Is Acupuncture a Trick or Treatment?

Basically, acupuncture has been part of traditional Chinese medicine more than 2,500 years ago and it’s usually used alongside herbal medicine. This is done by putting needles on the meridian points in order to stimulate the body and regulate health. There are no extra chemicals, no extra medicine, only the needles to stimulate the body. There are some particular points for a particular problem, so it’s to stimulate the body, and let the body regulate or balance itself.

This practice relies on the integrated points within the body, both internal and external, and their interactions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “Acupuncture has been proven effective in relieving postoperative pain, nausea during pregnancy, nausea and vomiting resulting from chemotherapy, and dental pain with extremely low side effects. It can also alleviate anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia.” In addition, this is generally used for pain management and there are studies that are looking into link between acupuncture and infertility.

This alternative medicine still has to undergo further studies and research to validate its claims to sure chronic asthma, Bell’s palsy, acute stroke, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and as a smoking deterrent.

Generally acupuncture is safe with few contraindications and complications. However, it must be stressed that there should be precautions followed such as cleanliness of the practitioner, patient, needling sites. You should also look for experience and credentials from your acupuncturist.