Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical technique that has become increasingly popular in the UK in recent years. Fine needles are inserted into specific areas of the body to stimulate and rebalance the flow of energy, known as Qi. When Qi is able to flow freely, the body and mind are balanced and healthy. When the flow of Qi is disrupted, it can cause pain, poor health and disease. Acupuncture aims to restore the smooth flow of Qi to alleviate these symptoms. Today, we will look at some of the many health conditions that acupuncture has been shown to effectively treat.
Pain Relief
One of the most well-known uses of acupuncture is for pain relief. Acupuncture can reduce both acute and chronic pain throughout the body. Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek acupuncture in Bristol and elsewhere in the UK. Clinical trials have shown acupuncture can provide effective relief for lower back pain when compared to no treatment or sham acupuncture. The effects can last up to a year, reducing reliance on medication.
In addition to back pain, Bristol acupuncture is helpful for neck, shoulder, knee and joint pain. It is commonly used before and after surgery to manage pain. Acupuncture causes the body to release natural pain-relieving chemicals, including endorphins and serotonin. For chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, acupuncture works to reprogram the nervous system to reduce overactive pain signals.
Headaches and Migraines
Frequent headaches and migraines that resist medication are another common reason people turn to acupuncture. Both tension headaches and migraines seem to respond well to acupuncture. It also helps prevent tension headaches and reduces reliance on pain medication long term.
Acupuncture points on the hands, feet, ears and head are used to treat headaches and migraines. The needles stimulate nerves in the body that block pain signals to the brain. Acupuncture also improves blood circulation, relieving the build-up of pressure that can trigger migraines. For best results, a course of acupuncture, combining multiple sessions, is recommended.
Insomnia
With its relaxing and calming effects, acupuncture can also help treat insomnia and other sleep disorders. The needles activate parts of the nervous system that lower heart rate and blood pressure, reducing anxiety and allowing the body to fall asleep more easily. Acupuncture also increases nighttime melatonin levels, improving sleep quality.
Clinical trials show acupuncture significantly improves both the amount and quality of sleep compared to placebo treatments. The calming effects also last after the treatment ends, with continued improvements in sleep reported.
Digestive Problems
Acupuncture is very effective at treating a range of digestive complaints, from constipation to diarrhoea and bloating to acid reflux. It works to regulate gut motility, stomach acid secretion and intestinal contractions. This brings relief for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), constipation, diarrhoea and indigestion.
While acupuncture has its roots in ancient Chinese medicine, today, it is an accessible and increasingly popular therapy in the UK. As research continues to demonstrate its efficacy for various conditions, more doctors are recommending acupuncture alongside conventional treatments.
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