Acupuncture is the best-known part of a holistic system that is called “Traditional Chinese Medicine” or “TCM”. This system has evolved over centuries of observation and analysis and has been proven to be extremely effective and treating a variety of ailments. Other components of TCM are Herbology, Nutrition and Tui Na.
Often times the first response after receiving an acupuncture treatment is: “Wow, I feel so relaxed”. There is a scientific explanation for it. Our brain produces and releases different chemicals that are known as neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters can stimulate or sedate the nervous system. On one hand they help us to fall asleep, remain calm and on the other hand to stay focused while for example driving for hours.
Acupuncture needles stimulate nerve endings in our skin and this stimulation is conducted all the way to the brain. Our brain – in response – changes its activity by releasing endorphins a different type of neurotransmitter. Endorphins are also known as “hormones of happiness”. The function of endorphin is to relieve pain, promote relaxation and boost the immune system. Those effects are commonly seen after acupuncture treatments.
Therefore Acupuncture is well known as a great, natural pain reliever. It helps the brain to modulate pain, to relax the muscles and to treat inflammation, by releasing endorphins. Research has long proven its effectiveness for back pain, sciatica and multiple types of sport injuries.
Acupuncture activates and balances areas in the brain, which influence emotions like anxiety and depression or even insomnia. Thus it is a great addition or alternative in the treatment of psychosomatic diseases.
Chinese medicine is very effective in treating hormonal imbalance. Most women have dealt with premenstrual tension, peri menopausal symptoms and/or difficulty with fertility.
Patients are often concerned with the safety of Acupuncture. Acupuncture is considered very safe as long as a trained professional provides it. There are strict guidelines and requirements that every Acupuncturist has to follow. One of them is to use sterile and disposable needles. Every licensed Acupuncturist has had thousands of hours of clinical practice under supervision of a licensed practitioner to learn precautions and contraindications for every single point on the body. Please compare this to a chiropractor, who can get permission to use needles after a weekend class.
Sometimes folks are afraid of needles and/or pain. Most of the time Acupuncture is not painful. The sensation during needle insertion can be compared to a mosquito bite. Most patients fall asleep during a treatment or some even while being needled. Acupuncture needles are hair thin. Acupuncture needles cannot be compared to hypodermic needles at all. That’s the kind of needle that’s used for vaccinations or taking blood.
Give a try! It’s good stuff and it will assist you greatly in achieving good health and experiencing a less stressful life.
See you soon,
Petra and Igor