Acupuncture is a treatment to relieve pain and various types of ailments by regulating the function of the central nervous system. Acupuncture is performed by applying needles to certain parts of the body called acupuncture points and this alters biochemical reactions in allowing the body to self-heal. This treatment has long been used in treating mental and emotional illnesses, certain kinds of paralysis and relieving many type of pain.
Acupuncture is based on the assumption that the body has pathways of energy in which electromagnetic energy or chemical activity travels through it at all the time and acupuncture is used to remove obstructions in these pathways so that electromagnetic energy or chemical activity flow travels unhindered once again allowing the body to normally function once more. This can result in better reflexes, better digestion and better emotional health as well as relief from migraines, depression and muscle tension and other respiratory ailments such as bronchitis and asthma. Acupuncture has also been used as a prophylaxis against infection and illness.
Unlike pharmaceutical medicines, there are very few side effects to acupuncture. However, acupuncture treatments sometimes cause alterations in the chemical activity and hormones, which can cause side effects such as mood swings or appetite or upset stomach. These symptoms basically mean that the treatments are working and with adequate rest, they eventually disappear.
Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine or TCM thousands of years old. So far, Western medical science still has not figured out how acupuncture works but as more and more studies are being done on it, it is highly likely that acupuncture’s applications will grow and the treatment itself will get better and more popular.
Individuals have their own unique body chemistry. Acupuncture adapts to the person’s constitution and therefore each acupuncture treatment is different for each individual. This is just one factor in knowing the best treatment approach for a person. Scientists have belittled acupuncture’s methodology even labeling acupuncture as quackery or pseudo science, however with the advancement in technology that puts acupuncture up to date with the 21st century and by possessing a very good record of accomplishment for success, the viewpoint towards acupuncture is changing favorably for it. Very good relief from pain and painful symptoms has made acupuncture a very popular form of treatment worldwide. Acupuncture not just addresses the symptoms but treats their underlying cause as well.
The modern acupuncture treatments like electromagnetic wave therapy have made the use of needles obsolete. Acupuncture points located in the hands are used by this type of acupuncture, which can even be performed in the comfort of one’s home. Acupuncture is a promising form of treatment that needs to be studied thoroughly since its effectiveness can potentially be applied to treat other illnesses once thought of to be outside the power of acupuncture to heal.