Acupuncture is an alternative treatment for managing several ailments. It involves inserting tiny, solid, metallic needles into the skin and electrically stimulating or moving them in small, exact movements. Once the needles have been inserted at the proper depth, patients experience pressure or an aching sensation. The needles may be heated or subjected to a mild electric current. While some assert that acupuncture increases their energy, others claim to be at ease.

Acupuncture – How it works?
“Qi” is the term used in traditional Chinese healthcare to describe the energy flow through the body. Chinese practitioners believe that disruptions in Qi or energy flow lead to imbalances in the body, which in turn cause sicknesses. In order to restore homeostasis, acupuncture is used to prick specific spots, also known as acupoints, on various body areas. According to traditional practitioners, the body has 14 main meridians, also called energy corridors, that include hundreds of acupoints.

Acupuncture resets the body’s balance and stimulates natural mechanisms, helping respond to a disease or symptom. It also helps release organic substances, including endorphins, neurotransmitters, and several natural chemicals that regulate nerve impulses.

What are the types of acupuncture?
Practitioners who adhere to more traditional Chinese beliefs focus on controlling the body’s Qi or energy flow. Others use Western techniques to stimulate the body’s systems. Some mix the two methods. Here are a few acupuncture types to know:

Electroacupuncture
In this procedure, mild electrical current pulses are added to the needles to increase the stimulation of acupoints. It works to destroy the body’s energy flow obstructions. Several research studies are underway to examine the effects of electroacupuncture on symptoms like pain, nausea, and blood pressure.

Dry needling
Acupuncturists, chiropractors, physicians, and physical therapists can all utilize this technique. Also known as myofascial trigger point dry needling, it relieves muscle and fascia pain. Acupuncture and dry needling may appear the same initially. But the latter differs in the sense that it focuses on discrete trigger points, which according to traditional Chinese practice and similar foundational theories, are tight bands or knots in a muscle fiber that can limit the range of motion or produce discomfort in other body parts.

Acupuncture with moxibustion
The AIAM describes moxibustion as a traditional Chinese remedy that involves burning a dried, tiny spongy herb called mugwort to encourage recovery. According to the institute, this method aims to warm the meridians to facilitate a smoother flow of blood and energy. Scientists have frequently examined the ability of this herb to flip a breech baby so that the child faces the proper direction for birth. However, its effectiveness is yet to be fully established in managing ailments.

Ear seeding
Auriculotherapy, often known as ear seeding, is a type of acupressure (acupuncture without needles) applied to the ear. It may involve applying ear seeds to acupoints in the ear that correlate to body locations where one suffers pain or discomfort. Ear seeding may help with stress, migraines, infertility, anxiety, and depression.

Korean hand acupuncture
This technique targets precise locations on the hand to heal the entire body. In many variations of KHA, herbs are used to stimulate acupuncture points. Patients who have used this alternative treatment have claimed relief from ailments like headaches, neck and shoulder pain, upper and lower back pain, digestive problems, coughs, and dermatitis.

Are there any side effects or risks?
Potential side effects may include discomfort due to the insertion of needles, slight bleeding or bruising from their removal, lightheadedness or vertigo, and nausea. Although infections are uncommon, they can occur if the skin is not thoroughly cleaned before needle insertion or if the needles are handled improperly.

How is the remedy used to benefit patients?
The following are a few common uses and benefits of acupuncture:

Helps with insomnia
The remedy can help people with sleep disorders like insomnia. In a short study, participants with insomnia received acupuncture or sham acupuncture three times weekly for four weeks. Researchers discovered it was successful in reducing the symptoms of sleeplessness. In addition, patients reported significant reductions in anxiety after two to four weeks.

Eases menstrual cramps
A specific research analysis found that manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture were more effective than other powerful treatments at reducing menstruation pain. As a result, the scientists concluded that women suffering from severe menstruation discomfort might benefit from using acupuncture.

Reduces migraines
As per research, the remedy may also help prevent episodic migraines. For example, a specific research study discovered that using acupuncture for managing symptomatic migraine attacks can help lessen headache frequency. Acupuncture was also found to be at least as effective as preventative treatments in the trials.

Before opting for this alternative treatment, one should consult a doctor to know the risks and complications. It is also vital to visit a licensed and trained acupuncturist for the best results.