Acupuncture Body Points Beg for Needles

Acupuncture body points are the focus of acupuncture. Acupuncture side effects are pleasantly positive as rejuvenating energy flows through the body restoring wellness.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an alternative healing form associated with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Just as Western medicine realizes the importance of blood flow through the body, TCM realizes that the energy of the body must flow unhindered. When this energy, called “qi,” (pronounced chee) is blocked, illnesses, pain and even psychological dysfunctions result.

The pathways of this energy are called “meridians,” and the acupuncture body points are usually located along these meridians. The practice of acupuncture involves stimulating the body points along the meridians using fine, stainless steel needles to unblock the flow of qi to promote self-healing of the body.

How is Acupuncture Done?

An acupuncturist uses sterile, ultra thin, stainless steel needles to stimulate the qi; this is the main technique of acupuncture. In the video below, an acupuncturist describes not only the needles, but also two other common techniques used by acupuncturists to unblock the qi.

Acupuncture Side Effects

Since the practice of acupuncture involves needles and the piercing of skin, it is an invasive procedure; it is not without some reasonable risks. However, negative side effects are few. Potential problems include puncturing an organ or infection. This would only happen if unsterilized needles are used or the skin is not cleansed before treatment. Improper needle use, patient movement during treatment or even a defect in the needles will cause pain. This should not happen in the hands of a trained practitioner.

Minor side effects may be a feeling of deep relaxation, even to the point of mild disorientation after treatment.

However, there are positive side effects to acupuncture. While the acupuncturist concentrates on a specific malady, other problems may disappear as healing energy flows unhindered throughout the body.

What is the Difference Between Acupuncture and Acupressure?

Acupressure stimulates the same specific body points, promoting healing energy to flow, as does acupuncture. Instead of piercing the body with hair-thin needles, the practitioner’s fingers are used to stimulate the body points or meridians. Acupressure is not as specific since the healing instrument is the thickness of a finger. An acupressure treatment lets the patient remain clothed while acupuncture needs the patient to be disrobed. Acupressure is not invasive; rather it is a skilled form of massage.

How can Acupuncture Help Me?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), acupuncture can effectively treat a broad spectrum of specific illnesses and conditions. TCM does not differentiate between physical and psychological disorders. Therefore acupuncture is use to effectively treat both. A short list of general aliments uses acupuncture to treat are:

- Migraine headaches- Circulatory system disorders - Gastrointestinal illnesses- Gynecological issues- Genitourinary disorders- Immune system disorders- Eye, ear, nose and throat problems- Addictions - Psychological conditions- Respiratory illnesses- Musculoskeletal pain- Neurological pain- Diabetes- Weight control

How Long Does it Take for Aupuncture to Work?

Acupuncture is a technique that opens up the qi of the body. The result of acupuncture on the qi of the body is instant. As the qi is unblocked and starts to flow freely, the body will start to heal itself. Depending on the problem, you can find relief instantly or it may take several sessions.