**A brief history**

https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/sam9999/23xL16qfeN5vmqwSvFt1YBfMLzeKtqTX6cbU3xKJ84jPAkwJUiCs5MqteagicptRXjMfW.jpg
[Image by Katherine hanlon on Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/QgcdtM9rA5s)


Acupuncture, one of the most ancient , most traditional form of alternative medicine in Chinese history. The comprehensive system of believe regarding acupuncture originated from Taoism, which is concerned with achieving extended life and good fortune mostly by beyond physical means.  I was a religious tradition laid down by Lao-tzu in the 6th century. It prioritize meditation and observing positive energy in people’s body both interiorly and exteriorly. Acupuncture has undergone significant evolution over the years, but the conceptual science and philosophy behind it remains unchanged. Acupuncture produce effective result mainly through stimulation of specific anatomical locations on the largest organ in the human body, **the skin**, this is done with thin needles and a variety of acupuncture technique.

**How does it work?**

Acupuncture work through a physio-energetic channel. The energy mechanism is achieved by the equilibration of channels and meridians which serve as pathways for energy flows from one part or section of the body to another. For acupuncture to be effective, it needs to be performed by a qualified professional who has mastered the art and technique of acupuncture, not just anyone can stick needles in bodies and expect a balance in energy flow, it is this energy flow that yields results 

**What are the benefits of Acupuncture?**

The sole purpose, aim and goal of acupuncture is to counteract, relieve pain and improve function. It is a technique mainly effective against series of conditions like osteoarthritis, headache, rheumatism and menstrual pain.

The needles used by an Acupuncturists are special, delicate and of various size and dimensions. They must be sterilized prior to  insertion into specific acupuncture sites as well as the position of the energy flow. No associated pain when poking the needle in the patient skin, what is felt is the poking sensation of the needle as it enters the skin, I think it's a good thing that a poke rather than pain is felt, unlike an injection. However, these needles are beyond normal hair size and most resilient.

The unconventional treatment of acupuncture are majorly sought by those who have suffered from a prolonged period of chronic pain like chronic stubborn back pain that seems to never go away, migraine, cancer, depression, sleep disorders and other affective disorders.

**Acupuncture as a treatment for headache**

![headache-g9845eadab_1920.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/sam9999/242Nwc8c4Ltm8xMuDKqFwoov6itiBYCdwXBwa6S2CWgYMSsejpsVz9ecDjFmDxWWM6caN.png)
[Image by R_R_Studio on pixabay](https://pixabay.com/illustrations/headache-woman-sad-cry-unhappy-2058476/)

The effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of headache has been scientifically proven and confirmed by several studies. Not only does it treat headaches, but it also serves as a counterattack for migraine based pain. Common everyday headaches with unassociated pathology or disease are usually triggered by increased tension in the neck or head muscles such as the occipitofrontalis, in this case traditional Chinese medicine techniques employ acupuncture which serves as an analgesic, an anti-inflammatory modality and a muscle relaxant to relieve tension-related pain.

**Acupuncture for anxiety and depression**

Emotional disorders, depression, and anxiety are not excluded from treatment with acupuncture. Acupuncture provides relaxation by equilibrating body energies. Several studies in China have confirmed that acupuncture, combined with a very low dose of certain psychoactive drugs can be effective against stress, depression, and anxiety and this has been confirmed by various China-based studies. .

**Repair the nerve tissues efficiently**

Neurological conditions like stroke, paralysis, Parkinson disease etc. succumb to treatment by acupuncture in early management. Unlike other medicines, it can directly target the nervous system. Therefore, it is undoubtedly the most efficient therapy to stimulate nerve repair and regeneration. 

![neuron-296581__340.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/sam9999/48KaJpWRHD45pMC8sxD2mGJ2czJAveJTsgNePdHs5uLj3kXzbS1x4WVeNqrBzWWZSP.png)

[Image source](https://pixabay.com/vectors/neuron-nerve-cell-axon-dendrite-296581/)

**Relieve pain**

As mentioned above, acupuncture target the nerves initiating pain relief. It can initiate or trigger an anaesthetics effect without resorting to anaesthesia. Acupuncture needles can also have positive effects on the brain, numbing some brain areas associated with painful sensations. From this perspective, it is understood that the technique is also thought to be adequate for treating anxiety and stress and related gastrointestinal disorders.

