Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting very thin needles into specific points on the body. This is done to stimulate those points and promote healing effects. Acupuncture has been gaining popularity in Western countries as a natural way to treat various health conditions and reduce pain.
Here are 5 common health problems that acupuncture can help with.
1. Chronic Pain
One of the most common uses of acupuncture is to reduce chronic pain from conditions like arthritis, back pain, migraines, and fibromyalgia. The needles are inserted into areas believed to block pain signals and release natural painkillers called endorphins. Multiple studies have found acupuncture to be effective at reducing chronic pain, especially back and neck pain.
The pain relief effects of acupuncture can last for several months.
2. Anxiety and Depression
Acupuncture may also help with mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Some studies show that acupuncture can alter brain chemistry by changing the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine which influence mood and emotions.
A 2019 study found acupuncture to be better than antidepressant medication or counselling for improving symptoms of depression. Acupuncture points linked to relaxation and stress relief can help induce calm and reduce anxiety levels. It seems to be most effective when combined with other treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy.
3. Headaches and Migraines
Frequent tension headaches and migraines can be very disruptive to everyday life. Acupuncture can provide relief by releasing endorphins which block pain signals. It also seems to impact serotonin levels and electrical signals in the brain that may play a role in migraines. Multiple trials have shown acupuncture reduces migraine frequency and intensity better than medication. Results of a research study published in the BMJ found that 20 weeks of acupuncture treatment was able to prevent migraine attacks and reduce headache days per month.
4. Digestive Problems
Issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, and diarrhea can be helped with acupuncture. It assists by relieving muscle spasms, improving blood flow, and regulating the nervous system which controls gut function.
Several studies have found acupuncture provides symptom relief and improves quality of life in IBS patients. It also seems to reduce abdominal pain and improve stool frequency and consistency. For digestive issues, acupuncturists often focus treatment on the abdomen, spine, and ear points linked to the digestive system.
5. Sleep Issues
Acupuncture in Bristol can help treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. It encourages relaxation which makes it easier to fall asleep. The slight muscle contractions created by the needles stimulate the central nervous system in a way that leads to drowsiness. Trials show acupuncture improves sleep quality and duration for patients with conditions like chronic insomnia, sleep apnoea, restless legs syndrome, and menopause-related sleep problems.
Weekly acupuncture sessions with a Bristol Acupuncture clinic for several months seem to provide the most lasting sleep improvements.
Clinical research shows acupuncture can safely and effectively reduce pain, ease anxiety and depression, treat headaches, improve digestion, and enhance sleep quality. It offers a drug-free way to manage these and several other troublesome health conditions. For best results, multiple acupuncture sessions are usually needed, combined with other healthy lifestyle habits.
