Discover the numerous health benefits of acupuncture
Acupuncture is a safe and effective modality that forms part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves the insertion of small, thin needles into specific acupuncture points on the body to improve energy flow and correct any imbalances.
So, what is acupuncture good for? Plenty!
Discover the health benefits of acupuncture and the different conditions and ailments it can help with.
What are Acupuncture points?
Acupuncture points are specific areas on the surface of the skin that correlate with a particular part of the body. When acupuncture needles are inserted into acupuncture points, they stimulate the nervous system to release chemical messages to promote the body’s natural healing process.
There are 14 energy pathways/meridians that run through the body and acupoints are positioned along these pathways, connecting to certain organs or a network of organs. When acupuncture needles are inserted into the acupoints, it releases a flow of energy, also known as qi (“chi”), to bring the body back into balance. It is thought that when there is a blockage in a meridian, illness and disease can occur. An acupuncturist will gently move or manipulate the needles in order to channel the flow of qi through the body.
Health benefits of Acupuncture
- Relieves stress and anxiety and boosts mood. Acupuncture can help the body adapt to stress by triggering the release of certain hormones, including serotonin and endorphins to reduce anxiety, improve mood and promote feelings of wellbeing. It also activates a pathway in your nervous system which initiates relaxation and switches off the fight or flight response that is activated when you become stressed.
- Reduces pain and inflammation (neck, back, shoulder, knee and TMJ pain) by releasing endorphins which are natural pain-killing chemicals, and surging cortisol production to regulate inflammation in the body.
- Alleviates headaches and migraines by relaxing neck muscles, reducing inflammation and dilating constricted blood vessels.
- Promotes a healthy menstrual cycle, balances hormones and boosts fertility health.
- During pregnancy acupuncture can help with morning sickness, heartburn, pelvic girdle pain and sciatica.
- Improves digestion and alleviates digestive complaints including IBS, bloating and constipation. Acupuncture can improve gut motility (to move food along the digestive tract more efficiently) and relieve the discomfort associated with bloating and cramping.
- Eases muscle tightness, aids muscle recovery and assists with the healing and prevention of sports injuries. Acupuncture promotes blood flow to muscles and improves muscle strength by delaying muscle fatigue.
- Encourages labour and can turn breech babies. Acupuncture has been used for centuries in Asian cultures to successfully turn breech babies and kick-start labour using moxibustion (a technique that involves burning mugwort leaves near acupoints on the foot).
- Supports respiratory health for conditions like hay fever and asthma.
Acupuncture for health
Acupuncture is effective for restoring balance in the body and treating a range of ailments, from migraines and hay fever to back pain and fertility issues. It works by promoting energy flow through organs, reducing pain and inflammation, alleviating stress and balancing hormones.
