Acupuncture is an ancient therapy originating in China, which consists of the application of needles at specific points in the body to treat diseases and promote health. These needles, when applied over some specific regions, are able to treat various physical or emotional illnesses such as sinusitis, asthma, migraine or arthritis for example, in addition to improving the immune system.
The insertion of Acupuncture needles stimulates the nerve endings in the skin and other tissues, sending messages to the brain, which triggers different effects on the body, such as analgesic or anti-inflammatory action. There are several scientific evidences that acupuncture works, but in Brazil it should only be used as a way to complement the clinical treatment directed by the physician.
What is it for
Acupuncture is a technique that can be used to strengthen the immune system and to treat problems and diseases such as:
- Problems in the mouth such as pain after tooth extraction, gingivitis or pharyngitis;
- Respiratory diseases such as sinusitis, rhinitis, common cold, asthma or bronchitis;
- Ophthalmologic diseases such as conjunctivitis, cataract or myopia in children;
- Neurological problems such as headache or migraine;
- Gastrointestinal problems such as excessive acidity in the stomach, duodenal ulcer, constipation or diarrhea;
- Orthopedic problems such as sciatica, low back pain or rheumatoid arthritis;
- Sleep disorders like insomnia.
In addition to these problems, acupuncture can also be used in the treatment of diseases and emotional disorders such as anxiety, excessive stress or depression, for example. Know the benefits of Acupuncture by clicking here.
Anyone can do acupuncture, even in cases where there is no disease or physical complaints, and this technique can even be done in children, in these cases being recommended the use of laser in children afraid of needles.
Can needles transmit diseases?
Acupuncture should be done with disposable needles, as their re-use increases the chances of contracting some diseases such as hepatitis or meningitis, for example.
Therefore, when performing an acupuncture procedure you must ensure that it is performed by a competent professional, and that it follows Anvisa's rules that require the use of disposable material.
Types of Acupuncture
There are several types of acupuncture, and each has a different function:
1. Atrial acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture, also known as auriculotherapy, can be used to treat pain, physical or emotional illness and can be performed with or without needles. This technique is done on the ears, and when no needles are used, mustard seeds or other small spheres may be used that are placed in certain points of the ear.
2. Aesthetic Acupuncture
In the case of aesthetic acupuncture, this technique aims at the application of needles in certain points of the body to improve blood circulation, promote the growth of the supporting cells, combat localized fat and help drain excess fluids.
3. Acupuncture for weight loss
When acupuncture is used for weight loss, it helps in eliminating toxins, excess fluids, and localized fats. In addition, because overweight may be associated with psychological problems such as anxiety or depression, this technique can also be used to treat these problems so that eating is no longer an emotional refuge.
Who can perform treatments?
Anyone can do acupuncture, whether sick or not. It is indicated even for children, but in the case of them acupuncture can be done with laser, so that the child is not afraid of the needles. In addition, acupuncture can also be beneficial during pregnancy as it helps in lessening the hormonal variations that are frequent during this period and relieves back pain and discomfort caused by belly weight. Learn about the benefits of acupuncture during this period in Acupuncture in Pregnancy.
Animals such as dogs or cats can also be treated with acupuncture as it relieves pain, allergies, respiratory tract infections, digestive problems or other diseases, such as rhinitis.
In addition to acupuncture, there are other alternative medicine techniques such as Acupressure, which treat problems and relieve pain. Learn About Acupressure in Acupressure - Key Points to Relieve Pain.
