Would you want your ankle sprain to resolve without taking the bad-tasting painkillers? Why wouldn’t you? Anytime we encounter a physical injury, we are at the mercy of pain relief medications and boring bed rest that most of us despise. A speedy yet safe way to recover from physical injuries is Acupuncture. Acupuncture is a holistic therapy originating from ancient Chinese healthcare practices aiming to increase your self-healing capacity.

Our body has limitless capabilities and can achieve any high that it dreams of. Physical excellence is always cashed as one of a person’s most expensive things. Whether it is a labor-intensive job or you want to stay fit, or just need to walk around your house, a physically healthy body is the key. To enhance this physical strength or to avoid being injured, Acupuncture can be a safe and cost-effective way.

How do you get injured?

Injuries can be of many types. It depends on your occupation, age, gender, diet, and overall activity. Most commonly incurred damages include sports-related injuries like ankle sprains, shoulder, elbow, and knee dislocation, muscle tears, and chronic overuse injuries. These are primarily sport-related injuries and occur mostly in adolescents and young adults. Apart from these, the nagging low back pain, hip stiffness, and muscle weakness can be encountered by people of middle age and who have sedentary lifestyles. Prolonged sitting or standing, exercising too much or too less, and unhealthy eating habits (e.g., obesity) deteriorate the skeletal system, and we can suffer from injuries.

While most people do know about physical injuries, what they may not know is about mental injuries or hurt. Many times, our body feels awful, de-energized, or painful not because of physical injuries but injuries to the mind. These injuries could be stress from work or a relationship, the death of someone close, or some history that isn’t letting your mind clear up.

As per the traditional Chinese Medicine concepts, the mind, body, and spirit work in harmony to produce more excellent quality health. When one is injured or hurt, all of them experience pain and difficulty. A holistic approach toward the patient is required to tackle such intricate injuries, and acupuncture is one such therapeutic modality.

How does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture, an ancient type of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), was initially utilized to heal and treat numerous health ailments in China during the Ming era (1368-1644). Over the years, Western medicine practitioners have accepted its practical use, particularly in the United States, where Acupuncture is now a classified medical instrument by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Acupuncture is a form of holistic therapy that entails inserting needles into certain pressure spots on the human body in order to clear energy channels and activate brain networks. According to ancient studies, the energy of the body, called ‘qi’, is concentrated at these pressure points and can be modulated for any purpose. Moreover, qi flows through all the organs via specialized qi channels known as meridians. It is believed that Acupuncture helps restore these meridians and corrects the qi flow throughout the body, making you feel better.

Additionally, the modern scientific literature has proposed other mechanisms regarding how Acupuncture works. Some studies have alluded that it works by stimulating the central nervous system (CNS) or the brain and helps release various hormones and neurotransmitters. Endorphins are one group of such chemicals that are released following an acupuncture session. The release of endorphins decreases pain, enhances mood in many individuals, and is quite effective for injuries to the mind and body.

What to expect during an Acupuncture Session?

Acupuncture sessions are usually 30-60 minute long, relaxing sessions. You’ll begin by giving a detailed history to your acupuncturist, i.e., let him know what you feel, any pain, mental stress, etc. After taking the history, your Acupuncture professional will develop a detailed therapy plan for you which will encircle treating your mind, body, and spirit.

The session starts by comforting you. As you lay down and relax, the healthcare professional will select certain acupuncture points or acupoints depending on your condition. Some fine, thin, and sterile needles will then be inserted carefully through the skin into these pressure points to release any pressure buildup and restore the energy flow. The acupuncturist might twist or twirl the needles or place a heating pad to get the best results.

During the procedure, you might feel slight pain or tingle due to needle insertions. People with severe pressure buildups might experience relatively more discomfort during the procedures. Most people, fortunately, find it easy to go through the session with an immediate sense of relief. You might experience slight bruising or redness on the area of the needle insertion.

What are the results?

Many patients experience instant relief from pain and stress right after their acupuncture session. However, it is suggested to take regular sessions for up to six months for the best results. The good thing is that a specialized acupuncturist will tailor the plan that fits your needs.

What are the benefits of Acupuncture?

Today, there is a consensus of medical professionals on the valuable and advantageous nature of holistic medicine. Acupuncture is no different. The benefits that come along with several acupuncture sessions are numerous and stay effective for a long time.

Firstly, it is a natural way of remedying your body’s ailments, and it helps your body heal on its own. Without altering any biochemical functions of your body, it enhances your body’s qi so that it can fight any disease and feel re-energized. Secondly, Acupuncture doesn’t come with the list-long side effects of conventional therapies. It has no associated nausea, vomiting, hair loss, bone or muscle weakening, and dependence. Thirdly, it is a way cheaper therapeutic option than most contemporary medicinal services. A session that will cost you below standard charges and provide you with instant relief while having no harmful effects is a golden package.

Are there any risks?

Acupuncture is a very safe complementary and alternative medicine practice. It ensures that it is functional and safe in order to maximize the health quality of any patient. Slight bruising or mild pain in the area of pressure points might be felt for up to a day after the acupuncture session. Clinical studies have reported no other harmful or life-threatening side effects.

When it comes to human existence, mistakes are often made, and some of these mistakes end up causing injury. The injury could be done to the mind, body, or spirit and usually disturbs the average balance of life. Acupuncture is a holistic and safe medicinal practice that ensures complete health revival of your mind, body, and spirit. Give it a try, and who knows, it might be your next best relaxing activity!

Reference:

1.     Patil S, Sen S, Bral M, et al. The Role of Acupuncture in Pain Management. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2016;20(4):22. doi:10.1007/s11916-016-0552-1

2.     https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/relieving-pain-with-acupuncture

3.     Van Hal M, Dydyk AM, Green MS. Acupuncture. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; July 31, 2021.

Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. J Pain. 2018;19(5):455-474. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2017.11.005