What if some acupuncture sessions can help you prevent certain debilitating disorders? Evidence suggests that acupuncture can have protective effects on the body and help you avoid certain conditions. Most of us think that acupuncture is used for treating chronic pain or stiffness. However, people may not know that acupuncture can also be used as a preventive measure to help keep you healthy and free from disease. Acupuncture improves overall health by boosting your immune system and allowing your body to function more effectively.
What is Preventive Medicine?
Preventive medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on preventing disease and promoting health. This is a form of functional medicine that includes a variety of techniques, such as vaccinations, screenings, interventional therapies, and lifestyle changes.
Preventive medicine is necessary because it can help to prevent serious illnesses and improve health quality. Vaccinations can prevent diseases such as measles, mumps, and rubella. Screenings can detect conditions such as cancer in their early stages when they are most treatable. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or eating a healthy diet, can reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
What is acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is one of the traditional Chinese medicine techniques that involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, anxiety, and fatigue.
Although there are various notions about how acupuncture works, according to the Chinese methodologies, acupuncture helps balance the flow of energy (qi) in the body by modulating the energy flow channels called meridians. Other concepts allude that it stimulates the release of pain-relieving chemicals, such as endorphins, in the brain. Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a trained professional.
Acupuncture is also considered a subtype of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice. CAM incorporates various non-pharmaceutical therapies to make a comprehensive plan for treating and preventing conditions like arthralgia and joint dislocations.
The benefits of acupuncture for preventive medicine
Acupuncture is an interventional procedure that doesn’t require the use of conventional drugs. Therefore, of the most significant advantages of acupuncture is the near-zero side effects. Usually, pharmacological therapies like anti-diabetic drugs or steroids have many adverse effects, including nausea, fatigue, reduced immunity, and sexual dysfunction. Acupuncture therapy is not only free from these devastating effects but also acts to prevent these conditions.
Other advantages of acupuncture include boosted immune system, increased energy levels, improved circulation, and help with mental clarity. Collectively, it helps with enhancing the overall health and quality of life.
Acupuncture to prevent specific conditions
Acupuncture has been quite successful for a specific group of conditions. Acupuncture is particularly effective at preventing respiratory infections. A study published in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine found that regular acupuncture treatments reduced the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections by 50%. It was also noted that it helped cure the fever and associated effects of viral illnesses like nausea and fatigue.
There is also evidence that acupuncture can help improve immune function. A study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that acupuncture increased immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels, a type of antibody that helps fight off infection.
Acupuncture can also be used to prevent migraines and other headaches. A review of studies found that acupuncture was an effective treatment for migraines, with a success rate of at least 50%.
If you are interested in using acupuncture to prevent specific conditions, be sure to consult with a licensed acupuncturist.
What are some side effects of acupuncture?
Acupuncture is considered a highly safe form of preventive medicine, provided that you get your therapy from a licensed acupuncture practitioner. Most people experience no side effects during or after their treatments. Slight pain and redness at the needle insertion site are reported a few times by some patients. Serious and life-threatening side effects have been seen in any clinical trials.
Tips for having a successful acupuncture treatment
Acupuncture is generally safe and has few side effects. However, you can do a few things to ensure that your acupuncture treatment is as successful as possible. Here are some tips for having a successful acupuncture treatment:
1. Choose an experienced and reputable acupuncturist. Make sure that your acupuncturist is licensed and insured.
2. Be prepared to answer questions about your health history and current symptoms. This information will help your acupuncturist create a customized treatment plan for you.
3. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. Avoid wearing tight clothing that might restrict the movement of your arms or legs.
4. Eat a light meal before your treatment. Acupuncture can sometimes cause nausea, so it is best to avoid eating a heavy meal beforehand.
5. Relax and breathe deeply during your treatment. This will help you tolerate the needles better and maximize the benefits of the acupuncture treatment.
Once you have found a few potential acupuncturists, be sure to schedule an initial consultation to meet with them and learn more about their qualifications and experience.
Acupuncture, as preventive medicine, has been gaining popularity in the United States. It promotes good health and enhances the disease prevention capacity of the body. From preventing migraines to reducing stress levels and the subsequent anxiety, acupuncture is the answer. If you are looking for an alternative form of medicine to improve your health, acupuncture might just be the right choice for you.
Reference:
- Kwon S, Shin K, Jung W, Moon S, Cho K. Acupuncture therapy for fever induced by viral upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) in military medical service: a case series. Acupunct Med. 2014;32(6):509-511. doi:10.1136/acupmed-2014-010629
- Yang MM, Ng KK, Zeng HL, Kwok JS. Effect of acupuncture on immunoglobulins of serum, saliva and gingival sulcus fluid. Am J Chin Med. 1989;17(1-2):89-94. doi:10.1142/S0192415X89000152
- Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, et al. Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2016;(6):CD001218.
- Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. Headache, diagnosis and treatment of. 11th ed. January 2013. https://www.icsi.org/guidelines__more/catalog_guidelines_and_more/catalog_guidelines/catalog_neurological_guidelines/headache. Accessed May 24, 2017.
- https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0701/p23.html#:~:text=Evidence%2DBased%20Answer,%5BNNT%5D%20%3D%204).
- How Do You Treat Upper Respiratory Infections in the Elderly in Your Practice? Medical Acupuncture 2017 29:2, 105-113