Is Acupuncture for You?

Acupuncture originated in china and is among the oldest medical practice. It is one the prominent alternative therapy that is gaining widespread acknowledgment in the western world. This is mainly because of its undisputed efficacy in treating certain health conditions. Moreover, in the hands of a skilled acupuncturist, there is no serious side effect.
Acupuncture is commonly used for the following health conditions:

• Pain:

This is one of the more common uses of acupuncture. There is substantial evidence that acupuncture works well for pain alleviation, especially persistent lower back pain. It is also applied for a wide range of pain such as joint pain, dental pain, chronic pain, neck pain, post-operative pain, headache and migraine. The main advantage of using acupuncture for pain relieve is the absence of side effects. Painkillers are chemicals and their long term side effects are not fully understood. Even the common painkillers such as acetaminophen (paracetamol), have been shown to be toxic. Experts have warned that taking slightly too much acetaminophen day after day can be deadly. On the other hand, there is no overdose of acupuncture, and it leaves no chemical residue in the body.

• Post-operative nausea and vomiting:

Research has proved conclusively that acupuncture is effective in reducing PONV. A research published by the national institute of health, shows that acupuncture reduced the incidence of PONV in hospitals from 65% to 35% compared with a placebo and after discharge, from 69% to 31% compared with a placebo. Acupuncture also with nausea and vomiting experienced after chemotherapy in cancer patients.

• Infertility treatment:

Research has shown a clear link between acupuncture and fertility, especially for women undergoing assisted reproductive technique mainly IVF. If you are planning to go for IVF, you should start acupuncture for fertility three months before your procedure. German researchers discovered that acupuncture significantly increases the chances of success for women undergoing IVF. In a controlled study, it was shown that 42% of women who received acupuncture, got pregnant, compared to 26% of those who didn't receive acupuncture. Experts do not fully understand how acupuncture helps fertility. Some have suggested that it draws more blood to the ovaries; others believe that it simply reduces stress which can interfere with a woman's fertility. Whatever is the case, the important thing, is that it works.
Acupuncture has been used in a far wider range of treatment, beyond what I can list here. Take for instance; it has been used to reposition a breach baby! Some of its application includes treatment of allergies, fatigue, depression, anxiety, menstrual disorder, insomnia and so on.
Whatever your health condition may be, give acupuncture a try. We may never know exactly how it works, but it may just be the miracle that you need.