Acupuncture – what is it and when can it be used?

Acupuncture is a traditional practice in eastern medicine, which is aimed at treating a variety of diseases. Acupuncture involves the impact on certain points of the human body with the help of a special tool. The ancient Chinese believed that by acting in this way on the active points, you can achieve a healing effect for the whole body and cure many diseases.

How does acupuncture work?

With the help of a needle, the specialist mechanically affects the outer layers of the epidermis. But, you should know that in this way you can stimulate not only the nerve endings that are located on the surface of the skin, but also deeper important points. These include:

1. Anoreceptive. They are baroreceptors of capillaries, which are able to respond to any stretching of the vascular wall, as well as to internal chemoreceptors, which are responsible for the formation of impulses. These impulses are caused by chemical reactions;
2. Proprioreceptors. They are located on the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the musculoskeletal system. They signal to our brain about movement or a state of rest, depending on our current position in space.

Acupuncture needles involve a huge number of different receptors that react differently to the introduction of a foreign object under the skin. As a result of this effect, a number of complex reactions, both nervous and biochemical, are triggered. All the processes occurring in the body from the procedure can be divided into local, specific and general. Local reactions include surface reactions that do not affect the internal state of the body. Specific - closely related to specific organs and organ systems. Common diseases spread throughout the human body and can affect its general condition.

The number of sensations from the procedure is affected by many factors, which depend on:

• the efforts of the specialist when inserting the needle under the skin and the depth of its penetration;
• time of exposure of the instrument to the body;
• the nature of the needle insertion, as well as its removal after the end of the acupuncture session.

Different types of exposure have different effects on the human body. Accordingly, the process of acupuncture is accompanied by different physical and tactile sensations. A person can feel both electric tingling, which resembles low-voltage electric shocks, and numbness, both spot heating and cold at the puncture site. These sensations are determined by the nervous and humoral systems of the body, or rather, their reaction to the stimulation of the active points of the human body.

Acupuncture techniques

Since the technique was popular in ancient times, each region of East Asia has adapted it to its own needs. As before, traditional Chinese acupuncture occupies a leading position and is practiced by many specialists from around the globe to achieve a healing effect.

The Japanese in their practice prefer to use thin needles. The tool does not pass through the skin, but only lightly touches the surface. This practice was recognized and quickly spread around the world. In the United States, the most popular form of Japanese acupuncture is performed by Kiiko Matsumoto. It involves not only acupuncture, but also active palpation of the body in order to eliminate disharmony.

In Taiwan, the impact on the active points of the human body is of great importance. This teaching was introduced to the masses by a master named Tun Chin Chan. According to his conclusions, most of the most important points are on the hands, feet, ears and head of a person. Proper stimulation of the active zones allows you to achieve significant improvements and helps the energy flow properly through the body.

The Koreans have also developed their own unique technique, which is based on a complex effect and the unification of all important points on the human body. Thus, it is possible to establish the work of all organs and organ systems. This practice is called su-jok, which means "hand-foot". The name very accurately reflects the essence, since it is in these areas of the body that there is a large accumulation of nerve endings, stimulating which you can achieve a positive result.

The Korean method, called auriculopuncture, has advanced even further. It involves the impact on the active points that are located on the auricle. For stimulation, not only needles are used, but also magnets, tiny plant seeds and a variety of pellets. Adherents of the practice claim that in this way all organs are projected onto the human ear, and the correct approach guarantees a significant improvement in the functioning of all vital organs.

In China, acupuncture has a wide variety of branches, such as bo-jin or rejuvenating facial massage, ancient scraping massage called guasha, moxotherapy or warming up with cigars, which include wormwood and more. The most important rule of acupuncture for all kinds of techniques is a special connection between the patient and the specialist. No mechanical devices can replace human hands.

Acupuncture is used

As a means to prevent a variety of diseases. It is prescribed if there are problems with:

1. The cardiovascular system;
2. Nervous and digestive systems;
3. The musculoskeletal system.

Acupuncture can cure hypertension. To do this, the specialist works with pressure reduction points. The procedure also acts as an additional therapy for a hernia on the spine and can speed up the recovery process. Also, the technique perfectly copes with various pain syndromes and successfully eliminates their appearance, as well as relieves muscle spasm and improves blood circulation.

Acupuncture saves you from muscle pain that occurs as a result of various injuries and sprains. The positive effect of acupuncture is also felt at the level of the gastrointestinal tract. Several sessions can help reduce the dosage of powerful medications.

Also, with the help of the procedure, you can cope with nicotine, food and alcohol addiction, get rid of obsessive thoughts, depressive states and hormonal imbalances, improve blood flow, reduce puffiness and stabilize the overall condition of the body.

Are there any contraindications to the procedure?

Even taking into account the fact that acupuncture is actively used by specialists and has gained popularity around the world, it is not able to save a person from all diseases. A specialist may refuse a session if the patient is diagnosed with:

1. Feverish condition;
2. The presence of any infection;
3. Problems with blood clotting;
4. Obvious mental disorders;
5. Serious alcohol or drug addiction.

Acupuncture is contraindicated in children under the age of seven and pregnant women. If you want to experience the effect of the procedure on yourself, then the most important thing is to find a professional master with proper certification, who knows all the features of the body and competently affects the active points of the human body. Before attending any acupuncture sessions, please consult with your doctor.