**Acupuncture for neuroleptics**

Acupuncture serve as a way of regulating negative energy in neuroleptic without breaking or making them look sluggish unlike when they use drugs whic is majorly aimed at calming them down

**A reliable diagnostic system**

The diagnosis by an acupuncturist is firmly linked to Chinese medicine. This fundamental theory occupies half the time (acupuncturist) spent learning acupuncture. The situation of the patient is better understood especially if it has been encountered by an acupuncturist in practice. This advantage is clear and indisputable compared with other alternative medicines because none of these other medicines have such straightforward and efficient theories for arriving at a diagnosis.

**Improve the quality of sleep**

![pexels-andrea-piacquadio-914910.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/sam9999/23xVRT9chfUVsggp74gdey8zBCehJRuc9r2H2FjAbs7wXDWt2qJtBcgJjKykj3mxSVUnP.jpg)
[Image by Photo by Andrea Piacquadio](https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photography-of-woman-sleeping-914910/)

Acupuncture positively affect sleep especially sleep disorders associated with pain. Sleep disorders can be linked to several factors. A frequent awakening at the hours of 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning is an energetic disorder associated with the gallbladder. While difficulty falling asleep, are due to an empty space of "yin" or an exaggerated amount of "yang"(Yin signifies positive energy, yang is negative energy). To treat effectively, a balance of body energy must be attained and relevant meridians must be well established.

**Effect on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome**

Combining acupuncture with physical exercises which of course a physiotherapist can prescribe can alleviate polycystic ovary syndrome. a research conducted on  a group of women with this problem received electro acupuncture regularly for four months. The resulting effect was a regulation in, their menstrual cycle and hormonal levels. Women with polycystic ovaries experience infertility which can be associated with abnormal ovulation, obesity, and type 2 diabetes and the development of cardiovascular disease.

**Increases fertility**

As mentioned above acupuncture help regulate hormones and the menstrual cycle. This increase the chances of pregnancy, it increases the amount of blood supplied to the uterus, making the uterine walls thicker, therefore, making fecundity easier. It also help regulate "stress hormones" that decreases gastric acidity, as well as food digestion, in pregnant women.

**Neutralize the side effects of radiation**

![radioactive-154139.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/sam9999/23wCG6AUNTiZez1gw37iB8VNi5hutzMUmaHYuVqoVvahxsDvNXLuEeSJBq22k2wsYQJPA.png)
[Source](https://pixabay.com/vectors/radioactive-nuclear-radiation-154139/)
Cancer patients receive radiation therapy, these radiations can produce harmful effect that can be prevented by acupuncture. For example it improves overall quality of life, by inhibiting nausea and dryness of the mouth.

***I personally hope that Chinese treatment like acupuncture would be employed more in western medicine and western medicine employed more by Chinese medicine, a common ground could be found, and who knows, it might be the beginning of a significant evolution in medicine and the health sector.***

**Thanks for reading Sayonara ✌️**

**Reference/Resources**
[Reference 1](https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763#:~:text=Acupuncture%20involves%20the%20insertion%20of,overall%20wellness%2C%20including%20stress%20management.)
[Reference 2](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156488)
[Reference 3](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/acupuncture)
[Reference 4](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/4767-acupuncture)
[Reference 5](https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/acupuncture-in-depth)
[Reference 6](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acupuncture/)
[Reference 7](https://medschool.ucsd.edu/som/fmph/research/cim/clinicalcare/Pages/About-Acupuncture.aspx)
[Reference 8](https://www.physio-pedia.com/Acupuncture)
[Reference 9](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/acupuncture)
[Reference 10](https://www.medicinenet.com/acupuncture/article.htm)
[Reference 11](https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/treatment/acupuncture)