Acupuncture has long been practiced in traditional Chinese medicine.
Acupuncture is an alternative therapy that involves the use of needles to stimulate specific points on the body.
These points are believed connected with a line (or "meridians") that brings vital energy (or "chi") throughout the body.
According to acupuncture theory, a blockage in the flow of chi will damage the health and cause disease. By stimulating the acupuncture points, the therapist trying to clear the blockage and restore the health of the patient.
Acupuncture for pain
Pain or musculoskeletal complaints are the main reasons people do the acupuncture treatment.
Acupuncture is a promising alternative for some diseases, but more research is needed before a complete conclusion can be drawn about the effectiveness of acupuncture.
Here's a look at the condition or disease that proved improved after acupuncture treatment:
1) Acupuncture for migraine and headache
Research shows acupuncture is as effective or even more effective than drugs to treat migraine and headaches.
2) Acupuncture for arthritis (rheumatism)
Research shows acupuncture can relieve arthritis, especially in the knee area.
Acupuncture given two to four weeks is able to offer short-term relief in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
3) Acupuncture for low back pain
In a 2009 study, 638 adults with chronic low back pain participated in the study.
Participants who underwent 10 sessions of acupuncture (administered for seven weeks) experienced a greater reduction in pain compared with those who received standard care.
One year after treatment, patients who received acupuncture were also more likely to show significant improvement.
Acupuncture for pain diseases other
People with these conditions may benefit from acupuncture therapy:
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• menstrual cramps
• Temporomandibular joint dysfunction
• tennis elbow
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is a safe therapy. Side effects of acupuncture are also lower compared to standard drug treatments such as anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections are used to relieve pain.
