Acupuncture: What It Is, How It Works, and When to Use It
General Information About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a technique of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific body points. It is most commonly used for pain treatment but can also be used to treat other conditions such as nausea, headaches, and anxiety.
Acupuncture is considered safe when performed by a qualified acupuncturist, although it is not recommended for pregnant women, people with bleeding disorders, and individuals taking blood thinners.
Acupuncture has been used for over 3,000 years and is one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world. It is most commonly used to treat pain but can also be utilized for many other ailments. Considered safe and effective, it has become a popular method of alternative or complementary treatment in relation to Western medicine.
History of Acupuncture
It is believed that acupuncture originated in China, although there are indications that it may have derived from other parts of Asia. This method of treatment was used in many different cultures for various diseases. Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine based on the belief that there are energy pathways in the human body.
Acupuncture and Meridians
Acupuncture is based on the concept of meridians. Meridians are paths that run throughout the body and are responsible for the flow of energy or qi (chi). It is believed that acupuncture restores balance in the body by stimulating these meridians. There is no scientific evidence supporting the existence of meridians, but this theory is key to needle therapy.
Acupuncture – Point Map.
Acupuncture points are located along the meridians. There are over 400 acupuncture points on the human body, and each serves a specific function. Needles are inserted into these points to stimulate the flow of energy and aid healing.
Acupuncture needles are thin, solid, metal needles that are inserted into the skin at specific points, however, they are not the same as subcutaneous needles. Typically, acupuncture needles are disposable.
Indications for Using Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain, but can also be utilized to treat other conditions, such as:
- migraine,
- headaches,
- nausea,
- pains of unknown origin,
- allergies,
- nervous system diseases,
- depression and anxiety states,
- degenerative organ problems and internal organ diseases,
- kidney stones,
- conditions post-strokes and heart attacks,
- circulatory system and heart diseases,
- musculoskeletal disorders and spine problems,
- sciatica, trigeminal neuralgia, and root inflammations,
- degenerative joint diseases,
- diseases of the nose, throat, sinuses, and ears,
- infertility.
Contraindications to Using Acupuncture:
- hemophilia,
- electrostimulation in people with implanted pacemakers,
- pregnancy,
- infant age,
- significant bodily exhaustion,
- acute abdomen syndrome,
- respiratory and circulatory system diseases in the decompensation stage,
- active tuberculosis, sarcoidosis,
- others.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture is based on the theory that energy flows through the body in pathways called meridians. It is believed to help restore balance and improve the flow of energy in the body and stimulate the nervous system and release chemicals into the body that may help in relieving pain. It is also believed that acupuncture helps the body in self-healing.
Is the Procedure Painful?
Acupuncture is usually not painful, but some may experience a slight tingling sensation, electric sensation during needle insertion. However, most people do not feel the needle when it is inserted. The needles are very thin and usually inserted into the skin for a few seconds to several minutes. Acupuncture is generally well tolerated by most people.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Acupuncture is considered a safe treatment method if performed by a trained and qualified acupuncturist. Inserting needles can cause minor side effects such as bruising or bleeding at the needle insertion site. Acupuncture can also cause dizziness, nausea, or photophobia. Needle therapy should not be used in pregnant women and people suffering from bleeding disorders or taking blood thinners, nor should it be used in people with pacemakers or other electrical implants.
Scientific research has shown that acupuncture is effective in treating many different conditions.
Scientific Research and Acupuncture
Acupuncture is one of the best-researched forms of alternative medicine. Needle therapy has been the subject of many scientific studies, which have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment method for various conditions.
Until recently, scientists could not explain why acupuncture is helpful for so many people, especially those suffering from pain. Neurophysiologist A.K. Podsibyakin took a closer look at acupuncture in 1952 and during his research discovered points in the subcutaneous tissue that were characterized by higher oxygen consumption, greater tenderness, higher temperature.
In 1958, physiologists J.E.H. Niboyet and A. Mery discovered the existence of similar points, and in 1980, a team of researchers N.I. Verzbickaya, A.A. Kromina, L.A. Vsevolzskiy discovered the existence of a whole network of interconnected structures that exhibited biological functions. It was found that these points are located in connective tissue cells, which were identified by a large number of white blood cells, fat cells, mast cells, fibroblasts, and histiocytes. These points were also characterized by a significant number of nerves and blood vessels.
Similar research was conducted by Chinese scientists who discovered links between specific acupuncture points and various internal organs. They managed to identify a reaction point responsible for increasing intestinal peristalsis and gastric juice secretion, as well as a point controlling the slowing of the heart rate. More in-depth studies revealed the existence of bioactive points along the lines of 12 channels – meridians, where bioelectric energy concentrates.
As a result of these efforts, acupuncture was recognized as a promising and scientifically effective treatment method. Acupuncture works by changing the nervous system, which is connected to all organs in the human body and can be stimulated to regulate the functions of internal organs. Moreover, it has been shown that acupuncture has an analgesic effect, especially in the case of back pain therapy.
Acupuncture in IVF. A Fertility Method
Acupuncture has been used as a supportive therapy in IVF for over three decades. It is most commonly used in the follicular and luteal phases of the IVF cycle. The treatment can improve ovarian response, embryo quality, uterine receptivity, and implantation rate. It can also reduce stress levels, which can have a positive impact on the success of in vitro fertilization.
There are many scientific studies supporting the use of acupuncture during in vitro fertilization. It has been shown that acupuncture improves ovarian response, embryo quality, uterine receptivity, and implantation rate. Needle therapy can also reduce stress levels, which can have a positive impact on the in vitro fertilization process.
