Acupuncture is an alternative therapy in which very fine needles are inserted into the body. Practitioners insert needles at various sites and depths to address multiple health concerns.
Acupuncture can assist with pain relief and a variety of other issues. However, the precise mechanism by which it operates is unknownTrusted Source. Some believe it works by harmonizing vital energy, while others say it affects the nervous system.
This page explains what acupuncture is, how it works, and the advantages and hazards of the treatment.
What is acupuncture, and how does it work?
Acupuncture is a technique for stimulating sensory nerves in the skin and muscles by inserting needles into the body. This might aid in the treatment of chronic pain and other bodily ailments.
What is the mechanism behind it?
Health, according to TCM, is the consequence of a harmonic balance of the yin and yang complementary extremes of the life energy known as Qi, pronounced “chi.” Disease, according to proponents, is the result of an imbalance of these forces.
According to TCM, Qi travels along meridians, or channels, throughout the human body. Three hundred sixty-one acupuncture sites throughout the body provide access to these meridians and energy flows. The energy flow will be restored by inserting needles into these spots in the proper combinations.
According to a 2017 analysis, many acupuncture points are located near areas where stimulation can impact the activity of several sensory neurons. Receptive fields are another name for these locations.
Physical stimulation of these areas by needle insertion may impact pain processing in the central nervous system and muscles and enhance blood flow to certain portions of the body.
In 2018, a meta-analysis was published.
The efficacy of acupuncture on chronic pain was studied by Trusted Source, and it was discovered that the treatment could deliver pain alleviation advantages that are different from placebo. Acupuncture’s actual method of action, however, remains unknown.
Risks
Every treatment has both dangers and advantages. Before beginning any therapy, a person should always obtain medical guidance.
Acupuncture may have the following risks:
- The insertion locations may experience bleeding, bruising, and pain.
- Infection can occur if needles are not sterilized.
- A hand can shatter and injure an internal organ in rare situations.
- Acupuncture needles are regulated as medical devices by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and their
- production and labeling must adhere to specified guidelines. A qualified practitioner must ensure that the
- needles are sanitary, nontoxic, and labeled “for one use only.”
In chronic or severe diseases, acupuncture should be used with conventional therapies and any additional treatment.
Benefits
Acupuncture is a popular supplementary therapy that can assist patients with various ailments.
Acupuncture has the following advantages:
- Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with other therapies.
- Acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic pain, migraines, and headaches.
- Acupuncture has a very minimal chance of negative side effects.
- It’s a versatile therapy that may address various health issues at once.
- According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)Trusted Source, people
- should not utilize acupuncture as a substitute for traditional medical care.
Uses
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, acupuncture can help in the treatment of:
- low backache
- neck ache
- osteoarthritis is a condition that affects the joints (OA)
- Knee ache and headache
- Other research
According to Trusted Source, acupuncture can help with the treatment of:
migraine
Peripheral Neuropathy from a Reliable Source
Rheumatoid arthritis tiredness tendinopathy nausea rheumatoid arthritis
What can you expect?
Acupuncturists will inspect and analyze a patient’s condition before inserting one or more thin, sterile needles and providing suggestions.
During the process, most people will sit or lie down. The acupuncturist should use Single-use, disposable, sterilized needles. When a needle is inserted, people may experience a momentary stinging or tingling sensation.
They may feel a dull discomfort at the needle’s base after that.
The needles will usually be in place for 20–60 minutes. However, this may depend on the operation.
In rare cases, the acupuncturist will heat the needles after they have been inserted.
Their unique circumstances determine the number of treatments required by an individual. A persistent disease may need one or two treatments every week over several months. After 8–12 sessions, an acute health problem usually improves.