Introduction to acupuncture
Acupuncture dates back in prehistoric times, a healing technique discovered by the Chinese that specific points in the body, punctured and stimulated with a fine needle can influence the function of a specific organ.
Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners believed there are a series of points connected by pathways or meridians.
It equates the body and the universe in terms of two opposing forces “yin and ” yang”. When these forces are in balance the body is healthy.
Take for example a pipe clogged with dirt averts the flow of water to the direct source.
Acupuncture can release the blockage and stimulate function, by enhancing the balanced flow of life force, “qi” thereby correcting underlying imbalances in the body, as the illness is said to be the consequence of an imbalance or disruption to the flow of energy.
How does Acupuncture work?
The main goal of acupuncture is self-healing.
“There’s nothing magical about acupuncture says Ka-Kit Hui, MD, founder, and director of the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine.
Many of these (alternative) techniques, including acupuncture, they all work by activating the body’s self-healing (a mechanism).”
Acupuncture works through neurohormonal pathways.
You put the needle through specific points in the body and stimulate the nerve. The nerve sends signals to the brain and the brain releases neural hormones such as beta-endorphins. By doing that, the patient feels euphoric, or happy, and this increases the pain threshold and they feel less pain, says Dr Ting Bao, an integrative oncologist at Memorial Sloan- Kettering cancer center in New york.
Acupuncture changes the way your brain responds to pain and can modify internal organ function to treat complex diseases.
Does it hurt?
The needles are thin and carefully inserted and oftentimes not felt.
However, the experience differs for everyone, acupuncture, doesn’t cause discomfort, or pain.
You may feel a prick, a tingling sensation, which is referred to as “DEQI” translates to the arrival of “qi” – vital energy. This is the formal term of a sensation many people feel after a needle is being placed.
In the real sense, it’s most likely the tiniest needle you’ve ever seen. It just slides through your skin.
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Why should I consider acupuncture?
Other than the numerous beneficial effects that it treats your whole being, physically, emotionally, and mentally. It is widely known for its analgesic and homeostatic effect.
Analgesic: it’s natural to alleviating pain.
The term analgesia refers to a medication that provides relief from pain.
Whether acupuncture acute or chronic pain; osteoarthritis, headache, back pain, etc.
Homeostatic: the ability to maintain a stable internal environment of the body regardless of the external conditions.
It keeps you healthy and boosts your immune system, by warding off infections that prevent you from catching an unwanted illness.
Conclusion
Lastly, there is nothing to lose when you try acupuncture, you feel a lot different and relaxed. But in most chronic cases, it can take longer to see results.
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