What Is Acupuncture?

By Author: Acubody Therapies
Total Articles: 15
Comment this article

Originally inspired by the traditional Chinese practice, London acupuncture treatment today has developed into a method of treatment that incorporates new understandings of the body while drawing from the core principles of ancient acupuncture.

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or ‘meridians’. It is through these pathways that an energy flows through the body, having an impact on someone’s overall health and wellbeing. This energy is also known as Qi, and modifying the way Qi is channelled can have a huge impact on someone’s health.

It is believed that disrupted energy flows of Qi, or ‘Chee’, are responsible for many ailments and diseases. Therefore the job of acupuncture is to apply pressure and needles to certain locations of the body to improve the way energy flows so that it works harmoniously with the body.

Acupuncture today

While acupuncture is not considered a real medicinal treatment grounded in science by certain people today, it has become widely popular still as a cure for a variety ...
... of conditions. Most significantly, this treatment method is used in holistic healing centres, spas and acupuncture centres, rather than hospitals. However, it is not unheard of for certain health practitioners to recommend acupuncture as an alternative treatment option to modern medicine.

Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for a variety of conditions including stress relief, back pain and symptoms relating to numerous illnesses. However, acupuncture is undoubtedly not for everyone. If you choose to see an acupuncturist, it is worth doing your research beforehand to understand the nature of the treatment and the limitations. This treatment should also not be used as a sole alternative to other prescribed treatment that your doctor has recommended.

What does acupuncture feel like?

Acupuncture is performed using hair-thin needles. Most people report feeling little or no pain as the needle is inserted. However, the needle is inserted to a point that produces a sensation of pressure which some people find uncomfortable. It is also notable that needles can also be heated or electrified with a mild current to have differing effects. Perhaps this is the reason why people sometimes feel ‘energized’?

Be warned that you should never try acupuncture yourself or see a practitioner who is not fully qualified. Ultimately, the needles, if placed incorrectly, can cause significant pain and may even lead to injury. It is important to seek treatment from a qualified acupuncture practitioner. The FDA regulates acupuncture needles just as it does other medical devices under good manufacturing practices and single-use standards of sterility.

How does acupuncture affect the body?

Acupuncture stimulates the body and is said to affect the central nervous system. By doing this, chemicals are released into the body, including the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. It is through these changes that the body is induced to react, initiating natural chemical processes that lead to physical and emotional well-being.

Others who still believe in the ancient methods of Chinese medicine believe that this process of releasing chemicals is actually the altering of someone’s energy, and that stimulation and energising takes place as someone’s Qi is manipulated and restored to behave in an optimal way for someone’s health.

What is acupuncture used for?

Acupuncture can be used for multiple things, including:

Addiction

Headaches

Menstrual cramps

Fibromyalgia

Myofascial pain

Osteoarthritis

Low back pain

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Asthma

Major considerations

Scientific studies have not fully explained how acupuncture works. While the ancient explanations are sufficient for some, others are more sceptical. Ultimately, the sphere of Western medicine is grounded in rigorous testing and experimentation. However, acupuncture does not have the same body of proof to explain how it impacts the body. Some even believe that the only effect it has on the body is a placebo and acupuncture should not be used to treat certain ailments, let alone things like diabetes or cancer.

Acubody is a London-based health and treatment centre that offers a range of therapies and acupuncture treatment in London that help people overcome their ailments and improve their sense of wellbeing.