Acupuncture works by stimulating the body’s own natural ability to heal itself. Acupuncturists insert needles into meridians, also known as acupoints. There are 361 meridians that TCM practitioners have mapped on the human body that run along 14 energy pathways. If you have a medical condition that needs treatment, the acupuncturist will examine you and then insert needles in various acupoints to affect treatment.
Acupuncture has been use for more than 3,000 years as one of the primary components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It has been used for much less time in the West, but more and more it is being seen as an effective treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. Here is a look at some of the medical conditions acupuncture is particularly effective at treating.
Back Pain
One of the most exciting things about acupuncture is that it is commonly effective at treating conditions that Western medicine is notorious for struggling to treat. First among these is back pain. Many Western doctors are stymied by treating back pain, but most types of back pain can be relieved almost immediately from the first acupuncture treatment.
Headaches
People who suffer from chronic headaches that Western medicine can only treat with debilitating opiate drugs can find simple, effective pain relief with acupuncture.
Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most frustrating conditions, but many people find great relief from their arthritis with regular acupuncture treatments.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel is another painful condition that Western medicine struggles to do anything with other than prescribing opiates. However, acupuncture is very effective at relieving pain for carpal tunnel sufferers.
Other Forms of Pain
No matter what kind of pain a patient has, acupuncture is usually effective at providing them relief. This includes both acute and chronic forms of pain. Anyone who has struggled to find pain relief with traditional methods can usually get help from acupuncture.
Nausea
For anyone who has nausea from cancer treatments or other causes, they will find that acupuncture treatments may be effective at settling their stomachs and increasing the appetites.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Any kind of gastric distress that a patient suffers from can be treated with acupuncture. Irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease are just a few of the gastrointestinal disorders that can be treated with acupuncture.
Infertility
Many women who have had trouble conceiving have found themselves getting pregnant with the help of acupuncture treatments.