Traditional Chinese Alternative Medicine

We have seen so many alternative medicine options that promise safe and effective pain relief. For many centuries, traditional Chinese medicine has been practiced not only in Asia but also in many parts of the world to help treat various disorders in the body without resorting to invasive procedures like surgery. One of the most notable and popular Chinese practices that westerners also turn to is acupuncture.

Acupuncture: A Tried and Tested Practice

This procedure claims to help in balancing the body’s flow of energy so that the body can heal itself. The concept that acupuncture follows can be explained by how our blood vessels work in our bodies. It is a given that blood circulates smoothly through our arteries and veins so that nutrients, antibodies, and oxygen can nourish our bodies. If a blockage or high pressure interrupts this cycle, disease and disorders happen.

The tradionalists use the same idea for acupuncture. TCM believes that energy (qi or chi) should flow smoothly around the body. They use meridians as channels to smoothly distribute the energy flow. But if you block one channel to hinder it from getting enough energy, it can make the body vulnerable to illnesses. Using acupuncture to realign the displaced energy is important to normalize the energy distribution and make the body function perfectly again.

Acupuncture and Balance

To balance your qi, experts insert tiny specialized needles into the skin of a targeted body part. This procedure somehow stimulates the nerves and muscles, thereby improving the blood flow and function of this area.

Many naturopathists popularly use acupuncture for the relief and prevention of certain discomforts like migraines, back pain, stressed muscles, digestive issues, and joint pain. Some women also turn to acupuncture as their alternative beauty regimen to make their skin look young and fresh. But one painful complaint that patients use acupuncture with is for neuropathy or nerve pain.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Neuropathic pain is a common neurologic condition, typically affecting the peripheral nerves. People who experience this health problem often describe their discomfort as a sharp, burning, and tingling pain, the same as if you are being electrocuted.

Walking on hard or cold floors while experience neuropathy can be very painful. Many even describe it as walking on broken glass or stepping on sharp gravel. When the pain involves large nerve fibers, patients are more likely to experience sensory loss and weakness in the feet and sometimes hands.

Many medical conditions can cause neuropathy. It can be a symptom of diabetes, thyroid problem, auto-immune disorder, vitamin or mineral deficiency, or exposure to potent drugs and alcohol. Knowing what causes your peripheral neuropathy is key to treating this debilitating condition.

Treatment for Neuropathy

The main goal to address neuropathy lies in its symptoms. Doctors prescribe medications that can counter the effects of neuropathy on the body. For instance, if you experience pain, your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and other analgesics. If you experience nerve pain, your doctor may also give you anti-seizure medications like gabapentin, as they show significant help in combating your discomfort. Meanwhile, those who feel down and helpless may find relief when they take prescribed anti-depressants.

Acupuncture for Neuropathy

Once you have the exact medical condition that caused your neuropathic pain, many would then proceed to find relief. One of the treatments many turn to is acupuncture. Studies show that acupuncture can help restore healthy blood flow to the affected areas of the hands and feet, allowing you to feel the relief of pain.

If doctors claim that you have notable nerve damage or weakened sensation on your extremities, experts in acupuncture target treatment in these areas to re-stimulate those nerve fibers. What’s great about acupuncture for your neuropathy is its organic nature. It helps that this Chinese medicine does not have what other medications and treatments have side effects and adverse reactions.

Yes, some may complain of skin irritation or redness after the procedure, or others become scared of the sharp instruments used in this treatment procedure. However, these are very minor and inconsequential compared to the health hazards brought about by different medication and invasive procedures.

Many doctors and patients claim that neuropathy may dissipate and improve as time passes. Some would say that you may get used to the discomfort or constant activities help you make the symptoms better. However, it is also not a secret that many continue to battle with persistent pain.

What’s hopeful about using acupuncture for neuropathy is that it’s safe. The fact that they do not have any addicting or dependence track issues makes them great options. You can use it as often as you see fit. Yes, it may take several sessions before you feel relief. However, knowing that you have an alternative that does nothing bad to your body is uplifting in a sense, right?

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What is Acupuncture?

In Chinese medicine, this option utilizes hair-thin needles inserted to specific acupuncture points in the body to relieve pain, balance life’s energy and restore the individual’s flow of qi. The acupuncture treatment is utilized by the people with the belief that it relieves disturbances or blockages in a person’s life.

When acupuncture treatment is done right, the body’s natural capacity to heal is stimulated and it induces rejuvenation. It is also said that the body has more than 1000 acupuncture points each indicating a different organ. These acupuncture points lie on what acupuncturists call as the “meridian.”

How Does Acupuncture Affect the Body?

Up to date, researches painstakingly admit that it isn’t clear how acupuncture influences the body to relieve pain and how it relaxes a person. In relation to the earlier mentioned meridian, these needles are inserted to a specific region of pain and as for the explanation of acupuncturists restores the body’s natural flow of qi.

