Acupuncture is an ancient healing art. It aims to restore health through stimulation of certain points on the body. Western practitioners of acupuncture incorporate elements of practice used in China, Japan, and Korea. In many parts of the world it is considered complementary and alternative medicine.
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. These points are located along meridians on the surface of the body through which practitioners believe energy flows. As long as energy is flowing in a balanced fashion, according to the practice, our bodies remain in a state of health. Blockages in the flow of energy lead to pain and disease. Acupuncture is thought to restore this balance.
Acupuncture and Migraines
Acupuncture is considered a reasonable alternative to traditional headache treatments given its safety and anecdotal success. Researchers involved in one review compared results of over 30 clinical trials involving acupuncture and either migraine headaches or tension-type headaches. It appears that acupuncture may still be a valuable non-medicinal treatment for headaches.
Benefits vs. Risks of Acupuncture
When you consider treatment options for fibromyalgia, or any health condition for that matter, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks. According to experts, both Eastern and Western, the potential benefits of acupuncture include:
• Less pain
• Better sleep
• Relaxation
• Possible immune system boost
• Better overall health
Acupuncture can be much safer than other therapies, especially if you’re combining several different treatments. Benefits as a complementary therapy include:
No negative interactions with other treatments, including drugs
Extremely mild side effects
Low risk
• Possible risks of acupuncture are extremely rare, especially with a licensed acupuncturist. Risks include:
• Infection from non-sterile needles
• Organ puncture (very rare occurrence)
• Nausea
• Dizziness & fainting
• Bruising
Licensed practitioners in the United States are required to use sterile needles and dispose of them after each use, but this is not required in all parts of the world.
Safety of Acupuncture
Acupuncture, when practiced properly, is a relatively safe and side-effect free procedure. The FDA regulates needles used by qualified practitioners to assure safety standards. Be sure your practitioner cleans each needle insertion site with alcohol and uses a new set of sterile needles for each patient to prevent infection. If acupuncture is not performed properly, damage to internal organs can occur, but this is exceedingly rare.
Acupuncture Practitioners
Each state in the United States has different criteria for who can perform acupuncture, but it is a licensed profession in nearly all 50. Practitioners trained are typically referred to as Licensed Acupuncturists, but physicians who have received the proper training can also perform acupuncture. In some states, chiropractors, dentists or other health professionals are also qualified to become acupuncturists.
Tags: Acupuncture, Alternative treatment, chiropractic care, herbal supplemetns, migraine treatment, Migraines, natural alternative, therapy
Leave A Reply (No comments so far)
You must be logged in to post a comment.
No comments yet