What Are the Benefits of Accupunture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that has become popular in modern America and other parts of the world. By inserting extremely thin needles into strategic points on a person’s body, this alternative medicine is promoted as a way to improve a person’s health and well-being. Although the Mayo Clinic warns that researchers don’t fully understand how or why acupuncture affects a person’s response to pain, there are few side effects. In fact, some doctors have begun recommending acupuncture for patients not experiencing success with more conventional methods.

Pain Relief

• With certain conditions, acupuncture has been proven to be an effective treatment to reduce or eliminate a person’s need to take drugs to control pain or related symptoms, according to studies conducted by both the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey and the University of Heidelberg, Germany. The Acupuncture Massage College tells visitors to its website that even a toothache can be treated with acupuncture. Painful conditions that have been treated effectively with acupuncture include fibromyalgia, headaches, migraines, menstrual pain and arthritis.

Nausea and Vomitting Relief

• Research shows that acupuncture has been known to reduce nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy and surgery, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Many post-surgical patients have reported that acupuncture treatment is effective in increasing their energy level after surgery.

Improved Immunity

• Acupuncture is also believed to strengthen the immune system and help patients withstand infection, colds and the flu. Those treated have reported a faster recovery from injuries as well.

Stress Relief

• Traditional Chinese theory describes acupuncture as a way to re-balance the flow of energy or life force in a person’s body. Many patients have therefore reported a reduction in stress and anxiety after receiving acupuncture. The Acupuncture Massage College teaches that phobias and obsessive disorders can also be treated with acupuncture.

Other Benefits

• Acupuncture is promoted as a way to treat respiratory disorders such as asthma or bronchitis, eye conditions such as cataracts and conjunctivitis, and neurological disorders following a stroke.