Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice in which the skin is penetrated with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner's hands or with electrical stimulation.
It is based on a traditional Chinese medicine belief that the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians that have a vital energy flow (Qi, pronounced “chee”) throughout the body. If Qi is disrupted, disease can occur. Acupuncture is aimed at enhancing the flow of Qi, which helps improve overall health.
Acupuncture has been studied for pain relief and it is thought to help release endorphins which can aid with pain relief. Acupuncture is also believed to stimulate the central nervous system, which may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and encourage physical and emotional well-being.
Conditions for which acupuncture has been studied and for which it may be effective include:
- Pain
- Chronic pain
- Acute pain
- Dental pain
- Cancer-related pain
- Myofascial pain
- Low back pain
- Postoperative pain
- Postoperative nausea and vomiting
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea
- Headache
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Asthma
- Seasonal allergic rhinitis
- Menstrual cramps
- Menopausal hot flashes
- Acute stye (hordeolum)
- Addiction
- Tennis elbow
- Fibromyalgia
- Osteoarthritis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Stroke rehabilitation
Other conditions for which acupuncture may be effective include:
- Anxiety
- Bladder problems
- Bronchitis
- Depression
- Gastritis
- Hemorrhoids
- Hepatitis
- Infertility (male and female)
- Insomnia
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Migraines
- Muscle cramps
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Neck pain
- Nervousness
- Neurosis
- Parkinson's disease
- Prostatitis
- Sciatica
- Sinusitis
- Some forms of impotence
- Sore throat
What Are Side Effects of Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is generally safe but the use of needles may cause:
- Local bleeding
- Contact dermatitis
- Infection
- Pain
- Numbness and tingling
Complications of acupuncture are rare and usually only associated with poorly trained or unlicensed acupuncturists.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
- Acupuncture uses hair-thin needles inserted into specific points on the body. Needles are sterilized to prevent infection. The insertion may cause a sensation of pressure or ache. The needles usually remain in place from five to 30 minutes.
- Sometimes electrical stimulation or heat is used to enhance the process.
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https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/acupuncture?search=acupuncture&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1#H8