The use of acupuncture is fairly new to the United States and Europe, though it has been used in Asian countries, mainly China, for thousands of years. There’s a good reason to why it is still used today, which is why millions of Americans have switched to this natural method. Researchers are reporting the many benefits to acupuncture such as an increase in the longevity of life and treatment of illnesses and serious diseases.

Oriental medicine states that our condition is based off of the flow of our life energy (Qi). When our Qi is disrupted, depending on the area a certain condition will arise such as a weakened immune system, cold, flu, stress, depression, and can even lead to more chronic illnesses like diabetes or cancer. Acupuncture can restore the flow of our Qi and improve it which will not only heal the condition, but enhance our lives overall. Acupuncturists do this by stimulating certain points on your body, called acupuncture points, with a thin, sterile needle. Although a needle is most common, there are four different methods an acupuncturist may use depending on the condition being treated.

Alternate Method #1: Electroacupuncture
This is a technique where needles are still used, but they are electrically charged. Best used for managing chronic pain conditions.

Alternate Method #2: Moxibustion
There are a variety of ways this technique is used, though the most common involves burning moxa directly on the acupuncture points. Don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt in the least.

Alternate Method #3: Cupping
This is a form of acupuncture where a cup or jar is pushed against the skin causing blood to flow to that area. Is has been used even more since a Chinese swimmer in the 2008 Summer Olympics was seen with cupping marks on her back to relieve muscle strain.

Alternate Method #4: Pressure
Instead of a needle, the points are massaged to be stimulated. This is used mostly for stress or insomnia, as it full relaxed the body.

An example of how acupuncture works would be to imagine a flowing river. If a large object is thrown in the middle of this river, then it will stop flowing and the rest of the way would be depleted. Acupuncture would remove this blockade so that the energy, or river, can flow freely once again making the river look fully alive rather than half-drained.

There are many conditions acupuncture can aid with, which is especially helpful with pain. Conditions such as neck tightness, headaches, migraines, should pain, stomach aches, lower back pain, joint pain caused by osteoporosis or arthritis, digestive pain, post-surgical pain, and overall body aches can be relieved through the use of acupuncture. It is also used to treat mental problems such as depression, insomnia, anxiety, and stress. Reproductive health also benefits from acupuncture by improving fertility, sperm motility, sperm count, and helps manage menstrual cycles.

It has been reported by the World Health Organization that acupuncture and oriental medicine techniques have been successfully used for the treatment and managing of varying conditions which include:

Depression
Digestive Problems
Osteoporosis
Headaches
Migraines
Morning Sickness
Infertility
Injuries – Heals Faster and Reduces Pain
Drug Withdrawals
Weight Loss
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Allergies
Joint Pain
Stress
Insomnia
Bad Digestion
Menopause
Diabetes

Acupuncture’s efficacy on even more illnesses and diseases are being researched.  It is a well known fact acupuncture and oriental medicine can effectively treat common maladies.  Unlike drugs, Acupuncture doesn’t have any negative side effects.  You’ll notice that after receiving acupuncture not only will the symptoms of your condition be lessened, but you will feel much more energized and relaxed.

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Laurel Binder, Doctor of Acupuncture (RILB)

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