Sunday, October 31, 2010

Acupuncture - A Complete Guide

Acupuncture has become very popular in Western countries in recent years. It can effectively supplement a conventional medical treatment or could even be administered as a stand-alone treatment in some cases. Find out here how acupuncture can help you.

Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice, widely known as an effective alternative to traditional medicine. Though not fully understood, this ancient Chinese art of healing and curing has proved to be quite effective. The treatment provides a drug free way of achieving optimum health. It is one of the most practiced forms of alternative medical treatments across the world.

Acupuncture: The Treatment Itself

Very thin, sterilized, one-time-use disposable needles are inserted into well-defined acupuncture points . The needle insertion balances the energy flow in the body, allowing the body to heal itself.

It straightens any kind of imbalance, resulting in proper functioning of the body. Number of treatments depends on the acupuncture practitioner's assessment of your condition.

The patient lies on a comfortable surface before the needles are placed into the body. The treatment itself is not painful, and many patients say that they do not feel the needles at all. Treatment lasts 10 – 20 minutes.

Acupuncture: The Theory

The basic theory of acupuncture is outlined in a text from 200 B.C. According to this theory, there are hundreds of pressure points on the human body connected to each and every internal organ. If pressure is applied on these pressure points through acupuncture,, any problem in these organs can be treated.

The western theory for acupuncture treatment is based on the modern concepts of neuroscience. It holds that acupuncture points stimulate the muscles, nerves and connective tissue of the human body. Stimulation of these body parts increases the blood flow, thus easing the functioning of the body.

Acupuncture: When to Get It?

Acupuncture can be effective if you are suffering from musckuloskeletal pain, or most types of disease, including anxiety, depression, asthma, allergies, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, women's health problems, sports injuries, etc.

Acupuncture: Benefits

Acupuncture can effectively be used in conjunction with other medical treatments or can even be used as a stand-alone treatment for some conditions. The treatment may provide symptomatic relief in conditions such as migraines, lower backaches, headaches and osteoarthritis. Acupuncture treatment involves no treatment drugs and therefore, if administered properly, has no side effects. It can also offer relief for certain post-surgery pains including dental pain, chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, chronic menstrual cramps and tennis elbow.

Acupuncture: What To Be Mindful Of?

It is important to receive the treatment from a qualified medical practitioner in order to obtain safe and effective results.

Acupuncture is a well-opted form of treatment in Western countries now. Metropolitan towns in the United States such as Chicago, New York and Los Angeles have wellness centers where certified acupuncture specialists offer treatment. You can contact a Chicago acupuncture professional by doing a search today and make an appointment.