Our body is made up of several internal systems and organs that have to be in balance for us to remain healthy. However, sometimes, we develop different diseases when this balance is disturbed. In order to restore this balance and retrieve our health, we try several remedies. But, unfortunately, in some cases, our traditional remedies do not help, and we need a holistic alternative like acupuncture. This centuries-old technique has been beneficial for treating numerous ailments. Although many people remain skeptical about this traditional treatment, more and more people are converting into believers day by day.
Below, we have shared all that you need to know about acupuncture and its effect on the human body. So, please continue reading below to learn how acupuncture treatment treats different ailments.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a traditional healing technique originating from ancient Chinese medicine. This therapy has proven to alleviate pain caused by a number of reasons. Besides relieving pain, it also heals numerous ailments and works on improving the body’s overall wellbeing.
Generally, acupuncture is based on the theory that when our life energy is in balance, it helps our bodies function correctly. When daily life stress, tough routine, unhealthy diet, workload, physical illnesses disturb our body’s balance, acupuncture helps. It restores the balance by activating the body energy, called qi, which is considered the lifeforce energy in the body. As a result, we get a pain-free and healthy body.
At first, this healing method was only used in China, but due to its remarkable benefits, it has gained popularity worldwide. Historical documents declare the practice of acupuncture to date back to the first century BCE. But some archaeologists believe it to be even older than that.
Different Types of Acupuncture Treatments
Acupuncture is an effective holistic healing method that takes an individual’s body, mind, emotions, and soul into account. As a result, we achieve optimum health and wellness.
There are different types or styles of acupuncture, and some popular ones are discussed below:
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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
It is a complete healthcare system based on ancient Chinese principles originating in the East about 2000 years ago.
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Five Element Acupuncture
Chinese theories state that humans are made up of 5 elements, i.e., Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. This type of acupuncture restores the balance in these five elements to let the body heal itself.
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Western Medical Acupuncture
This therapeutic technique also uses fine needles like Chinese acupuncture, and it is an adaptation of traditional acupuncture. However, it is modernized by integrating contemporary knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and pathology.
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Dry Needling
Also known as Trigger Point Acupuncture or Intramuscular Stimulation, this technique helps relax overactive muscles containing trigger points.
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Auricular Acupuncture
It follows the traditional Chinese acupuncture technique, but it primarily focuses on the trigger point on the ear.
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Microsystems Acupuncture
This type of acupuncture focuses on the hands, feet, and ears of a person to alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety.
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Japanese Acupuncture
It is pretty similar to Chinese acupuncture except for the size of the needles. Japanese acupuncture uses sharper and thinner needles than Chinese acupuncture needles.
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Korean Acupuncture
It follows the basic principles of Chinese acupuncture but uses thinner and smaller needles to minimize pain.
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Dental Acupuncture
Acupuncture is also combined with general dentistry treatments to minimize discomfort and maximize outcomes of the dental treatments.
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Veterinary Acupuncture
Acupuncture is also commonly used for treating several ailments in animals and pets.
What conditions does it treat?
Acupuncture treatment helps treat several illnesses and ailments. Some of these conditions are as follows:
- Low Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Knee Pain from Osteoarthritis
- Dental Pain After Surgery
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Addiction
- Infertility
- Headaches
- Migraines
- Menstrual Cramps
- Bedwetting
- Tennis Elbow
- ADHD
- Asthma
- Nausea
- Vomiting
What does acupuncture feel like?
According to traditional Chinese medicine, the human body contains more than 2000 particular points that connect to form pathways to let energy flow smoothly. These points are called acupoints, and energy flows through the pathways created by these points, which is responsible for our overall health and wellness.
During the procedure of acupuncture, an acupuncturist inserts hairlike thin, solid, metallic needles into the body at specific points. These shallowly inserted needles redirect the flow of energy and help alleviate pain.
Since acupuncture involves inserting needles into the body, it causes minimal pain. Usually, the pain only occurs while the needles are being inserted. Moreover, if an expert inserts the needles, there are minimal chances of pain and discomfort.
Most patients report feeling energized and relaxed during and after acupuncture.
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Average Cost of Acupuncture
The price of acupuncture is usually charged per session, and it varies for each patient. Moreover, the price is also different in each country, depending on their particular criteria.
For instance, the price of acupuncture in the UK ranges between £35 to £100 and upwards. On the other hand, the cost for a single session of acupuncture in the US ranges between $75 – $100. However, acupuncture in Dubai can cost you around 500 AED.
What happens after the acupuncture treatment?
Acupuncture is labeled as a miraculous treatment by many due to its immediate effects. However, others have reported it to be problematic because they experienced terrible symptoms. So, there is no way to determine how each patient will feel after the treatment. However, some commonly reported symptoms after an acupuncture session are as follows:
- Most patients feel deeply relaxed and sated after an acupuncture session.
- Patients have also reported feeling drowsy or sleepy for a few hours after the treatment.
- Acupuncture usually relieves patients of their day-to-day stress and lowers their anxiety.
- During the first 36 hours, the patients may experience worsening of their current symptoms, like pain. But this is only temporary and subsides after a while.
- Many patients experience involuntary urges to cry without any reason for a while. Consider this phase like an emotional purge and let those emotions out to feel light as air.
- Patients will experience long-lasting pain relief from acute pain.
Conclusion
Acupuncture can help heal our bodies from the inside and improve overall wellbeing. However, patients must ensure they get to undergo this procedure at the hands of an expert acupuncturist. Otherwise, they may suffer extreme pain and discomfort. So, find an expert acupuncturist in your area and get rid of all the pain.