5 Amazing Health Benefits Of Acupuncture

Written by Adele Sky Le-Fruet, Ph.D.

Acupuncture is a type of alternative medicine rooted in ancient Chinese medicinal practices, where thin, filiform needles are inserted into the body, pricking the skin, at key specific points with the intention of affecting the energy flow of the body to help improve health and well-being.

For some people, the very thought of a needle is enough to put them into a total meltdown. The fear of needles, also referred to as trypanophobia, aichmophobia or belonephobia, is a very real phobia for many often affecting the well-being of people, often triggering challenging anxiety symptoms. To overcome this anxiety, you can try a supplement made with natural and safe ingredients.

Taking care of our health and monitoring our body often involves having to undertake blood tests so needles are an unavoidable necessity. Acupuncture however, is actually a choice that can provide huge health benefits once you overcome your fear of needles.

Where Did Acupuncture Originate?

Originating in China, acupuncture procedures were commonplace over 2,500 years ago, although the first instance of using sharp objects for small surgical treatment dates back as far as 6000 BCE.

The theory that grounds acupuncture advocates that the flow of energy, also called ‘chi’ in the body, has the ability to be channeled or released to help promote balanced health and positive well-being. Acupuncture practitioners work along 12 main channels known as meridians, which the ‘chi’ moves through. These meridians correlate with major organs and functions of the body.

What Are The Top Health Benefits Of Acupuncture?

There are many scientific studies and evidence to suggest that acupuncture can help our body in a variety of different ways including benefits to relieve pain, aid digestion, reduce stress and boost skin health to name but a few.

Benefit #1 - Helps Reduce Pain

Although the evidence is mixed and dependent on the type of pain being treated, acupuncture has shown promising results to treat pain namely neck, back, and other musculoskeletal pain. It is believed that acupuncture releases the body’s natural pain-reducing chemicals, endorphins, to help alleviate pain.

Benefit #2 - Aids Digestion

The effects of acupuncture on gastrointestinal function have been extensively studied by modern day scientists and have been used in the management of a variety of gastrointestinal disorders. Early results show that several studies have shown that acupuncture is effective in a wide range of gastrointestinal disorders including nausea and vomiting, functional disorders (irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, and diarrhea), peptic ulcer disease, Crohn’s disease, postoperative ileus, and even gallstone disease.

Benefit #3 - Lifts Depression

Several studies have been published that suggest acupuncture can help alleviate mild to moderate depression and may also improve symptoms associated with anxiety and stress too.

A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that ‘electroacupuncture’ - in which a mild electric current is transmitted through the needles during an acupuncture session - was just as effective as some prescription medications in reducing the symptoms of depression. These are significant findings and ones that warrant further investigation because one of the great things about acupuncture versus prescription medication is that acupuncture does not have any nasty side effects.

As a precautionary note: Acupuncture should never be used instead of prescribed medication until you have discussed this with your doctor so that they can give you their full advice and support.

Benefit #4 - Stop The Signs of Aging

The jury is still out on this one, but when it comes to youthful looks, research suggests that acupuncture may well play a positive role in stopping the signs of aging! Yay, I hear you say.

Drinking water is essential for staying hydrated and ensuring our skin stays plump and elasticized. Not smoking, reducing your alcohol intake, limiting sun exposure and adopting a healthy diet rich in nutritious vitamins A, D & E,( found in phytoceramides), can all play their part in stopping the wrinkles and signs of aging.

Benefit #5 -Treat Insomnia

If you find that no matter what you are doing, sleep is something that alludes you, then you may be looking for natural ways to sort out the problem. Quality sleep aid supplements can work a treat as long as you make sure they contain key ingredients such as L-ornithine and melatonin.

Acupuncture - The Bottom Line!

When it comes to our health, most of us know what we need to do to stay healthy and fit and of course there are many ways to be super healthy - eat the right foods, exercise 3 times a week, sleep well, cut out alcohol and caffeine, stop smoking….the list goes on.

After reading our article, you may also want to consider other methods such as acupuncture, which seems to be an effective complementary therapy that is deeply rooted in natural medicinal culture. The benefits speak for themselves and the positive results, with literally no nasty unwanted side effects make this form of natural treatment one that should definitely be on the top of your list when to comes to addressing your health and well-being.