Health & Wellness

Acupuncture Treatment For Pain

Acupuncture is targeted to restore the balance between the body’s Yin and Yang

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pain and illness are thought to result because of the imbalance between the body’s Yi and Yang.

‘’The principle of Yin and Yang from Chinese philosophy is that all things exist as inseparable and contradictory opposites. Examples of Yin-Yang opposite forces are female-male, dark-light, and old-young. The pairs of equal opposites both attract and complement each other. The Yin and Yang principle dates from the 3rd century BCE or even earlier.’’ worldhistory.org

Oxford Reference goes on to explain the relationship between the two, thus:

‘’The interplay of the two forces makes up chi, or the material principle governing the universe. Their balance is essential to harmony and health. The Yin/Yang School of Chinese philosophy, perhaps founded by Tsou-Yen (c.305–240 BC), is an early attempt at cosmology, based on the opposition of yin and yang and a doctrine of Five Elements (metal, wood, water, fire, and earth), operating in ordered cycles in the production’’ Oxford Reference

The Chinese believe illnesses and pain occur when the flow of Qi, the organising forces of the body’s cells and tissues becomes blocked or interrupted. Acupuncture treatment is then targeted to unblock this flow to restore the body’s balance.

The acupuncturist will examine and look for the obvious signs like the tongue, for example, the muscles and the pulse to determine the imbalance.

After the acupuncturist has determined the area and muscles affecting the imbalance, needles are targeted to unblock the flow.

‘’By stimulating these acupuncture points, blood flow in the body is increased, inflammation is reduced, muscle function is restored, and the production of neurotransmitters and endorphins (our body’s natural pain and stress relievers) is heightened. This holistic approach brings you closer to balance and health by leveraging your body’s innate resources.’’ Sarah Shorter

Acupuncture Points (also known as acupoints)

Acupuncture points are specific skin parts that relate to organs or parts of the body. When acupuncture needles are inserted into this part, it stimulates the nervous system to release a chemical, adenosine (Adenosine receptors are found throughout the body) which promotes the body’s natural healing system. Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that there are more than 2,000 acupuncture points.

There are about 14 energy pathways or meridians that run through the body. It is believed acupoints are positioned along these pathways, connected to certain organs or a network of organs.

When needles are inserted into the acupoints, they release a flow of energy, called Qi (called CHI). This flow of Qi is channelled through the body to give the body the required balance.

Acupuncture is used to treat the following:

Chronic pain (joint, muscle, jaw, pain resulting from chemo). Tension-type headaches and migraines. Used extensively in sports injury to improve muscle strength. Addiction

The Health Benefits

Reduces inflammation — acupunches release endorphins which are natural painkillers, and also beef up cortisol levels which reduces pain in the body. Hence it can be used to treat most pain like arthritis, back pain, neck pain

Supports respiratory health — acupuncture helps the condition.

There is virtually no medical side effect, therefore is a low-risk therapy which can often be combined with other treatments.

Helpful in lowering episodes of depression.

Side Effects of Acupuncture

The side effect of infection transmission is possible if needles are not properly disinfected. However, there are disposable needles now, so this risk has been eliminated.

The feeling of fainting, soreness and bruising is common after a session but soon goes away.

There is the possibility of a needle breaking, though rare, and damaging an internal organ

Certain acupoints should not be used for a pregnant woman, so let your acupuncturist know if you are pregnant, even if at an early stage.

The Takeaways

• More than 80% of adults suffer from musculoskeletal pain. (The pain that affects muscles, joint bones, ligaments and nerves together). This pain is lessened by acupuncture therapy.
• Acupuncture identifies and targets the root cause of pain in treatment, instead of the symptoms.
• Acupuncture is proven to work by thousands of scientific studies

DISCLAIMER

Although great research has gone into this post to give the genuine substance to it, nevertheless it does not still represent professional advice in any way. Please consult your professional expert about concerns that you have. It is therefore given for readers’ interest and entertainment only. Thank you.😑

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