Most of us are aware of the different therapeutic benefits that are provided by acupuncture. This is an alternative form of medical methodology, which involves the insertion of very thin needles through the skin of a patient at particular parts of the body in different depths. It has been said to provide relief from pain and nausea brought about by chemotherapy.
The technique originated from China, where it was practiced for thousands of years. While records show that it has been used in Europe for centuries, it has only grown in popularity in Western Europe, Canada, and the U.S. during the second part of the 20th century.
How Acupuncture Works
According to Chinese medicine, energy channels run along regular patterns all through the body and surface. These meridians, as they are called, flow like rivers throughout the body to water the tissues and nourish them. Anything that obstructs this movement acts like a dam. These meridians can be stimulated by inserting very fine needles into the acupuncture points. These needles remove these obstructions and restore the regular flow with the help of the meridians. This way, acupuncture treatments can help the internal organs of the body in correcting imbalances with regard to absorption, digestion, and activities that produce and circulate energy through the meridians.
This can be explained scientifically in a way that inserting needles into acupuncture points let the nervous system be stimulated so that it can give off and distributes chemicals in the brain, muscles, and spinal cord. It will either transform the feeling of pain or will cause the release of hormones and chemicals that influence the regulating system inside the body.
Acupuncture produces improved biochemical balance and energy, resulting in the stimulation of the natural healing abilities of the body and the promotion of emotional and physical well-being.
Other Benefits of Acupuncture
• Eases back pain
The major reason why most patients visit acupuncture clinics is to find relief for their back pain. According to proven scientific studies, acupuncture effectively relieves chronic back ache. In fact, this has shown 15% improvement compared to those who have been taking medications and going through chiropractic care.
• Increases the effectiveness of medicines
A published study from China shows that acupuncture combined with a low dose of Prozac is just as effective as a full-dose of the said drug for treating anxiety disorders. Also, this combination reduces the side effects of synthetic drugs such as weight gain, nausea, and reduced sex drive.
• Eases indigestion
In a published Brazilian research, tests show that acupuncture soothed indigestion among 75% of women compared to 44% who took the regular medication.
• Counteracts side effects of radiation
Patients who go through radiation suffer from different side effects but with acupuncture therapy, they seemed to perceive less of these, and it enhanced their quality of life after the treatment.
• Effectively treats headaches
Regular acupuncture therapy can relieve headaches and prevents them from becoming worse.
• Reduces weight
There is enough evidence that shows regular acupuncture is effective in losing weight when combined with exercise and a balanced diet.
Acupuncture is an age-old method of relieving health problems. It continues to give relief to those who are sore or in pain.
Rachelle Daugherty is a breast cancer survivor who took to alternative medicines and acupuncture at Mississauga’s European Massage Centre when she was undergoing chemotherapy. She found that it eased her pain and feelings of nausea, and she enjoyed how curteous and attentive the clinic’s staff were.