Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. It involves the insertion of very fine needles into the skin at strategic points on the body, known as acupuncture points. The goal is to rebalance the body's energy, or qi, and to stimulate the release of natural chemicals that can help combat disease or symptoms. Increasingly, acupuncture is being used for overall well-being, including stress management and fertility and reproductive health.
Unlike traditional concepts of qi, the biomedical model of acupuncture focuses on the physiological and neurological processes that occur during treatment. Some studies even suggest that acupuncture may help in the treatment of cancer and multiple sclerosis; however, research on these conditions is limited and larger studies are required to confirm the benefits. The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is another crucial part of the body's physiology when it comes to exploring the science behind acupuncture. Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine; it balances the autonomic nervous system, influences hormone release and induces neuroplastic changes in the brain.
The potential of acupuncture to promote health and well-being extends to other areas, demonstrating its versatility as a complementary therapy. A licensed acupuncturist must pass the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) exam or complete the NCCAOM program on the fundamentals of oriental medicine, acupuncture, and biomedicine. The benefits of acupuncture are sometimes difficult to measure, but many people find it useful as a means of managing a variety of painful conditions. In conclusion, acupuncture is an ancient form of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments.
It involves inserting very fine needles into the body at different locations and depths in order to balance the vital forces known as Qi. The potential benefits of acupuncture include pain relief, stress management, fertility and reproductive health, cancer treatment, and multiple sclerosis treatment. However, further research is needed to confirm these benefits. A licensed acupuncturist must pass the NCCAOM exam or complete the NCCAOM program in order to practice acupuncture.
