How is acupuncture therapy performed, what are the benefits?

 How is acupuncture therapy performed, what are the benefits?

Acupuncture therapy is a traditional Chinese treatment method. Acupuncture is made up of two different words. Aku means needle and puncture means to pierce. Acupuncture is a treatment method that involves inserting needles into specific points on the body.

Acupuncture was developed as a traditional Chinese treatment method five thousand years ago. This treatment method, which has a long history, has been used in most countries of the world since it was recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1979.

Although the WHO has determined that acupuncture is effective in 250 diseases, acupuncture is used worldwide for musculoskeletal and nerve problems. Acupuncture is also effective in back pain, neck pain, paralysis, neuralgia, migraine, anxiety, depression, and gastric problems.

How does it work?

There are 361 acupuncture points located mainly in the meridians in the body. Which are used for different diseases according to the problem. The acupuncturist can identify those points. However, the current practice is to select 90 points and treat them.

After identifying the disease, 90 points are selected and inserted with a needle called 'filiform'. From one point, the needle in the acupuncture points affects the central nervous system and muscles, as well as increasing blood flow to many parts of the body, releasing endorphin hormones and acting as a natural pain killer.

Similarly, through the autonomic nervous system, it balances the body's nerves, blood pressure, and sympathetic outflow. It increases the ability to fight disease. The psychological effect increases, which balances the chemicals released by the brain.

Principles of acupuncture

Two principles apply to the work of acupuncture. Ancient Chinese Medicine and Modern Chinese Medicine Concept.

According to ancient Chinese medicine, there are two forces in the body, positive and negative. In Chinese, positive is called ‘Ying’ and negative is called ‘Yang’. When the balance of these two elements is disturbed, disease occurs. The technique to balance this is the ‘Yingyang Balance Theory’.

In this, the cause of the imbalance of yin and yang is found and the treatment is done by holding the affected points. Due to which the disease is cured.

According to modern science, acupuncture has 6 effects.

Analgesic effect: Acupuncture releases natural pain killers. Due to which all kinds of pain-related problems occur in the body are reduced.

Sedative effect: The brain produces waves. Acupuncture balances those waves. Due to which it helps in various mental problems including anxiety, depression.

Immunoin Hanshin effect: When certain acupuncture points are pricked, the body’s immunity is balanced. This naturally increases immunity.

Homeostatic balance: It balances the parasympathetic and sympathetic flow in the nervous system. This also balances the heart rate, pulse, and hormone release produced in the body.

Motor recovery: In people with paralysis, this treatment method helps to heal the affected part of the brain by training the other part of the brain through a biofeedback mechanism.

Psychological effect: Balances the neurochemicals in the brain. It is effective in treating Parkinson's.

Depending on the patient's condition, acupuncture, along with acupressure and physiotherapy, results are more effective and faster.

Some questions about acupuncture

How often should acupuncture be done?

Acupuncture should be done daily for 10 days. Then, it is repeated after a few days depending on the patient's condition. How often acupuncture is done may vary depending on the person and the disease. It is done for 90 days for those with paralysis. It takes a long time for old and chronic diseases.

Do the needles used in acupuncture hurt?

Many people may wonder if the needles used in acupuncture can hurt. Usually, when an acupuncture needle is inserted, it feels like a prick, but it does not hurt. This is because the needle used in this is very fine, 2.5 mm in diameter. Sometimes, when placed on sensitive points, there is a slight pain. Which can be like being bitten or pinched by an ant.

Cost

A single session can cost between 50 and 700 rupees.

Can acupuncture be done while taking chronic medicine?

It does not have any side effects for people with chronic diseases. Acupuncture is a method that can be combined with all medical methods, so it can be done even by those with chronic diseases.

However, in diseases that thin the blood, there is a possibility of bleeding. In such cases, it can only be done with special precautions.

Things to note

Acupuncture cannot be done while fasting for a long time. It should not be done while drinking alcohol, during the first and last stages of pregnancy, and if you have an infectious disease.