Surprising Health Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine, more modernly considered an alternative medicine. It involves inserting thin needles into the skin’s pores in specific areas thought to be energy lines called Meridians.

Traditional Chinese medicine believes the flow of the body’s energy determines the body’s overall health; this energy is referred to as Qi. Qi is thought to keep your body balanced and promote natural self-healing abilities. When Qi is blocked, it impacts your emotional and physical well-being negatively.

Acupuncture treats various physical and mental conditions to relieve specific symptoms. It stimulates the points on your body linked to your symptoms and thus restarts the flow of Qi. The energy lines where the needles are inserted are believed to stimulate the central nervous system, which releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. This release of chemicals stimulates the body’s natural healing capabilities and promotes physical and emotional well-being.

The Acupuncture Procedure

Your acupuncturist will evaluate your symptoms and select points for treatment. During the procedure, you will lie on a table covered by a sheet or gown. Your acupuncture practitioner will let you know where they plan to insert the needles for the most benefit. Based on the purpose of your treatment, your symptoms and your body’s energy lines, the needles may not be inserted in the exact areas you expect to be targeted. However, the procedure will still prompt the desired outcome.

After selecting the points to insert the needles, your acupuncturist will insert them at various depths. The needles are very thin and cause little to no discomfort. The number of needles used in a specific area range from five to 20. When the needle reaches the desired depth, you may feel a mild aching sensation. Next, your practitioner will gently twirl the needles or apply heat or light electrical pulses to stimulate acupoints.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture is used primarily to relieve discomfort from a wide range of conditions and diseases through acupoints – sites on the body that release chemicals when stimulated. This release is thought to prompt an immune response that supports the physiological balance bodies need to stay healthy.

Acupuncture can also help alleviate symptoms of the following conditions:

fibromyalgia
lower back pain
headaches and migraines
insomnia
labour pains
neck pains
tennis elbow
menstrual pains
allergic rhinitis
osteoarthritis
anxiety
depression
chemotherapy

Some other significant benefits of acupuncture include:

Reduced Allergic Response

One of the main perks of acupuncture is that it boosts the body’s natural immunity and ability to self-heal. Patients can become less susceptible to allergens and less likely to experience allergy symptoms.

Improved Energy

Acupuncture balances the body’s energy flow and its energetic field, encouraging proper organ function. It enables your body to relax, decreases bodily pains and increases physical stamina. It also improves mood and can reduce mood swings.

Enhanced Fertility

Acupuncture supports reproductive organs and female hormones and can thus increase fertility. It also helps relieve some of the side effects of fertility drugs. Furthermore, acupuncture boosts blood flow to the ovaries and thickens the endometrial lining, which further aids implantation.

Following an acupuncture session, some people feel relaxed, while others feel energized and renewed. With acupuncture’s many benefits and few downsides, it may be what you need to relieve your pain and discomfort.

Your Acupuncture Clinic in North Vancouver

If you are interested in acupuncture, contact Movéo Sport & Rehabilitation Centre. Our experienced professionals help patients reach their maximal health and performance potential. We offer a variety of treatments and rehabilitation therapy to restore your health and freedom of movement.