Acupuncture has over the last few decades become very popular among patients for relief from many ailments and problems. In very simple layman terms it consists of a process whereby needles are inserted and manipulated in the body. This process originated in China, and today there are many offshoots which trace their origins to Taiwan and Korea, and are slightly different from the original Chinese acupuncture.

Acupuncture has been found to be particularly effective in relieving chronic pain and all the other problems associated with it. A study conducted in 1997 by NIH (National Institute of Health), USA concluded that this alternative healing method was very effective in controlling pain and inflammation. Specially, where it is used in conjunction with other healing processes such as allopathic medicines, the results have been impressive.

How does acupuncture work:

There are various points in the body which are considered to be acupuncture points. Putting needles into these points stimulates the system into releasing chemicals which further release endorphins and natural steroids. These then help to cure the body of the pain and other ailments. These are natural ingredients and unlike medicines and artificial steroids they do not lead to addiction and dependency.

How long does the treatment last?

As with any other form of treatment, this is totally dependent on the level of pain you are suffering from. The first visit to the acupuncturist will help him to determine how many sittings are needed in order to completely take away your pain and inflammation. Initially there may be two sessions a week, with the frequency being decreased as the healing process begins to take place. The sessions generally last half an hour.

How does acupuncture benefit your body?

As we have said earlier, acupuncture needles stimulate your nervous system. This helps to motivate the body’s natural healing processes to take over and begin their work. The blood circulation is improved, and this also helps in speeding up the recovery process. The muscles begin to relax and the inflammation also decreases rapidly. The relaxed body also helps in reducing stress and thereby taking away one of the main causes of body pain.