Acupuncture Unleashed: The Ancient Art Doing Far More Than Just Relieving Pain!

Acupuncture considered a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has transformed into a prominent therapy, which is currently being used by millions worldwide to treat health conditions and issues starting from headaches, menstrual cramps, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis and whatnot.

Understanding Acupuncture and Its Mechanisms

So acupuncture is something which has been criticized by many critics in the past based on its effectiveness and also based on how specific pressure points could bring noticeable changes in human health conditions. One particular theme which is debated by critics is concerning acupuncture’s scientific validity and how some people do not respond to this process at all.

Well, indeed, the process does not respond in the way expected. Still, it certainly has helped millions find relief from chronic and painful ailments such as arthritis, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, and asthma. Over time, the process has been further used to treat critical mental health conditions and also find relief from stress and anxiety.             

So, how does this thing work?

Well, the process is simple. Thin needles are inserted in specific acupoints, which stimulate the central nervous system to release chemicals such as endorphins, neurotransmitters, serotonin, dopamine, encephalin, and so on into the brain, spinal cord, and muscles. Now, endorphins are considered natural painkillers and neurotransmitters which control certain nerve impulses in the body. Similarly, serotonin is a chemical that influences memory, learning, and happiness in humans. The chemical also regulates body temperature, sleep, sexual desire and sometimes hunger. The release of serotonin, for example, is considered a positive sign as it symbolises a state where a person is content and free from depression, anxiety, mania and other significant mental health ailments.

So yes, acupuncture works because it affects the nervous system and helps release magic chemicals, but for how long?

So the problem is that the benefits of acupuncture last for a few days and sometimes a few weeks, depending on a person’s mood, mental wellbeing. Now, know this: it does not provide any permanent relief. Instead, it supposedly creates a state of well-being that hardly lasts 5-6 days.

But why do it then?

Well, many acupoints in our palms effectively stimulate the nervous system and release desired chemicals. Moreover, you do not need needles and magic potions all the time. These acupoints can be simply pressed, using the other hand, which will provide equal and consistent benefits if the process is carried out with discipline and control. For example, there are numerous books written and studies done in the past, like the book by Michael Reed Gach named “Acupressure’s Potent Points” and Jay Holder’s “The Complete Guide to Acupressure”, which reassures the true potential of this mechanism and how it has enabled people to live a happy and healthy life both physically and mentally.

Beyond Pain Relief: Expanding the Scope of Acupuncture

Acupressure indeed has a lot of substantial benefits apart from just pain relief. For instance, many acupuncture practitioners believe that inserting needs into acupoints in our body along meridians can rejuvenate the body and help rebalance the flow of “chi” or the life force. Tapas Acupressure Technique (TAT) can be a great example as the treatments use tapping and pressing certain acupoints to effectively treat medical conditions and psychological disorders. The process is known as “power therapy”, as practitioners argue that the body’s eternal energy or “chi” must flow freely for balance and health. It is a notion that when “chi” is blocked, humans’ health and mental balance suffer.  

Mental Health Benefits

Let us describe the effectiveness of TAT to effectively explain how acupressure therapies are used to treat and cure mental disorders. So, if done in the right direction, TAT helps release emotional and physical stress. It is possibly because through such therapies certain chemicals such as dopamine are released, which brings joy and a sense of contentment and happiness to the person. Similarly, over the years, the practice has also been followed with the intent to treat past traumas and gain clarity over distressful situations and confusing circumstances. I would vouch for this technique as it has been used to manage the anger of people who are often angry or hold frequent grudges on others.

Apart from TAT, there are techniques and practices named Zen Shiatsu and Watsu, which are proactively used by practitioners to provide relief from stress and anxiety. The Zen Shiatsu, for example, is considered a healing technique through which finger pressure is applied in meridian lines to attain relief from stress disorders and fear. Moreover, the technique is also regarded viable as, over the past, it has helped people learn values relating to self-care and self-love, which, to a degree, have prevented them from committing self-harm. The same goes for Watsu, a combination of Shiratsu techniques with water therapy, which provides relaxation and improves blood circulation.

Immune System Support

How acupressure improves the immune system is quite surprising as it challenges the scientific notions and processes that show otherwise. Previous research has indicated how acupressure has been responsible for boosting the production of WBCs (White Blood Cells) and other immune components. It is the most effective when used in response to ongoing treatments like chemotherapy, which degrades the immune system over time.      

Enhanced Sleep Quality

Insomnia, or disturbed sleep cycle, is a worldwide issue which has affected people all across the spectrum. Even young people of this generation, due to excess stress, find it hard to sleep, which causes many mental and psychological imbalances, such as anxiety and depression. The good thing is that we have efficient and result-providing treatments like acupressure therapy, which has helped young and older people sleep well and eliminate insomnia, which affects both personal and professional lives. A scientific explanation would be that many acupressure treatments, such as TAT, have been responsible for producing melatonin. This hormone regulates sleep cycles and naturally increases the amount of sleep one needs and expects.       

Digestive Health and Metabolism

A significant contribution of acupuncture is its ability to improve digestive health and metabolism in the correct order. A few issues that it tries to solve include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acid reflux and sometimes even nausea. The therapy targets stimulating the vagus nerve , which plays a substantial role in facilitating digestion and alleviating barriers which bother the natural digestive process. The most significant advantage is that it’s all drug-free, so you have nothing to lose.   

Verdict

Despite contradictions, the effectiveness of this procedure can be proven by brain imaging, as people practicing or opting for such therapies have shown significant brain development and signs of mental peace and well-being. However, it is also a considerable fact that the process tends to be effective based on a few conditions, such as an individual’s relationship with the therapist and the amount of preconceived notions that one has over stories shared by people close to their social circles.

Nonetheless, it is certainly advised to look for actually certified professionals and opt for their services as in the name of acupuncture, people misguide you and also make you develop a false belief over the fact that your body and mind are improving, where in reality it is not. 

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