Acupuncture is an ancient practice that involves the insertion of hair-thin needles into your skin at certain points.
The goal is to facilitate the flow of energy and balance the body’s systems so that they can work properly.
Although not widely accepted by Western medicine, there’s proof that acupuncture does have health benefits. In this blog, we look at three key ways this ancient art has been shown to help people.
1. Reduced stress levels
Acupuncture has been shown to reduce stress levels and is used as an alternative treatment for anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Stress is a major factor in many health problems, including headaches, stomach pains and high blood pressure. Acupuncture works by stimulating certain points in your body (called meridians) which helps the body release hormones that improve moods and lower stress levels.
2. Reduced joint and back pain
Acupuncture has been shown to reduce joint pain, back pain and arthritis. It works by stimulating nerve endings in your skin which sends messages to your brain telling it there is no longer any pain. This reduces the number of neurotransmitters that are released in the brain, controlling both inflammation and nerve transmissions.
Acupuncture can also help with muscle relaxation by reducing tension throughout the body, including muscles in joints such as those found within the shoulders or knees.
3. Headache relief
Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for headaches. Acupuncture can help relieve tension headaches and migraines and reduce the frequency of headaches. Acupuncture is also successful in treating other types of pain such as neck pain and lower back pain. It’s also a drug-free solution for those wanting a more natural treatment.
Common types of headaches include tension-type headaches (the most common), migraine headaches, cluster headaches, sinusitis/sinus swelling due to allergies or infections (also known as “sinus headache”) and cervicogenic disorders (a type of neck/cervical spine injury causing head pain). All of these headaches can be eased using acupuncture.
For more information on how acupuncture can help you and to book one of our acupuncture services, contact us today.