Acupuncture, a type of alternative medicine treatment, is a practical and effective way to treat pain among other health conditions without the need for prescription medications. Practiced for thousands of years and originating in the ancient lands of Eastern Asia, acupuncture involves the placing of very thin needles through various points in the skin. According to traditional Chinese medical theory, such acupuncture points are located on specific meridians on the body in which vital energy flows. Though there is no medical or scientific proof that such meridians exist on the body, the proof of acupuncture’s efficacy lies within its therapeutic capabilities.
Here are some common benefits and effects of this form of alternative medicine.
INCREASED ENERGY
During and immediately following acupuncture treatment, many find themselves in a blissfully relaxed state. However, a common after-effect of acupuncture treatment is enhanced energy. Not only does this affect happen shortly after treatment—some people report increased energy for hours, days and even weeks following this alternative medicine treatment. Increased energy may help you stay more alert at work, find motivation to make it to the gym or provide you with a little extra pep in your step.
REDUCED STRESS
As you may have guessed, acupuncture has the ability to potentially reduce levels of unnecessary stress. Stress reduction is one of the most common reasons many people turn to acupuncture for treatment. Acupuncture has the ability to heighten one’s awareness to the point stressful events may be felt more acutely. However, in time, acupuncture works to even out one’s mood and allow a person to feel less affected by and better prepared to handle encounters with taxing situations.
ENHANCED SLEEP
Another popular reason many people seek acupuncture treatment is for its ability to help treat insomnia. However, even those who do not engage in acupuncture treatment for sleep issues often report more restful night’s sleep after therapy.
IMPROVED DIGESTION
Traditional Chinese medical theory suggests the organ systems and meridians that regulate digestion are directly connected to all other constructs and functions in the body. In other words, theory proposes that a person’s digestive health is indicative of his or her overall state of health. Alternative medicine doctors like Dr. Jenny Liu may ask several questions concerning eating habits and bowel movement before providing acupuncture services to her patients. This is because while some acupuncture treatments may be used to treat shoulder pain, they may also cause more frequent bathroom use, less bloating after meals and fewer experienced food cravings.
MENTAL CLARITY
In addition to increasing the body’s energy levels, acupuncture may also resolve the sluggishness that typically leads to mental lethargy. People who engage in frequent acupuncture treatment report being able to make decisions faster and with greater confidence all while harboring a better sense of mental clarity.
In addition to the above health benefits, acupuncture is also used regularly for symptomatic relief of chronic ailments such as allergies, back pain, arthritis, migraines and more. Acupuncture treatment may also be used to supplement medical weight loss programs for its ability to increase energy and regulate digestive health.
