Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine that originated from Chinese medicine. The treatment involves the strategic insertion of very thin sterilized needles into the skin. Specific body parts are targeted with the needles, depending on the patient’s needs. The needles are said to be placed along lines of energy from where the body is stimulated through heat, electrical stimulation, or pressure. This is believed to restore function to various body systems by releasing blocked energy and creating an energy balance. Initially, acupuncture was mainly used for pain relief, however it is now used to treat various physical and mental conditions. The following are ways in which acupuncture can improve overall well-being.

Pain Relief

Acupuncture is mostly known for its effectiveness in pain relief. This is achieved by changing the brain’s perception of pain by interfering with brain activity in the areas that are responsible for pain perception. It is especially helpful when it comes to dealing with back pain. It provides a safe and natural treatment that relaxes the back muscles through the release of chemical hormones and endorphins within the body, in turn, easing pain. Acupuncture also provides a drug-free option for dealing with migraines, neck tension, and joint pain.

Inflamed areas tend to be painful. Pain can be reduced by dealing with inflammation. Acupuncture has been known to reduce inflammation and swelling. It does this by targeting trigger points to help reduce swelling and prompts the pituitary gland to release a chemical which helps decrease inflammation. The reduction of swelling and inflammation helps with conditions such as arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and other conditions where inflammation is a symptom.

Improve Digestion

One may suffer from various digestive disorders such as lactose intolerance, heartburn, IBS, and many others. These disorders can lead to discomfort and diet limitations. It is a great relief for people who experience this to know that their gastrointestinal issues can be made better with acupuncture. It helps improve digestive functions, as well as nourishes and reduces inflammation in some of the digestive organs.

Better Sleep

There are several ways in which acupuncture can help to improve sleep. Acupuncture aims at dealing with the root causes of poor sleep such as pain, digestive problems, and breathing difficulties. This makes it very effective in the improvement of overall sleep health. Sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnea can also be treated using acupuncture. These disorders cause more distress than just lack of sleep. By improving these conditions, other issues may also be alleviated.

Acupuncture also provides a calmness that will enable you to sleep better by clearing the nerves and muscles from any obstruction allowing blood rich in oxygen to flow to the nervous system. This causes the body to relax in preparation for sleep. When you are able to rest well, your overall health also improves.

Provide Stress Relief

The human body is built to handle stress. However, when stress levels accumulate, it can take a toll on your body. This may trigger certain body responses which may eventually lead to increased blood pressure, digestion problems, a suppressed immune system, anxiety, depression, headaches, and more.

Chinese Medicine theories imply that stress interferes with the flow of energy throughout the body through the creation of intruding energy blockages. Acupuncture helps to counter this by increasing blood circulation which increases oxygen levels in the tissues and also by releasing natural chemicals within the body such as endorphins, which help unblock energy channels. This will in turn cause a reduction in resting heart rate and blood pressure, and relaxes muscles which help one feel less stressed.

Boost the Immunity System

Your immune system can also benefit from acupuncture. Acupuncture's effectiveness in restoring a balance in your body by influencing energy flow and eliminating blockages may give your immune system a boost.

As the needles are inserted in this process, they are seen as a small “threat” by the body. The body then responds by increasing the production of T-cells which leads to an increase in the white blood cell count.

With the benefits acupuncture offers physically, mentally, and even emotionally, it has gained popularity as an alternative form of treatment. It is definitely worth a try if you are looking for a new technique to boost your overall wellness and find relief from certain medical issues.