Acupuncture -- all you need to know

What is acupuncture and how it aids healing - find out more.

Alternative medicines have been proving their benefits since ages. Whether it is Ayurveda, Homeopathy or Unani, these natural treatments come with minimum side effects and maximum benefits. One such alternative system of treating ailments is acupuncture. Practised by the Chinese for over 2000 years, this system has gained popularity in Western countries and other parts of the world too. We spoke to Dr. Alok Palresha, MD Medicine (Hom) and expert acupuncturist to know more about this treatment. Here s an excerpt.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a holistic medical system in which the body is considered and treated as a whole with the help of its own energy system called 'Qi' (pronounced as Chi). This noninvasive treatment promotes natural healing. Fine needles are inserted in particular points in the body to address ailments or conditions. Read: 10 facts you should know about this ancient healing technique.

What is the principle of this treatment modality?

It is believed that pain is caused by the restricted flow of blood and Qi or the body s energy. If the flow is slow, deficiency related ailments occur and if the concentration of blood or energy is high then excess occurs. The principle of acupuncture is based purely on the blood flow and the flow of the body s energy. The flow of energy through body s meridians and blood flow through the organs is studied and needles are then used to improve this flow. By inserting needles, the energy and blood flow is regulated in the body. The excess gets transferred to areas low on Qi and blood flow and vice versa.

Which ailments can acupuncture treat?

The list of ailments and chronic conditions that can be treated with acupuncture is long. Some of the common ailments are:

• Digestion related: Nausea, diarrhoea, hyperacidity, constipation, abdominal pain
• Gynaecological: PMS, menstrual irregularities, infertility, menopause symptoms, UTI, incontinence
• Respiratory: Asthma, pneumonia, sinusitis, bronchitis, common cold, rhinitis
• Muscle and joints: Frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel, chr0nic fatigue, muscle pain, muscle weakness, shoulder or back and neck pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia
• Neurological: Parkinson s disease, sciatica pain, facial palsy, headaches, migraine, stroke
• Addiction: Alcohol, drugs, smoking cessation
• Others: Insomnia, depression, anxiety, tooth pain, throat problems, vision problems

What kind of needles are used? Are they sterile?

Needles are made of stainless steel and not like the ones used for injections. They are very thin and have a smooth end. The sizes may vary depending on the area it has to be inserted in. All needles are new and sterile. They can be used only once and hence are discarded immediately after use. Did you know acupuncture also helps in easing hypertension?

Does it hurt?

Since acupuncture needles are smaller, smoother and thinner than the hypodermic needles, no pain is generally observed or experienced. Some people might just feel a mild sting when the needle is inserted but after that there is no pain at all. The body feels light or heavy while the treatment is on but patients do not complain of any pain.

Who should not get acupuncture treatment?

Most people can get acupuncture done. In rare cases, pregnant ladies are asked to avoid the treatment. However, trained and experienced acupuncturists are adept in handling the situations and can treat pregnant women too.

How many sittings or sessions will be required?

Number of sessions or sittings required purely depends on the severity of the ailment. If the pain is severe or you are suffering from the ailment since long, it may take longer. It takes around 6-15 sessions of treatment for complete effectiveness. Sessions are done weekly and re-evaluation is done post treatment to observe the effectiveness. If the condition is acute, frequent sittings are required. The duration also depends on whether the problem is internal or external.

Does the treatment have any side effects?

Acupuncture is one of the safest alternative treatment systems. Since there are no drugs involved, the only effects you experience is a feeling of relaxation. If done from an experienced acupuncturist, there is no danger of infection due to the needles since they are completely sterile and discarded after single use.

But, like any other treatment it is best to consult your doctor and make an informed decision.

Image Source: Shutterstock

---

For more articles on alternative medicines, visit our alternative medicine section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. For disease related queries, visit our forum.