The effect of acupuncture on pain relief
Fine needle pricks help against pain? Does not that hurt? We explain what the therapy form “acupuncture” is all about.
Acupuncture is an alternative healing method that comes from traditional Chinese medicine . Grave finds indicate that this form of therapy was used more than 5,000 years ago using stone needles, bamboo splinters and fish bones. Acupuncture is also widely practiced in the western world and is often used to relieve pain. Many people have had positive experiences and swear by their effectiveness .
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is based on the idea that the human body is criss-crossed by energy channels, so-called meridians. These meridians are connected to the organs and areas of the body. If blockages arise in the flow of energy , they are the trigger for diseases and pain. By placing small needles at specific points on these meridians, the flow of energy in the body is influenced. This is intended to release blockages and relieve pain.
Various studies have shown that acupuncture can actually help relieve pain. A 2012 study published in the British Medical Journal found acupuncture to be effective for chronic pain and a viable option.
The effect size of the therapy was determined in detail for four pain conditions : back and neck pain, arthrosis, chronic headaches and shoulder pain. Study participants who received acupuncture treatment reported a significant improvement in their pain symptoms.
How exactly acupuncture transfers its effects to the body is not fully understood. The needles are believed to stimulate the release of endorphins in the brain at specific points on the meridians. Endorphins are like the body's own painkillers and are also referred to as "happy hormones".
In addition, the needles release messenger substances at the puncture sites, which stimulate the pain nerves, improve blood circulation around the area and release other pain-relieving substances such as opioids .
The acupuncture needles can also be used to stimulate trigger points in order to loosen muscular and fascial hardening. The stimulus can affect internal organs and body regions, since the skin is connected to the brain and organs by a network of nerve fibres.
Acupuncture: how long does a treatment take?
Acupuncture is not only used for pain relief. It is a comprehensive therapy method that can also help with hay fever, sleep disorders, neurological disorders and other complaints. A therapy session lasts on average 20 to 40 minutes. The total duration of treatment depends on the nature of the symptoms, the duration of the illness and the general physical condition. In the case of acute symptoms, relief can occur after just a few minutes or hours.
After the first therapy session, it is possible that the symptoms will initially worsen. This is a natural process and shows that the body is responding to the treatment. After that, things should get better quickly. In general, it is recommended not to succumb to everyday stress immediately after a therapy session, but rather to allow the body to rest for two to three hours.
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