The Effect Of Acupuncture On Pain Relief
Fine pinpricks help against pain? Doesn't it hurt? We explain what the therapy form "acupuncture" is all about.
Acupuncture is an alternative healing method that originates from traditional Chinese medicine. Grave finds indicate that this form of therapy was already used over 5,000 years ago with the help of stone needles, bamboo splinters and fish bones. Acupuncture is also widespread in the western world and is often used to relieve pain. Many people have had positive experiences and swear by its effectiveness.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture is based on the idea that the human body is criss-crossed by energy pathways, so-called meridians. These meridians are connected to the organs and areas of the body. If blockages occur in the energy flow, they are the trigger for illnesses and pain. By placing small needles at certain points on these meridians, the energy flow in the body is influenced. This is to release the blockages and relieve pain.
Various studies have shown that acupuncture can indeed help relieve pain. A 2012 study published in the British Medical Journal found that acupuncture is effective for chronic pain and is a viable option.
In detail, the effect size of the therapy was determined for four pain conditions: Back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headaches and shoulder pain. The participants in the study who received acupuncture treatment reported a significant improvement in their pain symptoms.
It is not fully understood how acupuncture works in the body. It is believed that placing needles at specific points along the meridians stimulates the release of endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are like the body's own painkiller and are also called "happiness hormones".
In addition, the needles at the insertion sites release neurotransmitters that stimulate the pain nerves, increase blood flow to the area around the site and release other pain-relieving substances such as opioids.
Acupuncture needles can also be used to apply stimuli in trigger points to release muscular and fascial hardening. The stimulus can affect the internal organs and regions of the body, as the skin is connected to the brain and organs via 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 treatment time depends on the type of complaints, the duration of the illness and the general physical condition. In the case of acute complaints, relief can come after just a few minutes or hours.
After the first therapy session, the symptoms may also initially worsen. This is a natural process and shows that the body is responding to the treatment. After that, there should be a rapid improvement. In general, it is advisable not to return to everyday stress immediately after a therapy session, but to allow the body to rest for two to three hours.
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