Once your doctor has prescribed you acupuncture as a medication for any condition? Probably not. In general, alternative treatments receive little attention because some physicians are not aware of that science shows that they are actually alternative effective drugs and medicines. Read on to know more about acupuncture.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a group of ancient Chinese medical procedures involving stimulation of anatomical locations on or in the skin using a variety of techniques, in the majority of cases, thin metal needles. These needles are inserted anatomically in locations defined in the body, which affects the function of the same. Acupuncturists say that these points correspond to areas on the surface of the body that have a higher electrical conductance.
Western acupuncture incorporate medical traditions from China, Japan, Korea and other countries. The most studied mechanism is the stimulation of acupuncture points, which, as stated above, uses the penetration of the skin by metal needles, which are manipulated manually or by electrical stimulation.
Benefits of acupuncture
Chronic pain is without a doubt one of the most common reasons why people seek therapy with acupuncture, but there are other reasons studied scientifically that this technique can relieve.
Increases fertility
Acupuncture appears to be a useful tool to improve the pregnancy rate. This technique can reduce the stress hormones that promote infertility, increase the blood flow to the uterus (it helps to have a thick uterine wall, making it easier to fertility), regulates the menstrual cycle making it easier to family planning. Acupuncture also helps women suffering from a hormonal imbalance called polycystic ovary syndrome and also strengthens the immune system, thus preventing disease and weakness that may reduce the chances of fertility.
Relieves back pain
The use of the therapy of acupuncture to relieve chronic back pain is one of the main reasons why people visit clinics that perform this method. Acupuncture not only makes the body to release natural painkillers, also can change the perception of the pain of a patient, thus relieving symptoms.
It relieves stress, anxiety and depression
The acupuncture treatments targeted at different parts of the body may relieve different types of stress, anxiety and depression by increasing the efficiency of the drugs.
A study conducted in China, found that a low dose of fluoxetine (Prozac), combined with acupuncture therapy was as effective in reducing anxiety in patients receiving treatment for depression, as the same dose of medication. The addition of acupuncture also reduces the side effects of the drug, which can include nausea, weight gain, inability to maintain erection, delayed ejaculation, and a decreased sexual appetite.
It improves digestion
As a research in Brazil, acupuncture therapy relieves heartburn and indigestion in pregnant women. The researchers combined acupuncture and drugs in a group of pregnant women, and other group changed diet and medications to manage if necessary. In the course of the study, 75% of women in the acupuncture group having intense heartburn noticed a big improvement, while only 44 percent of the women in the standard treatment group saw those same effects.
It counteracts the effects of radiation
Cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment are prone to a variety of side effects, depending on the part of the body that is being treated. However, has been found that acupuncture may have some effect on the perception of the severity of these effects, in particular for nausea and dry mouth, common conditions in some patients receiving radiotherapy.
On the other hand, the American Cancer Society, found that people receiving radiation treatment perceive less negative radiation side effects, but the side effects may still be there. Acupuncture does not relieve the symptoms, but if helps to improve the quality of life of the patient after treatment.
It counteracts headaches
Regular acupuncture therapy is effective for preventing or reducing the intensity of migrainesand tension headaches (tension headaches). This technique is also an effective treatment for headaches already existing or persistent for days.
According to studies, the needles seem to send signals to the brain to adjust the levels of these neurotransmitters. Studies in people with frequent headaches, found that nearly half of the patients who received acupuncture had a decrease of 50 per cent in the number of days that had headaches, compared with 16 percent in the study participants receiving painkillers and other routine care.
It improves the general State of health and well-being
Instead of visiting a spa or get a massage, you can opt to use acupuncture to improve your well-being and general as a preventive health measure. With this technique, your immune system is reinforced at the same time giving you a feeling of well-being, helping you in moments of stress at work or with the family, to continue with your life and enjoy it better.
Calms the body injuries
A study found that people with chronic tendinitis or arthritis that took 20-minute acupuncture sessions twice a week for 6 weeks had less pain and disability. In addition to these two conditions, acupuncture also treats sprains ankle, tendinitis, muscle pain, etc.
It could put an end to obesity
The influence of acupuncture on obesity therapy is not well documented (no sufficient studies) as the other points above, so there is no enough evidence to suggest that it could be an effective treatment to help lose weight.
After reviewing 31 studies with a total of 3,013 people, some research in Korea found that acupuncture therapy leads to a greater reduction in body weight that lifestyle or medication changes. However, they noted in its findings, that failures in many of the studies make it difficult to see exactly the effectiveness of the therapy of acupuncture on obesity in the long term. However, for people who want to try it, the addition of a session of acupuncture weekly, daily exercise and a nutritious diet, could lead to obtain healthy achievements.
According to the clinic may, acupuncture-related risks are minimal, provided the acupuncturist who performs the procedure is a qualified professional. Not everyone is a good candidate for the procedure, if you have a pacemaker or suffer from clotting disorders might want to find an alternative treatment.
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