Some researchers believe that both acupressure and acupuncture cause the body to release endorphins and monoamines, chemicals that block pain signals in the spinal cord and the brain. The endorphin system consists of chemicals that regulate the activity of a group of nerve cells in the brain that relax muscles, dull pain, and reduce panic and anxiety. These ancient touch therapies may also trigger the release of more hormones, including serotonin, a brain chemical that makes you feel calm and serene, as well as the anti-inflammatory chemical known as cortisol. With acupressure, not only are you benefiting from touching the points, but also you benefit from being touched with increased circulation and decreased tension.
Acupuncture
Imagine relief from back pain without medication. Imagine childbirth without the intense pain. These are just a few of the many benefits acupuncture may provide. Acupuncture originated in China thousands of years ago. It involves a technique using very thin needles, which are strategically inserted in certain parts of your body. The theory is founded on balancing the flow of energy (qi or chi) through pathways (meridians) in your body. Practitioners believe that by restoring the energy flow, a re-balancing and restoration of harmony will be restored to your body. Western medicine is becoming more and more open to this ancient practice, and over the past several decades, acupuncture has been looked upon as a favorable alternative to treating many conditions.
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St Francis Medical Center answeredSee All 3 AnswersAcupuncture can help manage pain. It can also help treat soft-tissue injuries, either acute injuries, like a pulled muscle in the back, or chronic injuries. For example, a college basketball player might have a creaky old shoulder that needs to be fixed. Acupuncture provides a little bit more stimulation than maybe a massage, and it’s a good place to go if a person is not ready for surgery. Acupuncture is that grey area in between.
Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider.
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Dr. Stewart B. Fleishman, MD , Psychiatry, answeredSee All 2 AnswersAcupuncture can be quite helpful in controlling some types of pain or nausea from caner or its treatment. Often considered a "complementary" modality of care, it has become more accepted and available through most major cancer centers on-site or by referral.
Studies to see if acupuncture can reduce hot flashes in men or women on radiation therapy, chemotherapy or hormonal treatments for breast or prostate cancer are underway.
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Dr. Pina LoGiudice, LAc, ND , Naturopathic Medicine, answeredOne small study suggests that acupuncture can help treat hot flashes in men. In this study, 14 men who were suffering hot flashes were given half hour sessions of acupuncture twice a week for four weeks. The benefit at two weeks averaged around a 70% improvement, and by six weeks the improvement was 90%. Even after 8 months, the improvement was still around 80%, which is pretty remarkable. Although this was a small study, the results are quite strong. -
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Dr. Daniel Hsu, DAOM , Alternative & Complementary Medicine, answered
Scalp acupuncture is one of the types of acupuncture that uses needles, but the points are on the scalp. Watch oriental medicine expert Daniel Hsu, DAOM, explain how scalp acupuncture can help with issues in the brain that can affect the body. -
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TriStar Skyline Medical Center answeredSee All 3 AnswersWestern medicine is increasingly recognizing acupuncture as a complementary therapy to be used alongside more conventional treatments. The traditional understanding of how acupuncture works is that it balances the flow of energy throughout the body. In Western science, doctors haven't been able to find an equivalent of how to explain that in scientific terms, but they do know that there's a release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters, and this brings healthy blood flow to an area of injury.
Most commonly, acupuncture can help relieve symptoms associated with conditions like allergies, digestive diseases, menstrual cramps, migraines and the nausea associated with chemotherapy.
The needles, when inserted in specific locations, are usually not painful. The needles are left in for about five to 20 minutes at a time, and then they're removed. You should use acupuncture in conjunction with a conventional therapy because of the few side effects. It's definitely worth a try if you are experiencing serious side effects from other drugs or medications that you are not able to tolerate. -
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St Francis Medical Center answered
How often a person receives cupping and acupuncture treatments depends on the condition. If people have a new injury, they just did a little too much yard work over the weekend and their back is stiff and uncomfortable, that might be just one visit. People who were high-school and college athletes and then continued to train at a high level may have a lot more pain and structural issues like herniated discs or torn rotator cuffs. These people will need more acupuncture and cupping visits. They may get treatments weekly or every other week for a longer period of time.
Trinity Health is a Catholic health care organization that acts in accordance with the Catholic tradition and does not condone or support all practices covered in this site. In case of emergency call 911. This site is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice, always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider.
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Dr. Daniel Hsu, DAOM , Alternative & Complementary Medicine, answeredPatients normally feel relaxed and calm. You may feel tired or drowsy for a few hours if the experience is particularly strong. You may also experience a short-term flair-up of symptoms in the healing process. After a session, it is a good idea to sit quietly and relax. A gentle walk or very mild exercise can also be helpful. Avoid big meals, vigorous exercise, alcohol and stressful situations.
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Dr. Daniel Hsu, DAOM , Alternative & Complementary Medicine, answered
The answer to this question depends on the ailment for which acupuncture was sought. If one had an injury to begin with, then one should take it easy after acupuncture. Remember, although the perception of pain may be decreased after acupuncture, the injury still exists. However, if one were receiving acupuncture for stress for example, then regular activity can resume immediately. Ask the doctor or practitioner administering your treatment for specifics as to how to take care of yourself after acupuncture.
Find out why, and how you should take care of yourself after having acupuncture, by watching this video.
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Dr. Daniel Hsu, DAOM , Alternative & Complementary Medicine, answeredSee All 2 Answers
For your initial consultation, the acupuncturist needs to assess your general health. You will be asked about your current symptoms and any treatment you've received so far. It is also important to gather detailed information about your medical history and that of your family, your diet, digestive system, sleeping patterns and emotional state. The purpose is to identify what needs to be addressed in order to target your specific complaint, and to boost your overall vitality.
Stimulation of specific areas affects the functioning of various organs. However, those areas may not be close to the part of the body where you are experiencing a problem. For example, if you suffer from headaches, needles may be inserted into your foot or hand. There are 365 specific acupuncture points on the body, and an unlimited number of non-specific points. An experienced acupuncturist will use a selection of these for each session. Often during the course of a few sessions, different points will be selected as your condition changes. Other techniques, such as electro-acupuncture, massage, or tapping with a rounded probe, are particularly suitable for small children or for people with a fear of needles.
An acupuncture session is a time of relaxation for most people. You will lie face up or down depending on the condition for which you are being treated. Many treatment rooms are equipped to play relaxing music or sounds.