Acupuncture
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) website describes Acupuncture as a technique in which practitioners insert fine needles into the skin to treat health problems. The needles may be manipulated manually or stimulated with small electrical currents (electroacupuncture).
Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been practiced for thousands of years. It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body known as acupuncture points or acupoints to stimulate the body’s natural healing response and restore balance to the flow of Qi (vital energy) along meridians or energy channels.
In Chinese medical practice, acupuncture is believed to regulate the flow of Qi and blood, balance Yin and Yang energies, and harmonize the functions of the body’s organs and systems. Acupuncture treatments are tailored to each individual’s unique constitution and health concerns, with the aim of addressing the root cause of illness while alleviating symptoms.
Acupuncture is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions. Some of the conditions that acupuncture may help treat, as listed in the WHO/NIH consensus statement, include:
Musculoskeletal Disorders: Such as arthritis, back pain, neck pain, and sciatica.
Neurological Disorders: Such as headaches, migraines, and facial pain (including temporomandibular joint syndrome).
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Such as indigestion, gastritis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Respiratory Disorders: Such as asthma, bronchitis, and sinusitis.
Gynecological Disorders: Such as menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and infertility.
Psychological Disorders: Such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Addiction: Such as smoking cessation and substance abuse.
Immune System Disorders: Such as allergies and autoimmune conditions.
These are just a few examples of the many conditions that acupuncture may help treat. Acupuncture is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other modalities such as herbal medicine, dietary therapy, and lifestyle modifications. It is generally safe when performed by a qualified and licensed acupuncturist and can provide natural and holistic support for a wide range of health concerns.