Even with the advancement in modern medical science, there are still a number of traditional medicine techniques that are being practiced today. Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that dates back to thousand years ago. The practice makes use of thin needles inserted to different pressure points in the body to regulate the flow of energy, relieve pain and improve the body.
Compared to modern treatment, acupuncture presents no side effects to the body because no chemicals are involved during the process. This presents a healthier alternative to intake of prescription drugs that may usually have a negative effect on the body. Studies also suggest that patients seek this alternative in order to have a healthier approach to healing. Over the years, it has proven to provide the body with a number of benefits:
• Helps fight depression
People suffering from mild to severe cases of depression use acupuncture to treat the disease. The insertion of needles in the different pressure points help in relaxing the mind and body. It is also safe to combine acupuncture to other forms of treatment such as therapy and counseling. Since depression can also prompt binge eating or over eating that can lead to weight gain it helps in controlling the urge.
• Helps treat anxiety attack
Anxiety is the feeling of being nervous over an incident or circumstance in life. Panic attacks can go from mild to severe and if this continues, it can cause a disruption to one’s daily life. During an anxiety attack, the person may feel discomfort and uneasiness along with other physical symptoms such as difficulty in breathing. Certain life events can be traumatic may trigger an attack; acupuncture can help in relieving the symptoms and allow the mind to relax.
• Relief from back pain
Many back pain sufferers find relief in acupuncture. Sciatica, a common form of back pain can be treated with acupuncture. Muscle spasm or pain due extraneous movement can cause a feeling of numbness and tingling sensation on the lower back part of the body. Acupuncture helps in realigning the structure and in relaxing the muscle tissues along it to heal. Relief from pain can be felt immediately after a session but patients are encouraged to complete a certain number of treatments for long term results. The relaxation of the lumbar area and improve blood circulation helps relieve back pain.
• Helps in Weight Loss
People who have tried different diet programs and exercise techniques have found a new weight loss solution through acupuncture. Although there is no direct relation between the two, acupuncture helps in addressing the issues that may lead to weight gain such as over eating. The treatment corrects the flow of energy in the body that allows it to relax and eliminate stress, which is one of the main reasons for over eating and weight gain. Studies also suggest that combining acupuncture with proper diet and exercise can also speed up the weight loss process. People who take natural supplements such as green coffee bean extract can see the improvement in their body a few weeks after trying acupuncture. It is also considered to be a safer way to weight loss compared to using diet pills that are often harmful to one’s health. Acupuncture is an all-natural approach using only needles and no chemicals.
• Helps treat diabetes
Over a million people across the globe have been diagnosed with diabetes and the number continues to increase in an alarming rate. Treatment of diabetes often includes a number of prescription medications, which can be quite costly, and in most cases, possible side effects to the body. Patients suffering from diabetes are looking for alternative solutions, often herbal remedies to cure the illness since the side effects of taking medications can lead to other types of diseases.
Acupuncture helps in lowering the sugar level, a clear indication commonly present in patients with Type-2 diabetes. There are about twenty acupoints in the body that are being targeted for diabetes. Careful insertion of needles in there points will help neutralize the sugar level and improve the circulation of blood. Since the medical history and symptoms of diabetes may vary from one person to another, sessions are often customized to address the patient’s issues.
Even though acupuncture does not present any harmful side effects, it is still best to consult your doctor prior to trying this treatment option. A discussion with a medical professional will help determine if acupuncture can be safely included in your current treatment program and how it will greatly improve your chances of having a healthier body. Also be sure to check the credentials of the acupuncturist and that all certifications and government standard regulations are met. Acupuncture requires extensive training and studies and only licensed professional are allowed to perform the practice in order to prevent any body injuries.
