what does acupuncture really do?
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How acupuncture works. Western medical acupuncture is the use of acupuncture following a medical diagnosis. It involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles. This results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain-relieving endorphins.
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Acupuncture is a form of Chinese traditional medicine that uses fine needles to stimulate various pressure points around your body. The idea is to restore your natural energy flow. The practitioner may even add an electric current to boost the effect. The point that's often used to treat nausea is called P6.
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Acupuncture seeks to release the flow of the body's vital energy or "chi" by stimulating points along 14 energy pathways. Some scientists believe that the needles cause the body to release endorphins -- natural painkillers -- and may boost blood flow and change brain activity.
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Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in which thin needles are inserted into the body.
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Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness, including stress management.
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It involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles. This results in the body producing natural substances, such as pain-relieving endorphins. It's likely that these naturally released substances are responsible for the beneficial effects experienced with acupuncture.
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Hormones and Acupuncture Acupuncture is a natural method of restoring balance to the hormones, and researchers such as Dr. Q.W. Xie have documented the direct effects acupuncture has on hormonal production. Acupuncture has none of the side-effects or toxicity found with Western medicinal approaches.
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It is also the No. 1 reported reason for seeking acupuncture. The good news is chronic low back pain is one of the conditions that research suggests acupuncture may be an effective tool for treating. One recent review of 22 acupuncture studies showed that it provided short-term relief from chronic back pain.
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Acupuncture's proven benefits Many clinical studies support acupuncture's ability to relieve osteoarthritis pain, particularly in the knee. One study of 18,000 patients found acupuncture to be helpful for many pain conditions, including knee osteoarthritis.
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Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain.
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Acupuncture is used mainly to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and conditions, including: Chemotherapy-induced and postoperative nausea and vomiting. Dental pain. Headaches, including tension headaches and migraines.
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Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
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Acupuncture therapy can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body's natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture's effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system.
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Acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization as an effective depression therapy. Some studies have shown acupuncture noticeably lessens symptoms of depression. Acupuncture may be a treatment option for you if antidepressant medications haven't helped.
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Acupuncture provides a gateway to both the uterus and cervix. Treatments can produce an effect on blood flow to the uterus, cervical dilation, movement of the baby, the release of endorphins, as well as helping mother to relax. All these things can encourage a spontaneous labour.
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Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture where a small electric current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles. According to some acupuncturists, this practice augments the use of regular acupuncture, can restore health and well-being, and is particularly good for treating pain.
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But, there are a few ways by which acupuncture is thought to work for back pain: Stimulates nervous system. Trigger points stimulated by acupuncture could release chemicals from the spinal cord, muscles, and brain. Some of these could be naturally pain-relieving.