What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to help promote the flow of Chi and stimulate natural healing. It works by inserting thin needles into specific points in the body, stimulating nerve endings, and promoting the circulation of energy. According to traditional Chinese medicine, these needles help to restore balance to the body's energy system, allowing the body to heal itself naturally and promoting overall well-being.
Research has found that acupuncture can effectively treat various conditions, including headaches, anxiety, digestive disorders, and musculoskeletal issues. In addition, it has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, boost immunity, improve energy levels, and reduce the effects of aging.
Understanding Acupuncture
According to many studies in animals and humans, acupuncture can cause many biological responses. Its effects can occur close to the site of application or at some distance throughout your body, primarily mediated by the central nervous system and its neurons. In some cases, the effects can be observed both locally and generally.
The role of acupuncture in the body is still being researched to determine its efficacy and to understand its mechanism more. The most common focus on the uses of acupuncture is pain relief or what we call analgesia. It is not surprising since many people suffer from chronic illness such as rheumatoid arthritis, vertebral distortion and the likes which are undeniably painful. It has also been documented to have an effect towards the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. This supports the idea that acupuncture has broad spectrum systemic effects. Other studies have also shown that it has immunologic effects which are still unclear.
Considerable efforts have been exerted to know more about acupuncture and its “acupuncture points” which still remain debatable. Despite the uncertainty of some information about the technique, it continues to play an important role in the evaluation of patients and the formulation of treatment in acupuncture. The specificity of biological changes of acupuncture in humans is still vague; therefore, accuracy in measuring the biological changes in control groups is vital. Some of the biological changes are that of blood pressure and the release of endogenous opioids.
The therapeutic outcome may be influenced by many factors which include the degree of trust between the clinician and the patient, the quality of relationship, the compatibility of the backgrounds and belief systems of the acupuncturist and the patient, the expectations of the patient including the many factors that define the therapeutic setting.
Some of the uses of acupuncture are its efficiency in treating nausea and vomiting in adults post-surgery or those under chemotherapy treatment and a number of other conditions. Despite these facts, research continues in order to define the role of acupuncture in healthcare. The method provides not only a chance to discover its many benefits in healthcare; it also opens an opportunity for exploration of human physiology not previously examined in a systematic manner.
Although the full effect of the method still remain unclear, it is promising to note that research studies have already been delineated making it easier for further studies to trace the flow of improvements. It is wise to be open-minded about Oriental medicine if you are looking for a natural and drug free alternative to conditions successfully treated with acupuncture.
The China Connection.
Acupuncture originated in China wherein the energy flow “Qi” is considered important for a person’s health. A disruption of the energy flow throughout the body can result in illnesses or certain diseases.
The theory states that needle insertion at certain points on our skin can actually alter some physiologic phenomenon in our body. Many Western doctors today include acupuncture as part of the healthcare interventions alongside the conventional ones. Sometimes you need to rely on more natural ways to counteract some diseases, stress or psychological bearings.
As I mentioned earlier, one example is its efficacy in adult post-operative and chemotherapy nausea and vomiting. Generally, nausea and vomiting is the side effect of anesthesia during surgery and by the chemotherapy drugs in the treatment of cancer. Also noted is its efficacy in alleviating post-operative dental pain. It can also be useful as an adjunct treatment or an acceptable alternative in a comprehensive management program for menstrual cramps, asthma, tennis elbow, stroke rehabilitation, addiction, low back pain, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome and headaches.
The resurgence of acupuncture alongside conventional treatment, has made it readily available for the public to benefit from. Just remember it’s important you choose the reliability of a New York acupuncturist who is licensed and certified. Check with a friend or relative if they know a good acupuncturist they’ve had results with. Read the testimonials on their website to see what others say about the practitioner and their skills and bedside manners.
How Acupuncture Works
As mentioned, acupuncture is based on the belief that the body has an internal energy system, known as "Chi" or life force energy, which flows through 14 distinct pathways throughout the body. When these pathways become blocked or out of balance, it can lead to physical and mental health issues. Acupuncture seeks to restore balance to the chi pathways by stimulating specific points along the energy pathways. This stimulation helps to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers, and increase blood flow, resulting in improved health and well-being.
Does Acupuncture Hurt?
Acupuncture needles are considered to be very safe, and acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable, and as thin as human hair.
They are inserted into the skin at specific points and should not cause any pain or discomfort. However, some people may experience a slight prickling sensation when the needles are inserted, as well as a feeling of warmth or tingling in the area where the needles are placed. This is usually only temporary and is not considered to be painful. The needles may be left in place for a few minutes or up to an hour, depending on the desired outcomes of the treatment. Additionally, some practitioners may use heat, electricity, or massage in addition to the needles to further stimulate the Chi flow and improve the efficacy of the treatment. It is important to consult with your practitioner to ensure that you receive the most effective treatment for your individual needs.
