Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, and there is some scientific evidence to support its efficacy.
In recent years, acupuncture has gained popularity in Western countries as an alternative or complementary therapy. If you’re considering acupuncture, there are some potential health benefits to keep in mind.
Let’s take a closer look.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine used for centuries in China. It is based on the belief that vital energy points are located throughout the body.
Stimulating these points can help to improve one’s health. Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain, but you can also use it to treat other conditions.
Acupuncture stimulates certain points on the body, known as acupuncture points or pressure points. These points are along what is known as meridians.
There are a total of twelve main meridians and eight secondary meridians. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system. The stimulation of these points can help to improve the function of the associated organ system and promote overall health.
Acupuncture is usually performed using thin needles inserted into the skin at specific points on the body. The needles are usually made of stainless steel and are disposable.
The number of acupuncture treatments a person needs will vary depending on their condition. In general, acute conditions will require more frequent treatments than chronic conditions.
Most people see an improvement after 4-6 treatments, although some may need more or less than this.
Potential Health Benefits of Acupuncture
If you’re struggling with a medical condition or just looking for a natural way to improve your health, consider giving acupuncture a try! Here are just a few of its many benefits.
Helps With Allergies and Asthma
Acupuncture has always been a treatment for allergies and asthma. A study conducted in 2013 found that acupuncture helped reduce hay fever symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
Hay fever is caused by an allergy to pollen, and the study found that acupuncture may help reduce pollen sensitivities.
Another study found that acupuncture may also help treat asthma. The study found that people who received acupuncture treatments had less shortness of breath and wheezing than those who did not receive acupuncture.
Acupuncture may help open the airways and make breathing easier for people with asthma.
Helps to Relieve Chronic Pain (Including Migraines)
Acupuncture can also help relieve chronic pain, including migraines.
A study conducted in 2012 found that people who received acupuncture treatments had fewer migraines than those who did not receive acupuncture. The study found that people who received acupuncture saw a decrease in the frequency, intensity, and duration of their migraines.
Another study found that acupuncture may help relieve other types of chronic pain, such as neck pain. The study found that people who received acupuncture treatments had less pain than those who did not receive acupuncture.
Acupuncture may help release endorphins, natural pain-relieving chemicals in the brain.
Controls Nausea and Vomiting
Acupuncture has also been shown to be effective in controlling nausea and vomiting. A study conducted in 2011 found that people who received acupuncture treatments before surgery had less postoperative nausea and vomiting than those who did not receive acupuncture.
The study found that the anti-nausea effect of acupuncture lasted up to 24 hours after surgery.
Improves Sleep
If you’re struggling with insomnia or another sleep disorder, acupuncture may be able to help. A study conducted in 2009 found that people who received acupuncture treatments slept better than those who did not receive acupuncture.
The study found that people who received acupuncture slept longer and had a deeper sleep than those who did not receive acupuncture. Acupuncture may help to improve sleep by reducing stress and anxiety levels.
Final Thoughts
If you’re thinking about trying acupuncture, there are several potential health benefits to keep in mind, including pain relief and reduced allergy symptoms.
Talk to your doctor before trying acupuncture to make sure it’s the right choice for you based on your personal medical history and health needs.