Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves inserting very fine needles through the skin at strategic points on the body. It is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine and is most commonly used to treat pain. However, it is increasingly being used for overall well-being, including stress management. Research suggests that in addition to helping to relieve certain types of chronic pain, acupuncture can also be beneficial for headaches or migraines.
It can also help with a variety of other conditions, such as immune system problems, infertility, and the effects of menopause. Studies have also found that performing at least six acupuncture sessions may be helpful for people with frequent headaches or tension headaches. Acupuncture has also been found to improve physical knee function in the short and long term in people with knee osteoarthritis. This condition occurs when the connective tissue in the knee breaks down.
Acupuncture can also help reduce knee pain in people with this condition, although this effect is only useful in the short term. In addition to its physical benefits, acupuncture can also provide lasting improvements in overall health after completing a course of treatment. Other potential benefits include reducing stress and improving concentration. It can also be used to stimulate specific points on the body to promote healing and well-being. 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.
Research on the health benefits of acupuncture is still limited; however, there are some studies that have shown that acupuncture is useful for specific conditions.