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Acupuncture for Low-Back Pain
The evidence for acupuncture for various types of chronic pain is quite strong. According to the National Institutes of Health, multiple reviews have found that acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic low-back pain, as well as knee and hip osteoarthritis. A systematic review conducted by the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society concluded that for chronic lower back pain, acupuncture is one of several treatment options that may provide a small to moderate amount of relief. The research also suggested that acupuncture may be considered an alternative to conventional treatments, such as medications or physical therapy.
Acupuncture for Headaches
Yes, acupuncture is an effective treatment for headaches, including migraines and tension headaches. In one study, researchers found that people who received acupuncture had nearly 50 percent fewer days with tension headaches compared to those receiving conventional care.
Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia
Research suggests that acupuncture can offer many benefits for people with fibromyalgia, including reducing pain levels, improving sleep, and stimulating the immune system. Additionally, research has shown that acupuncture can have real effects on the brain structures involved in pain processing. Electroacupuncture (EA) appears to be especially effective for fibromyalgia, as studies have suggested that it may cause changes in the levels of two neurotransmitters—serotonin and substance P— which are key to FM.
Acupuncture for Arthritis Pain
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can be highly effective for the treatment of arthritis. Studies have found that TCM is effective in treating both rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disorder, and osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear on the joints. A review of 43 clinical studies showed that TCM for RA helps reduce inflammation and improve immune system function. Additionally, a review of eight clinical trials concluded that acupuncture was an effective treatment for reducing pain due to osteoarthritis. Furthermore, acupuncture treatment combined with Chinese herb supplements and personalized diet coaching has been shown to be effective at alleviating symptoms due to different types of arthritis, and may even be able to reverse and prevent further damage to the joints
Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Studies have found that acupuncture is an effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome and is more effective than usual care, including anti-inflammatory medications. It has been shown to successfully alleviate pain, inflammation, and numbness, and restore motor dexterity. Electromyography (EMG) testing has confirmed these results, showing improvements across multiple parameters. Additionally, a study conducted in Taiwan compared the effectiveness of acupuncture and steroid pills for hand and arm pain associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. The researchers found that the group of patients who received eight acupuncture treatments over a one-month period reported more relief from their pain and that this relief lasted for a longer time than the relief reported by patients taking medication.
Some Do’s and Don’ts Regarding Acupuncture Treatment
You might not be sure about getting acupuncture New York because it is a treatment you are really not familiar with and all you’ve heard about this treatment is that it uses needles which already raise scary thoughts about it. You may also wonder about how much it costs but you may be attracted to it because you know it as an all natural treatment that has been around for a long time.
The first thing you can do is to go and visit an acupuncturist who can also be your doctor since a lot of physicians are now practicing medical acupuncturists. You can inquire all about this treatment and if it can treat your specific health problem. Do not be ashamed to ask questions that deal with this treatment and about the qualifications, credentials and experience of the acupuncturist. Conferring with the acupuncturist regarding any concerns gives you peace of mind and makes you better informed about what acupuncture can do.
If you have undergone acupuncture treatment, the next best thing to do is to drink copious amounts of fluids. You need to stay hydrated to wash away toxins that may need a little help to push them out of the body system. You might experience specific body aches if you are not fully hydrated. After drinking fluids, you may need to rest your body.
Sometimes after an acupuncture treatment, you might feel tired. You can rest or sleep if you want to. Do not expose yourself to a full day of work if possible after you have been treated with acupuncture. If after treatment you might feel energized, you can be active but be sure not to stress yourself.
Another thing you should do after an acupuncture treatment is to avoid drinking alcohol. You need to refrain from drinking alcohol at least for one full day (24 hours). One main reason to refrain from alcohol intake is that the body has more difficulty in filtering out toxins from the body. The fact is alcohol does add more toxins to the body causing the liver and kidney to overwork and damaging them as well.
One thing you can do also is to eat healthy diets. Acupuncture has restored balance in the body and this balance can be thrown into disarray once again when you eat a poor unhealthy diet. If you do want to eat junk foods then eat them as minimally as possible and not regularly. Foods rich in proteins and vegetables are best to help you maintain proper balance in the body.
Before and after undergoing acupuncture, do not travel long distances for at least a day. Allow your body to completely rest to be able to maximize the benefits of the treatment.
Acupuncture in Naples, FL can done in our office when you book a session!