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Acupuncture: What Does it Entail?
19 Sep

Acupuncture: What Does it Entail?

Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture treatment is a treatment technique in which practitioners stimulate specific parts of the body by inserting thin needles through the skin. Scientific study suggests that acupuncture treatment can help in manage certain pain conditions if administered correctly and at regular intervals. 

It can be used to relieve low-back pain, neck pain, headache, osteoarthritis, vomiting, and even nausea. The acupuncture experts usually choose the specific points on your body where to place the needles based on your condition. On a typical session, up to 12 points may be used.

For many years, acupuncture has been regarded as one of the best practices used in traditional Chinese medicine. Today, Western acupuncture is widely acceptable in European countries. Acupuncture has become a common practice performed by medical experts for the conditions mentioned above.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

This technique involves the stimulation of the sensory nerves under the skin and in various muscles of the body. The stimulation causes your body to produce some natural substances which include pain-relieving endorphins. These natural substances which are produced are responsible for the beneficial pain-relieving effects experienced during acupuncture.

To achieve better results, a course of acupuncture is encouraged as opposed to a single treatment. The working of this technique is based on the Chinese belief that energy flows through the body in clear channels known as meridians. The life energy is what is referred to as Qi (Pronounced as Chee).

Medical practitioners who subscribe to traditional beliefs about the technique believe that the free flow of energy in the body can cure illness. They believe that acupuncture can restore the free flow of Qi hence restoring your health.

 

Acupuncture Safety and Regulation in the UK

England is yet to come up with a statutory regulation of acupuncture. However, all non-medical acupuncture practitioners are required to register with their local authority. For example, patients who choose acupuncture in Manchester must make sure that the acupuncture expert is either a member of a recognised national acupuncture organisation or a regulated healthcare professional such as a doctor, physiotherapist or nurse.

Acupuncture is safe if carried out by a qualified expert. It may help you get rid of the illness that has been burdening you for some time. It may be the breakthrough you have been longing for to lead a happier and more fulfilling life. However, some people may experience short-lived and mild side effects such as:

  • Feeling sick
  • Pain in the regions where the needles puncture the skin.
  • The worsening of the pre-existing medical condition.
  • Drowsiness
  • Bruising or bleeding of the areas where the needles puncture the skin.

Although it is safe to have acupuncture, if you are an expectant mother, then the technique is not advisable if you have a metal allergy or some form of infection in the specific area where the needles are to be inserted. Also, patients with bleeding disorders such as haemophilia are advised to talk to a medical practitioner before considering acupuncture.