and not had relief then you should consider acupuncture treatment to see if it helps. Consult with your doctor first to make sure there are no contraindications in your case.
