Acupuncture is an ancient method of healing evolved from china. It is an important part of the traditional Chinese system of medication. Since ages this is frequently used to reduce body pain, stress and various disorders in the body. The principle behind working of the acupuncture is that energy within the body flows in definite channels. Theses channels are located all along the body and are termed as meridians. This energy is termed as chi and for an individual to be healthy; balance of this energy is required. Acupuncture believes that any disorder in body is caused due to disruption in the path of energy flow.
Acupuncture works to open the blockages in these pathways by inserting needles in the acupuncture points lying on the meridians. These needles activate the points which are associated with body organs. This activation maintains smooth flow of energy and increases circulation in blood.
It also enhances muscle movement so that stiffness and strain in muscles are reduced.Although concept behind acupuncture remains the same but it has different application in the whole body:
Cosmetic acupuncture: this helps in toning the face muscles and providing them elasticity so that wrinkles are flattened. This makes an individual look young and healthy. It also works on dark spots, pimples, acne, loose skin and dark circles. It improves the complexion of skin.
Auricular acupuncture: this involves insertion of needles in the outer or auricular part of the ear. It is believed that auricular part contains acupuncture points that are connected to all the body parts therefore acupuncture performed in this area helps in treatment of disorders occurring in any system.
Stress acupuncture: in this stress suppressing hormones are released which gives a deep relaxing feeling and also reduces concentration of cortisol i.e. stress inducing hormone. This makes a person feel calm and happy.
Neurological disorders: various disorders of brain have effective results from acupuncture. It reduces intensity of headache including migraine and cluster headache. It prevents frequent repetition of pain, activates the blocked nerves, helps in brain surgery and causes somewhat effect in tumors also.
Digestive disorders: indigestion, constipation, gastritis, gastrointestinal infection, bleeding and ulcers. It stimulates release of gastric hormones and other intestinal hormones.
Circulatory disorders: acupuncture is very effective in increasing efficiency and functional capacity of heart. It maintains proper rhythm of heat beat removes blockage in arteries and veins, releases hypertension. Smoothen the hard arteries and provides cure for various lethal diseases.
Respiratory disorders: acupuncture relaxes the lung muscles thus improving contraction and relaxation of lungs. This causes deep breathe and proper inhale and exhale of oxygen. With this it cures diseases like bronchitis, asthma, sinusitis and other pulmonary diseases.
Women problems: here it stimulates release of female hormones on time and in suitable concentration thus maintain a balance in menstrual periods. It helps in relieving pain during pregnancy and prepares a woman for labor.
Thus the above are the different application of acupuncture. A slight pain is felt when needles are inserted in the points otherwise it is very safe and natural method of healing without any side effects and intake of harmful medicines if performed by experienced acupuncturist.