Are you someone who still thinks that acupuncture procedures are akin to voodoo? If you do, it's time to bring your understanding of acupuncture into the 21st century. Its use originated in China more than 2,000 years ago. The National Institutes of Health and other top medical organizations concur that the alternative medicine treatment of acupuncture is very useful for a variety of conditions.
How does it work? Acupuncture is based on the theory that your body's health runs on chi ("qi" in Chinese), the word for energy force. Chi is believed to be the dynamic interaction between two antagonistic yet complementary energy forces, yin and yang. If your chi becomes stagnated or clogged due to illness or energy force imbalance, acupuncture can be used to release it and restore your body's well-being.
Your body has 12 meridian lines running from head to toe, each carrying chi to a specific organ. Stimulation occurs when tiny acupuncture needles are inserted into a specific meridian "acupoint" in order to improve any energy-flow problem.
The next time you have a medical issue, you might want to consider the following five benefits of acupuncture as an alternative medicine treatment:
1. Medical problem or condition
Acupuncture is a proven treatment for post-operative pain, nausea, migraines, arthritis, menstrual cramps, low back pain and sports-related injuries. Another benefit of acupuncture as an alternative to drug therapies or other medical procedures is that there are almost no side effects.
2. Cosmetic alternative to botox
Botox reduces lines and wrinkles by using an injection to increase the production of collagen under the skin. The use of acupuncture can accomplish the same benefits but without injecting your body with an alien substance. Facial lines are reduced, with the added benefit of increasing the tone of your facial muscles. There is also evidence showing an increase in collagen production. The results of both procedures last about six to eight months.
3. Addiction cravings
Auricular ear acupuncture treatments have been shown to aid people trying to control different types of addictions, among them alcohol, nicotine, hard drugs, marijuana, pain medications and caffeine. Acupuncture has even helped people with food addictions who are trying to lose weight.
4. Infertility aid
Patients with infertility problems might find help through acupuncture when treated three or four months before using in vitro fertilization or donor-egg transfer. There is a therapeutic affect when acupuncture is combined with herbal medicine and traditional medical interventions. Acupuncture can increase blood flow to the endometrium that in turn helps facilitate a thicker and richer lining.
5. Relieves stress and strengthens immunity
Just about everyone knows that too much stress can make you sick. This is because stress weakens your immune system, placing you at risk for a variety of illnesses like colds and flu and even some conditions like autoimmune disease with recurrent infections. Studies have shown that acupuncture, when administered effectively, can reduce the effects of stress and strengthen your immune system.
After a treatment, most people comment that they feel very relaxed. The more relaxed your body, the stronger your immune system.
Along with these five benefits of acupuncture comes a reminder to always seek out a certified and well-recommended acupuncturist. Many are skilled in a variety of techniques and treatment protocols. Just like your medical doctor, they will evaluate your condition and then apply the proper acupuncture technique.
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