What is acupuncture and what are its benefits?
Acupuncture is a form of therapy that involve small needles being inserted into the skin. These needles are inserted at different depths and locations to treat different health issues. Acupuncture is used to treat pain and a range of other health complaints, however, the exact way in which it works is unclear. Some believe it works by balancing vital energies, whilst others think it has a neurological effect.
What it is…
Very thin needles are inserted into the body to stimulate nerves in the skin and muscle This can treat chronic pain and other physical conditions. Acupuncture has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine, but it is now used all over the world as a complementary treatment.
How it works…
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) believes health is the result of a harmonious balance of yin and yang, and the life force known as Qi (pronounced ‘chi’). On the other hand, illness is the consequence of an imbalance of these forces.
According to TCM, Qi flows through meridians or pathways in the human body. These energy flows are accessible through 361 acupuncture points in the body. Inserting needles into these points will bring back the flow, creating balance again.
A 2017 study suggested that the physical stimulation of needle insertion at these sites may affect pain processing in the central nervous system and muscles, increasing blood flow to certain points of the body.
The benefits…
Acupuncture is a complementary treatment that can help people manage a range of different conditions. The benefits of acupuncture include:
It can be effectively combined with other treatments as part of a holistic treatment approach.
Acupuncture can help manage chronic pain, migraines and headaches.
Acupuncture carries a low risk of side effects.
It is a flexible form of treatment that can target numerous health problems at once.
The National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) maintain that acupuncture can effectively assist in the treatment of:
Low back pain
Neck pain
Osteoarthritis
Knee pain
Headaches
Other studies also suggest acupuncture can assist in the treatment of:
Migraines
Peripheral neuropathy
Nausea
Rheumatoid arthritis
Fatigue
Tendinopathy
At Breeze, we work with some highly skilled clinical therapists who will address your unique condition and tailor a treatment to your specific needs. If you would like to talk to us about acupuncture therapy, just get in touch and we will be happy to tell you more.