Although this is not backed by science, the good sensation must be the result of stimulating endorphins. Moreover, the combination of accurate needles on acupuncture points do more than just providing relaxation. It is also said to alleviate discomfort and pain.

Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Since this Chinese medicine option seems unverified, a lot of individuals find themselves asking the same question before finally trying it out for themselves. According to acupuncturists, once the needles are inserted into the body’s acupuncture point, most people that fear it find themselves in utter comfort for they feel nothing. There’s a minimal sting or an ant-like bite but nothing that a full-grown adult can’t handle.

In addition, most patients that experience full acupuncture treatment simply fall asleep during the procedure. Of course, this varies as some individuals may have lower pain tolerance. At the same time, some say that their acupuncturists don’t treat them gently as opposing to professionals. If possible, get acupuncture treatment from professional acupuncturists to avoid discomfort and unsatisfactory experience.

What are the Benefits of Acupuncture?

The acupuncture treatment is beneficial for the following medical concerns. If you think conventional medical approaches don’t provide you with any relief, here are the reasons you need to give acupuncture a try.

• Ideal for Back Pain

Are you tired of dealing with back pains that don’t go away with pain relievers and massages? Is it hindering you from doing tasks like household chores and other responsibilities? If it does, try acupuncture treatment for back pains! You’ll be surprised at how this traditional Chinese medicine relieves you from the discomfort and provide you long-lasting comfort.

In research, acupuncture was discovered to minimize pain intensity especially in the lower back regions and better back functions. You can tell the acupuncturist to focus the acupuncture points in the lower back if you feel persistent pain in that area.

• Minimize Migraines

Migraines are nasty and hard to deal with especially when you’re in the middle of work, of a class or doing something important. Acupuncture treatments minimize the migraine’s intensity, lessens the number of painful episodes and gives you a good sleep after.

• Injury or Knee Pain

Physical therapy has been a common option for people suffering from mobility concerns and those that are injured. Although acupuncture is not a physical therapy option and more of Chinese medicine, it was discovered in 2016 that old individuals who had acupuncture points focused on their knees experienced improved physical function and mobility even for a period of thirteen weeks.

Aside from this, those that rely on medicines for pain relief find comfort from relying on acupuncture. This leads to the delay of opioid medication since acupuncture is a better solution for these individuals.

In addition to these major benefits, the Medical News Today also cited that acupuncture helps in the following medical issues.

• Low and high blood pressure
• Peptic ulcer and other gastric conditions
• Dysmenorrhea
• Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
• Morning sickness
• Allergic rhinitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Muscle sprains
• Minimizes the effect of stroke

What Can You Expect from Your First Acupuncture Experience?

Before you get inserted with needles on various acupuncture points, get ready to have your daily routine and medical history assessed. The acupuncturist will ask you various questions ranging from your age, typical food choices, lifestyle habits, and stress level. In addition, you’ll be asked to talk about your emotions, how your appetite changes, and how you react to cold and warm weather.

Once you’re cleared and good for acupuncture, you’ll have to wait for the appointment date and be wary of the instructions the acupuncturist may have of you before you get ready for the experience. When you’re all set, the acupuncturist takes note of your voice, tongue color, and complexion. Aside from this, he will examine your pulse on various body points. In Chinese medicine, the quality, rhythm, and strength of one’s pulse define the health of the meridians and body organs. When done, the acupuncturist will determine acupuncture points and will insert a minimum of six and a maximum of fifteen needles per session. An average session lasts for about 20 minutes. Plus, these needles are left on for a maximum of 20 minutes. The acupuncturist, upon assessment of your condition, may twist the needles for added stimulation and effect.

There are also cases when the needles are stimulated or heated with electricity. These additional methods are usually done in agreement with the patient’s wish and medical condition. In addition, the number of treatments will be determined by the acupuncturist with the discretion of the patient.

Are there Risks with Acupuncture?

Much like medical methods, acupuncture comes with its own set of risks. For example, acupuncture is not recommended for patients that suffer from a bleeding disorder. The same goes for individuals that take blood thinners. Instances of bruising, bleeding and soreness happen at the acupuncture points or insertion areas. For clinics that don’t practice safety and hygiene, unsterilized needles can infect an individual with a disease. Therefore, you need to look for a reputable clinic that utilizes single-use and sterile needles.  On more rare occurrences, a needle can break and result in a damaged internal organ.

There’s nothing wrong with trying out traditional Chinese medicine if all other methods fail in providing you the medical condition you desire. With acupuncture, you may experience the good, the bad and in-between. Just make sure that you’re booking an appointment with a reputable clinic or acupuncturist for a hassle-free experience.

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