ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture: A Complementary Approach to Pain Management

Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice originating from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body known as acupoints, aiming to promote natural healing processes and restore balance to the body’s energy or life force called Qi (pronounced “chee”). Acupuncture is now widely recognized worldwide due to scientific research demonstrating its efficacy and safety in managing various medical conditions. Here we explore everything you need to know about this fascinating therapeutic modality.

Uses of Acupuncture

Acupuncture primarily addresses common medical concerns such as chronic pain management, stress relief, anxiety, depression, migraines, insomnia, fatigue, infertility, weight loss. 

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture affects neurochemicals like serotonin, noradrenaline, dopamine, and endorphins, resulting in biochemical changes in the brain, nervous system, and peripheral organs.

By manipulating specific neural pathways via acupoint stimulation, acupuncture may impact physiological responses.

Acupuncture appears to influence microcirculatory events by increasing local blood flow and oxygen supply to targeted tissues, potentially augmenting tissue regeneration rates.

Acupuncture can offer significant advantages in the following circumstances:

• Pain Management: Acupuncture is highly effective for addressing musculoskeletal discomfort, joint inflammation, myofascial syndromes, arthritic conditions, headaches, neck and lower back strains/sprains, sports injuries.

• Mental Wellbeing: As mentioned earlier, acupuncture can bring emotional peace by targeting specific acupoints linked to mood stabilization, relaxation, and happiness. Therefore, acupuncture can improve psychological states like anxiety, panic disorder, PTSD, OCD, phobias, depression, and insomnia.

• Women’s Health Issues: Acupuncture can be beneficial in menstrual cycle irregularities, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, ovarian dysfunctions.

• Digestive Disorders: Acupuncture is advantageous for people dealing with digestive disturbances like acid reflux, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Acupuncture provides multifaceted health benefits beyond symptomatic alleviation alone. Given its minimal adverse reactions, non-invasiveness nature, and cost-effectiveness, acupuncture presents an attractive alternative or adjuvant therapy option for numerous medical complaints.

If you experience any health issue, consider consulting at Dr. P. Alikuttys Ayurveda & Modern Hospital Kottakkal with our licensed professional acupuncturist.

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about acupuncture:

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture has been found to have very few side effects when performed by a qualified and licensed practitioner using sterile needles. Some minor side effects may include mild soreness, bruising, or brief feelings of lightheadedness.

However, serious complications are rare. It's essential to choose a reputable acupuncturist who follows proper sterilization techniques to minimize risks.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of acupuncture sessions required depends on several factors, including the individual's condition, severity, duration, and overall health status.

Generally speaking, most issues require at least six sessions initially before progress can be evaluated. Chronic conditions often necessitate ongoing maintenance treatments every four to eight weeks.

Does acupuncture hurt?

Most people report feeling little to no discomfort during acupuncture sessions since thin, flexible needles are inserted into specific points along meridians.

Some people might feel a slight prickling sensation or heaviness around the insertion site, but it should not cause intense pain. If you experience any uncomfortable sensations, inform your acupuncturist right away.