What is acupuncture and how could it benefit health and wellness?

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Acupuncture is an ancient practice said to help the body engage in its inherent ability to heal itself. Yes, the body is able to heal itself and is wondrously created with this ability.

Sometimes injuries and underlying chronic health conditions can inhibit these performances. Thus results in an increase of inflammation leading to various complications. Acupuncture is an alternative form of medicine widely practiced in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) and versatile to help treat various conditions.

Whilst it may have only been popular in the East some several decades ago, many people of the “Western worlds” are appreciating the benefits of acupuncture.

Delving deeper into the specs of acupuncture

It is believed that acupuncture helps to target energy throughout dedicated pathways of the body. “Qi” the word for energy in Chinese is one of the body’s many vital sources. Once qi is flowing, it encourages the body to engage in healing.

Some historical findings suggest acupuncture is over 2000 years old. This is because some recordings related to acupuncture was found in the Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. This dates back to the Han Dynasty (206BCE to 220ACE). 

Despite being an old health practice, many people are still going back to ancient healing methods such as acupuncture for healing and wellness.

Are there different types of acupuncture?

There are different types of acupuncture and also while with needles for the most part, certain techniques vary among Asian countries.

In other words, you’ll find Japanese acupuncture, Korean acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Acupuncture. These are performed with needles “manual acupuncture” because the needles are manually inserted.

Apart from those mentioned, there is also electroacupuncture. Electroacupuncture uses a machine to help complete the process. This is a specially designed machine that delivers electric currents from a needle to the meridian point.

What are the core benefits of receiving acupuncture?

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Acupuncture can help you with many health conditions including but not limited to:

·         Treating insomnia

·         Headaches

·         Arthritis pain

·         Helps to reduce pain related to inflammation

·         It is calming and relaxing thus may help to reduce stress

·         Helps manage allergies

What are the side effects of getting acupuncture?

In recent years more people choose the availability of alternative medicine because it has fewer side-effects. But not everyone is a fan of needles and some practices experienced in alternative medicines.

Acupuncture may result in bruising on the points pierced by the needles. Some people have experienced nausea and vomiting, but this is also a rare side-effect. Some studies have observed severer effects as a result of acupuncture, but as with any medical procedure there are always the risks involved.  

What are the safety measures for acupuncture?

Safety is of utmost importance when it comes to acupuncture and most health procedures. The practitioner uses sterile needles to prevent the spread of other infectious diseases.

Seeking professional help

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It’s of crucial importance to use a certified practitioner in acupuncture. You cannot leave it to an untrained person because as mentioned there are side effects.

Most certified practitioners are affiliated with groups like The SAACMA (SA Association Of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture) and the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa.

Conclusion

Acupuncture is a good alternative to taking pain killers. Once you’ve found the professional to help you, they will be able to give a proper consultation. The practitioner will also discuss the process and what is expected during the process as well as the pricing. At the same time they will answer any of your questions and concerns.

Have you had acupuncture?