What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of ancient Chinese medicine that has been practiced for thousands of years. In recent years, this form of alternative healing has become more popular in mainstream Western society for a variety of purposes. This therapy is based on the theory that the strategic insertion of needles at different points of the body can encourage the body’s natural functions such as those related to healing, detoxification and pain relief. More and more medical professionals and patients in today’s society are turning to this and other types of alternative therapies instead of or in addition to traditional Western medicine.
Some people considering this method of healing for themselves may experience some concern or trepidation regarding the needles. After all, no one likes being stuck with a needle, and the thought of having numerous ones inserted into different parts of the body can be quite anxiety provoking. However, the thought of the procedure is often quite worse than the actual procedure itself. The disposable needles used are very thin and completely sterile. They are so thin that most patients do not describe the procedure as painful in any way. The most common sensations reported are numbness, a heavy feeling and mild soreness. Because everyone is different, some people may have intense discomfort and others may have none at all.
The World Health Organization cites 47 uses for this type of holistic medicine. Some of the most common uses include headache relief, back and neck pain relief, arthritis relief, treatment for skin disorders such as acne, bodily detoxification purposes, weight loss, and even the management of anxiety and depression. This is not to say that holistic medicine is a cure-all. In some cases, it may effectively alleviate certain problems. However, you should always consult with your regular physician and think of any kind of natural or holistic therapy as a complement to Western medicine and not a replacement for it. Most every issue for which you would have this procedure performed should be monitored by your doctor.
Acupuncture is considered to be a safe and often effective form of alternative medicine. And it’s not just for humans, either. Many veterinarians are using holistic healing on pets these days. If your dog or cat needs to lose weight, has joint or bone issues, or suffers from anxiety, he or she might just benefit from this type of therapy. If you would like more information about this type of therapy for yourself or your pet, speak to a qualified practitioner in your area.
