What Problems Can Acupuncture Help With?
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical treatment that has become increasingly popular in the UK over the past few decades. Fine needles are inserted at specific points in the body to restore the flow of qi (energy). This ancient therapy is used to treat a wide range of health issues. Here are some of the main problems that acupuncture can help with.
Pain Relief
One of the most common uses for acupuncture is to relieve pain. It is often used to treat back, neck, knee, and shoulder pain. Acupuncture can also help reduce chronic headaches and migraines.
The needles are inserted at strategic points to stimulate nerves and muscles. This boosts blood circulation and triggers the release of the body’s natural painkillers called endorphins. Many studies show acupuncture to be effective for relieving various types of pain.
Arthritis
Acupuncture is commonly used as a treatment for osteoarthritis which causes joint pain and stiffness, especially in the knees, hips, and hands. It helps by improving circulation and reducing inflammation around the joints.
Some research indicates that acupuncture provides pain relief and improves function for people with osteoarthritis of the knee. It may allow patients to reduce their reliance on anti-inflammatory medications.
Insomnia
Difficulty sleeping is another common reason that people try Bristol acupuncture. It works by making the nervous system release serotonin and melatonin, hormones that regulate sleep. Acupuncture also helps relax tense muscles that can interfere with sleep.
Acupuncture can help improve sleep quality and duration for people with insomnia. It may also help adjust circadian rhythms for people with disrupted sleep cycles such as shift workers.
Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
Many people find that acupuncture helps them feel more relaxed and less stressed. It seems to activate parts of the brain involved with regulating emotions. The slight sensation caused by the needles produces a calming effect. Acupuncture may be helpful for reducing anxiety and depression. It is thought to influence the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, chemicals that impact mood.
For some people, acupuncture works as well as cognitive behavioural therapy and medications for improving mental health, but it’s important not to stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your doctor for advice, as this can cause additional problems.
Nausea and Vomiting
Acupuncture is commonly used to control nausea and vomiting. It can reduce sickness caused by morning sickness, chemotherapy, and post-surgery effects. The needles stimulate nerves in the wrist that connect to parts of the brain that control nausea and vomiting.
Using acupuncture lessens nausea and vomiting after surgery and chemotherapy when used along with medications. It also helps relieve nausea during pregnancy and is a safe alternative to anti-emetic medication.
While more research is still needed, acupuncture appears to be helpful for relieving pain, arthritis symptoms, insomnia, stress, and nausea. It is considered very safe when performed correctly by a qualified practitioner. Acupuncture should never replace medical treatment but it can be a beneficial complement to other therapies. If you are considering acupuncture for a health condition, consult your GP first.
