How can acupuncture relieve pain

Acupuncture is a 3,year-old healing technique of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In , the U. Acupuncture is now covered by many insurance policies and is used most broadly to relieve pain. The most common method used to stimulate acupoints is the insertion of fine, sterile needles into the skin. Pressure, heat, or electrical stimulation may further enhance the effects.

Other acupoint stimulation techniques include: manual massage, moxibustion or heat therapy, cupping, and the application of topical herbal medicines and linaments. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang.

When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy. Energy, called "qi" pronounced "chee" flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

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Many wonder whether chiropractors are doctors. They are not. Chiropractors complete a lengthy period of study before becoming licensed, but they are…. Dry needling and acupuncture look similar and involve sticking thin needles into the skin, but they are different practices with different aims.

How does acupuncture work? Medically reviewed by Yamini Ranchod, Ph. What is acupuncture How does it work? What is acupuncture? Share on Pinterest Acupuncture involves inserting needles at certain points of the body. How does it work? What to expect. Latest news Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Exposure to air pollutants may amplify risk for depression in healthy individuals. He or she may also closely examine:. This initial evaluation and treatment may take up to 60 minutes.

Subsequent appointments usually take about a half-hour. A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one or two treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity. In general, it's common to receive six to eight treatments.

Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain. Your acupuncture practitioner will tell you the general site of the planned treatment and whether you need to remove any clothing.

A gown, towel or sheet will be provided. You lie on a padded table for the treatment, which involves:. Some people feel relaxed and others feel energized after an acupuncture treatment. But not everyone responds to acupuncture. If your symptoms don't begin to improve within a few weeks, acupuncture may not be right for you. The benefits of acupuncture are sometimes difficult to measure, but many people find it helpful as a means to control a variety of painful conditions.

Several studies, however, indicate that some types of simulated acupuncture appear to work just as well as real acupuncture.