'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAYACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABiAAEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABwgQAAEEAgIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMBAgQFABEGEgchIwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABxEAAgICAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQMEEQACBRITITFh/9oADAMBAAIRAxEAPwDSNfRn45xaJAizSSgCgkAYklrEeRCr2VyIJrda36TeT2Z4vsLSWecWRSKSUV5nqta7auIvZd/TGMOIfJz3ub3H7nxqaBoWfgxCdCiLSvpTp7IurNDP/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
From alleviating menstrual cramps and boosting energy to promoting sleep and improving your overall wellness, there are several benefits of acupuncture.
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine-based treatment that helps with many physical and mental conditions by triggering certain points in the body with needles. Acupuncturists insert needles into specific points throughout the body, which helps balance the body’s energy and also promotes relaxation and healing.
More and more people are considering acupuncture as an effective and safe therapy for different health concerns, like lower back pain, headaches and stress. In fact, cosmetic acupuncture has also become quite a popular non-invasive treatment among women who want to improve their skin condition.
How does acupuncture work?
According to some theories, the process of acupuncture generally works by:
- promoting release of the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals, known as endorphins, and
- regulating the autonomic nervous system
The needles inserted may also help improve breathing and heart rate and may impact blood pressure as well.
What are the benefits of acupuncture?
Here are six most popular benefits of acupuncture:
#1 Reduces stress
One of the most well-known benefits of regular acupuncture is its ability to reduce stress and tension. Studies suggest that regular sessions of acupuncture lowers stress hormone levels and reduces anxiety too.
It improves mood and increases the feeling of happiness. Acupuncture restores energy balance in the body and also improves response of the nervous system, which helps lowers the body’s stress reaction.
#2 Reduces joint and back pain
Pain relief is also one of the best benefits of acupuncture. Studies suggest that it can ease tension and stiffness in the neck and back and also reduce pain in the joints. Apart from easing pain, acupuncture can prevent and reduce inflammation in the joints too.
#3 Promotes sleep
Acupuncture helps balance the body’s energy and also improves the functioning of the nervous system, which in return, promotes the quality of sleep. Studies suggest that acupuncture benefits people with insomnia by improving their sleep quality and is even more useful than sleep medications.
#4 Improves eye health
The benefits of acupuncture also include improving eye health. Eye problems have become a common complaint among people lately, with the major cause being prolonged exposure to computers and mobile screens.
Studies suggest that acupuncture reduces eye strain and also helps improve vision, especially in people with problems like lazy eyes and night blindness.
#5 Provides headache relief
Acupuncture is also a very effective way to get rid of chronic headaches. If you do not want to take medications and other medical treatments as part of your headache and migraine treatment, you may opt for acupuncture for pain relief.
Studies have also found that acupuncture treatment is quite effective in reducing the severity and frequency of headaches among people with chronic headache problems. Experts believe that acupuncture might be more effective than painkillers in alleviating tension headaches.
#6 Prevents digestive problems
Preventing digestive problems is among the top benefits of acupuncture. Gut issues like constipation, diarrhea, heartburn and irritable bowel syndrome are some of the most common digestive issues among people.
While medication is the best way to treat stomach problems, acupuncture can provide great relief as well. Regular sessions of acupuncture can help regulate digestive health and prevent these common ailments from occurring.
What about the benefits of facial acupuncture?
Facial acupuncture, also known as cosmetic acupuncture, has become a common procedure among women.
It's used to enhance the appearance of the skin on the face, neck and head. Studies also suggest that acupuncture can improve skin elasticity and make the skin look firm and plump in five sessions in three weeks.
In facial acupuncture, acupuncturists insert tiny needles into specific points in the face, which offers a plethora of benefits. Some major benefits of acupuncture for the face include reducing wrinkles and fine lines, tightening and plumping the skin, improving skin laxity and reducing pigmentation. A study suggests that acupuncture can significantly lighten melasma as well.
Other benefits of facial acupuncture may include:
- brightening complexion
- reducing puffiness
- minimizing the appearance of pores
- reducing jaw tension
- reducing skin sagging
To attain all the aforementioned benefits of acupuncture, it's important to get it done by a certified acupuncturist in a hygienic setting.
Acupuncture is considered a safe alternative therapy, but just like any other treatment, it may cause side effects, including nausea, skin rashes, infections, allergic reactions, dizziness and bruising.
To avoid any kind of side effects, acupuncture should always be performed by a licensed and expert acupuncturist using disposable and clean needles.
