Pins & Needles: 5 Health benefits of acupuncture

Karen GEORGE

15 Jun 2015

updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:02

1/5
Cure insomnia
If you suffer from insomnia, it’s time to stop counting sheep and start seeing an acupuncturist. Many studies have found that acupuncture increases melatonin production (a hormone that’s produced when you go to sleep) and improves quality of sleep. People who undergo acupuncture on a regular basis also fall asleep faster, are less likely to wake up in the middle of the night and feel less stressed.
2/5
Relieve migraines
Acupuncture can also treat migraines. Because this condition is usually caused by the dilation of blood vessels in the head, increasing circulation in the area can make the symptoms worse. As such meridian points like the head, neck and upper body should be avoided, with focus going solely on minimizing the dilation of blood vessels in the lower body. The greatest advantage of acupuncture over Western medicine is that it does virtually no harm. Some medications can have serious side effects and can lead to other complications. Also, the procedures for treating migraines are much less invasive with acupuncture, as compared to surgery.
3/5
Reduce PMS symptoms
Acupuncture works by improving blood flow to the uterus. By improving blood flow, this reduces inflammation and pain in the abdomen area. It also helps remove blockage in the body on an energetic level, stabilizing hormonal fluctuations and mitigating the many signs of PMS like cramps, mood swings, bloating and backaches.
4/5
Relieve chronic back pain
Having a whole lot of needles puncturing your back might sound counterproductive to easing back pain but it is one of the top reasons people visit an acupuncturist. The relief happens when the central nervous system is stimulated to release electromagnetic signals into the muscles, spinal cord and brain. These signals alter the release of neurotransmitters and neurohormones and promotes an overall sense of well-being in the body.
5/5
Reduce stress levels
Acupuncture helps to take the edge off. The needles stimulate the secretion of endorphins and decreases cortisol levels, one of the major stress hormones. These neurotransmitters help reduce pain, elevate mood, relax the body and improve sleep quality.

From head to toe, here are 5 ways this ancient Chinese healing technique can improve your overall well-being.

Some people start squirming at the idea of getting an injection, so we can just imagine their reaction to acupuncture. The traditional 3000 year-old Chinese treatment involves inserting many needles into meridian points that affect the circulation of blood. It’s based on the ancient philosophy that describes the universe and the body in terms of two opposing forces known as yin and yang. When the yin and yang are not balanced, the energy, known as qi can’t flow smoothly and the Chinese believe this is the reason for most pains and aches.

Lest you think acupuncture is just a dubious practice with no hard evidence to support it, modern science has proven acupuncture’s health effects on the immune, cardiovascular, nervous and digestive system. If you’ve still got doubts about this miraculous ancient healing technique, then the health benefits listed in the gallery should convince you otherwise.

Karen George

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Pins & Needles: 5 Health benefits of acupuncture

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