When it comes to finding treatments for difficult health issues, many find solace in alternative forms of medicine.
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting small needles into the skin at various points on the body to stimulate a physical reaction. It’s been shown to have healing effects on many people and even improve issues like chronic pain and blood pressure.
Acupuncture can do different things for different people depending on their needs and problems. Take a look at these 4 benefits of acupuncture treatments and consider if they might be right for you.
1. Reduce Pain
If you have a chronic condition that won’t go away, you might consider acupuncture for pain. Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years in Chinese medicine. Though, only recently have the health benefits of acupuncture been demonstrated to mainstream Western society.
As a treatment for chronic pain, acupuncturists will insert the long thin needles into areas where the pain is most prominent. They might even insert them in unrelated areas that are said to connect to other parts of the body.
Scientists believe it works by promoting the production of natural pain killers. These are endorphins that can target the affected area.
Acupuncture can also work for acute pain. People who experience muscle soreness or stiffness, dental pain, or menstrual cramps have been shown to feel less pain after acupuncture treatments.
2. Lower Stress
Acupuncture benefits also include reducing stress. People who suffer from stress caused by pain or a lack of sleep may find acupuncture significantly improves their day-to-day life.
Acupuncture prompts the same endorphins released when you exercise. These, in turn, can reduce pain and make it easier to sleep and perform everyday tasks.
Stress levels caused by cortisol, the stress hormone, may even improve when treating the underlying stressors.
3. Treat Headaches and Migraines
For some people with headaches and migraines, they can become so bad that they interfere with daily life, often debilitating the person completely. Some people have found that acupuncture in combination with migraine medication can help improve painful symptoms.
Acupuncture needles are usually inserted into the outer ear or temple, stimulating natural pain relievers in the brain to treat headaches and migraines.
The chemicals respond to the needles, and many patients feel pain relief similar to those with other forms of chronic pain.
4. Improved Blood Flow
When acupuncture needles activate nerves, they can also dilate the blood vessels. This increase in blood flow can temporarily improve circulation in your body, helping it receive essential nutrients and oxygenated blood cells.
The Benefits of Acupuncture
Finally, stop wondering, “how does acupuncture work?” and consider if the benefits of acupuncture may be a viable treatment option for yourself and your condition.
Speak with your doctors to determine if you would benefit from the effects of acupuncture. Acupuncture can exacerbate or worsen some conditions, so ensure that it’s safe for you first.
For more home and health information, check out some other articles like this one!
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