Acupuncture benefits may include pain management, stress relief, and physical and emotional well-being.
Research into the benefits of acupuncture is mixed.
Acupuncturists insert thin needles into specific points throughout the body.
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This is believed to help balance the bodys energy, causing a reduction or resolution of symptoms.
This article explains acupuncture’s benefits and the potential side effects.
It will also cover what conditions acupuncture may be used for.
Many of the existing studies have been small or poorly designed.
Keep in mind that it may take several acupuncture sessions before you notice any benefits.
Pain
Acupuncture is often combined with other therapies to treat various kinds of pain.
Sometimes acupuncture is used as the only treatment for pain.
Acupuncture may help provide pain relief for people with chronic lowerback pain.
With this condition, the connective tissue in the knee breaks down.
Headaches
Acupuncture has been well-studied for treating headache pain, including migraine headaches and tension headaches.
Sleep Disorders
Acupuncture is sometimes used to treat insomnia.
Fertility
Acupuncture is sometimes used to treat infertility.
Other studies have found no benefit compared to placebo for women undergoing in vitro fertilization.
Acupuncture has also been used to treat male infertility.
Some studies have also reported that control groups receiving “sham” treatments also experienced a therapeutic benefit.
The authors did note that further research is needed.
People with advanced cancers may also benefit from acupuncture.
Nausea
People undergoing treatment for cancer or recovery from surgery often experience nausea and vomiting.
Some studies have found that acupuncture can help reduce these symptoms.
A small trial looked at acupuncture as a preventative measure for postoperative nausea and vomiting in children undergoing tonsillectomy.
It found that the incidence of nausea and vomiting was reduced significantly when acupuncture was used during early recovery.
During theacupuncture session, thin needles are placed in specific areas to address your concern or condition.
The acupuncturist may gently twist the needles for added effect.
If you experience any unusual symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider.
Is It Painful?
Some acupuncturists move the needle after it has been placed in the body, which can cause additional pressure.
Intense pain may mean the needle has not been inserted or placed correctly.
This throw in of pain relief, however, may be short-term.
How long acupuncture takes to work also depends on the condition being treated.
Side Effects
As with any treatment, acupuncture may cause side effects in some individuals.
This can lead to pneumothorax or collapsed lung.However, this is uncommon.
While rare, acupuncture complications can lead to death.
Who Should Not Have Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is not recommended for people who have a pacemaker.
You should not have acupuncture if you are at high risk for infection or you have chronic skin problems.
double-check to tell your healthcare provider about any medications or dietary supplements you’re taking.
Is Acupuncture Covered by Insurance?
Be sure to ask your provider whether they accept your insurance.
However, keep in mind that acupuncture can lead to mild or serious side effects in some individuals.
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