Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most commonly used methods for pain relieving. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. It involves the insertion of needles through a person’s skin at specific points of the body that correspond with the body’s energy pathways. By inserting needles into specific points, acupuncture practitioners believe that the energy flow will re-balance.

According to traditional Chinese medical theory, acupuncture points are located on meridians, through which vital energy runs. This energy is known as “qi” or “chi.” They believe that disease is caused by an imbalance of this energy’s flow through the meridians. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system. Acupuncture stimulates the acupuncture points releasing this qi. The qi then travels through these channels in the body.

Acupuncture is believed to have developed out of the ancient Chinese theory of the yin characterized as female, passive, dark and the yang characterized as male, active, light.

Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system. By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.

How does it work?

The main goal of acupuncture is to rebalance the body, so that its energy flow is able to circulate freely and harmoniously. There are many theories as to how acupuncture actually works.

According to traditional Chinese medicine, there is a continuum of energy that flows in the body between two opposite poles called the Yin and the Yang. Chinese tradition suggests that disease is caused by a yin-yang imbalance and only by balancing the yin and the yang one can experience good health.

One theory states that acupuncture works through neurohormonal pathways. Basically, when the needle is inserted, it stimulates the nerve pathway and signals the brain to produce its own pain relieving hormone called endorphins, which helps in relieving pain.

Nitric oxide- Acupuncture has been shown to increase the nitric oxide levels in treated regions. This leads to increased local blood circulation and may help in preventing local inflammation and ischemia and relieve the disease condition.

Another theory is that acupuncture works by reducing inflammation.

Uses

Acupuncture is used mainly to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and conditions, including:

• Neck pain and back pain
• Shoulder pain
• Dental pain
• Depression
• Headaches, including tension and migraine headaches
• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
• Labor pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Menstrual cramps

Risks

Acupuncture has fewer side effects, the most common being pain and bleeding from the insertion of acupuncture needles. However there are some risks. The possible risks of acupuncture are:

• Soreness- Soreness, bleeding and bruising may occur at the insertion sites.
• Organ injury- If the needles are pushed in too deeply, they could puncture an internal organ. The gallbladder, lungs, and blood vessels are at risk of being punctured in this way. In rare cases, a needle may break and damage an internal organ.
• Infections- Acupuncturists are required to use sterile, disposable needles. A reused needle could expose patient to diseases, such as hepatitis.

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