Acupuncture
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
and reduce swelling. Increasingly, it is being used for overall wellness,
including stress management.
Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as chi or qi /chee/ — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.
In contrast, many Western practitioners view acupuncture
points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. Some
believe that this stimulation boosts your body’s natural painkillers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the FAQs related to acupuncture.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an eastern form of medicine using many needles. The insertion of them produces endorphins (natural chemicals in the brain) that help decrease your perception of pain. Acupuncture is used to help reduce pain while increasing the blood flow and stimulate the muscles and nerves throughout the body.
Does acupuncture hurt?
This is the most common concern when it comes to acupuncture, especially where there is more than one needle used in the practice. However, the needles used in this practice are very thin in comparison to those used for injections for medicine. There is a little pressure felt as it pierces the skin, but once it reaches the muscle, there is no discomfort.