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How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture isn’t a new pain relief discovery. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, people started searching for natural ways to relieve pain that won’t provide  dangerous or addictive side effects.

However, many people don’t understand how acupuncture works. In traditional Chinese medicine, it’s explained that acupuncture will realign the flow of your body’s energy to improve your health. They believe that the cause of illness is a blockage of energy flow. This theory has not been proven by science.

How does acupuncture work

Neuroscience explains how acupuncture points are used in traditional medicine. When a needle is placed in one of points it simulates a nerve, muscle or connective tissue which simulates a trigger in your brain to produce a natural painkiller. This simulation will increase the blood flow and create a natural painkiller which can give the individual instant pain relief.

How does acupuncture work to help with health issues? Acupuncture has been used to relieve a variety of pains and illness in a natural and safer method.  Here the health issues that can benefit from acupuncture:

  • Allergies

  • Chronic pain

  • Migraines

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Osteoarthritis

The research behind acupuncture.

In a 2012 study, researchers found that acupuncture was successful at relieving chronic pain. The study created two groups: one who receive acupuncture and others that would accept sham acupuncture. During this study, researchers were able to identify a difference between the two groups. The group that received acupuncture experienced less chronic pain and the group that had sham acupuncture didn’t see any changes.  Thus, proving that acupuncture does relieve forms of chronic pain from the body.

Types of acupuncture

Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years. During the years acupuncture has evolved and developed to acupuncture  we know today. However, other types are not commonly explained.

Needless Acupuncture

As you could have guessed it, needless acupuncture requires no needles. Instead, they use a laser to simulate pressure on myofascial trigger points rather than meridian points.

After a needless acupuncture session, the individual could feel relieved and feel pain-free. There is no discomfort  or side effects. Every treatment is different depending on what you’re looking to feel afterward.

Dry Needling

Dry needling is different from regular acupuncture, in the sense that , during this process there are no liquids inserted into the body. Practitioners will insert thin steel needles into specific points in the body. These needles remain in the area depending on the pain and location. This type of acupuncture is used when a patient has a muscle spasm or strain.

The best way to stop asking how does acupuncture work is by experiencing it. At Wisniewski Chiropractic, we can provide you with the best acupuncture sessions for the pain you’re feeling.