Acupuncture

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Acupuncture is the practice of penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles which are then activated through gentle and specific movements of the practitioner's hands or with electrical stimulation. 

Acupuncture is part of the ancient practice of Traditional Chinese medicine. Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced "chee") through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.

Studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for a variety of conditions.

Acupuncture is done using hair-thin needles. Most people report feeling minimal pain as the needle is inserted. The needle is inserted to a point that produces a sensation of pressure or ache. Needles may be heated during the treatment or mild electric current may be applied to them. Some people report acupuncture makes them feel energized. Others say they feel relaxed.

Instead of needles, other forms of stimulation are sometimes used over the acupuncture points, including:

• Heat (moxibustion)
• Pressure (acupressure)
• Friction
• Suction (cupping)
• Impulses of electromagnetic energy
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Acupuncture points are believed to stimulate the central nervous system. This, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

National Institutes of Health (NIH) studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapies to treat the following:

• Nausea caused by surgical anesthesia and cancer chemotherapy
• Dental pain after surgery
• Addiction
• Headaches
• Menstrual cramps
• Tennis elbow
• Fibromyalgia
• Myofascial pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Low back pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Asthma

It may also help with stroke rehabilitation.

Many Americans seek acupuncture treatment for relief of chronic pain, such as arthritis or low back pain. Acupuncture, however, has expanded uses in other parts of the world. Before considering acupuncture, talk to your doctor. Conditions that may benefit from acupuncture according to the World Health Organization,  include the following:

Gastritis
Irritable bowel syndrome
Hepatitis
Hemorrhoids 

 Anxiety
Depression
Insomnia
Nervousness
Neurosis 

 Rhinitis
Sinusitis
Sore throat 

 Menstrual pain
Infertility 

 Arthritis
Back pain
Muscle cramping
Muscle pain and weakness
Neck pain
Sciatica 

 Headaches
Migraines
Neurogenic bladder dysfunction
Parkinson's disease
Postoperative pain
Stroke 

 Allergic rhinitis
Sinusitis
Bronchitis 

 Irritable bladder
Prostatitis
Male infertility
Some forms of impotence
Addiction