What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese healing method. Trained practitioners insert tiny needles into specific points on a person’s body. Experts believe this helps balance energy flow in the body. Now, research shows acupuncture helps with many health problems.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

In TCM theory, qi refers to life energy flowing through meridians or pathways in the body. According to practitioners, pain, disease, and illness arise when qi becomes blocked. Inserting needles into acupoints along the meridians helps remove these blockages. So, the qi can flow freely again.

Studies also show acupuncture triggers brain chemicals like endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. It may stimulate the nervous system and immune cells as well. The World Health Organization says it is safe and helpful for over 100 conditions. Even the NIH recommends acupuncture as a therapy for many problems.

Using Acupuncture for Chronic Pain Relief

One significant benefit of acupuncture is less chronic pain. Many studies show acupuncture can help ease the following:

Ongoing back pain.
Knee and neck arthritis aches.
Frequent headaches.

The needles change the way nerves send pain signals and boost pain tolerance. For many people suffering pain that medication cannot ease, acupuncture offers lasting relief.

How Acupuncture Works for Digestive Issues

Acupuncture also helps with common digestion problems. These include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, upset stomach, and bloating. Particular points improve blood flow and gut muscle movements for better digestion.

Studies find doing acupuncture often cuts down IBS belly pain, constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. When medicines do not help chronic gut troubles, acupuncture is a safe and helpful option.

Acupuncture Benefits for Mental Health

In addition to physical health, acupuncture promotes mental well-being. Studies confirm acupuncture, along with therapy, helps ease the following:

Anxiety disorders.
Major depression.
Insomnia.
Drug addiction.
PTSD symptoms.

Needling locations like the ear release mood-regulating brain chemicals. This creates a general calming effect that lasts for months after treatment. As the mind and body connect, acupuncture supports both.

How Acupuncture Boosts Overall Wellness

Beyond treating illness, acupuncture helps to promote general health and resilience. Clinical studies show that sessions regulate hormones and boost fertility in women. Acupuncture also strengthens immunity.

It helps people stay well and recover faster from surgery or sickness. Allergy symptoms may decrease, too. For healthy individuals, it can help reduce stress and mental burnout. The many benefits make acupuncture a key part of integrative medicine.

What to Expect and Where to Start

Acupuncture involves an exam by a licensed practitioner. They insert disposable single-use needles at body and ear acupoints suited to one’s needs. Treatments last about 45 minutes while lying clothed on a table.

The number of sessions required depends on the medical concern. Acute issues may take a few visits, while chronic conditions need weekly or monthly care. Check with your doctor before starting. Acupuncture is very safe, and many insurance plans now cover it.

Studies show acupuncture helps with all kinds of health problems. It can ease chronic pain, stomach issues, anxiety, depression, stress, and more. It also makes the body stronger to prevent sickness. Acupuncture works in many ways. It releases natural pain relievers and improves nerve signals and blood flow. It also activates the body’s healing abilities and balances energy movement. More and more people use this traditional Chinese medicine art to boost their health.

For more on acupuncture, visit the Dakota Clinic of Chiropractic at our West Fargo, North Dakota, office. Call (701) 566-5455 to schedule an appointment today.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156488

https://www.everydayhealth.com/alternative-health/potential-health-benefits-of-acupuncture/