A well-known form of alternative medicine, acupuncture involves insertion of small needles into the body to relieve pain or symptoms of other conditions. Acupuncture is intimidating to many patients, particularly those with fear of needles.
However, acupuncture therapy is relatively painless, with most patients reporting only tingling sensations or mild soreness. When performed safely with clean and sterile instruments, acupuncture is considered a very safe type of alternative medicine.
Acupuncture Treatment
While studies have not conclusively shown the effectiveness of acupuncture for symptom relief, medical professionals may recommend it as a last resort when other options have failed. Common conditions treated by acupuncture therapy include:
New research may show that acupuncture is effective for nausea related to chemotherapy and pregnancy, though as with many types of alternative medicine, claims can be hard to verify without concrete evidence.
History and Methodology
Acupuncture therapy is thousands of years old, dating back to ancient Chinese practitioners who believed that the energy (qi, or chi) that flows through our bodies could become misaligned, throwing off our natural rhythm and creating medical problems. Acupuncture was thought to redirect this flow of energy to solve the issues ailing the patient and restore their energy flow to normal.
These days, acupuncture needles are placed on specific points of the skin, called meridians, to cure patient ailments. After the needles have been inserted, practitioners may stimulate the needles with heat or electric current.
Most acupuncture treatments require multiple sessions before patients can expect symptom relief, often lasting for several months at a time. While many alternative medicine practitioners still use acupuncture as part of their treatments, most acknowledge the need for concurrent treatments to see the full benefits it may offer.
However, acupuncture therapy is relatively painless, with most patients reporting only tingling sensations or mild soreness. When performed safely with clean and sterile instruments, acupuncture is considered a very safe type of alternative medicine.
Acupuncture Treatment
While studies have not conclusively shown the effectiveness of acupuncture for symptom relief, medical professionals may recommend it as a last resort when other options have failed. Common conditions treated by acupuncture therapy include:
- Headaches
- Fibromyalgia
- Menstrual cramps
- Chronic back pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Asthma
- Drug addiction withdrawal
New research may show that acupuncture is effective for nausea related to chemotherapy and pregnancy, though as with many types of alternative medicine, claims can be hard to verify without concrete evidence.
History and Methodology
Acupuncture therapy is thousands of years old, dating back to ancient Chinese practitioners who believed that the energy (qi, or chi) that flows through our bodies could become misaligned, throwing off our natural rhythm and creating medical problems. Acupuncture was thought to redirect this flow of energy to solve the issues ailing the patient and restore their energy flow to normal.
These days, acupuncture needles are placed on specific points of the skin, called meridians, to cure patient ailments. After the needles have been inserted, practitioners may stimulate the needles with heat or electric current.
Most acupuncture treatments require multiple sessions before patients can expect symptom relief, often lasting for several months at a time. While many alternative medicine practitioners still use acupuncture as part of their treatments, most acknowledge the need for concurrent treatments to see the full benefits it may offer.