Being a popular branch of complementary medicine, acupuncture techniques are now being used worldwide to alleviate pain, reduce stiffness and promote flexibility, strengthen the organs, boost immunity, reduce cosmetic problems and to bring about a balance in your body as a whole.

Noble needles

The science behind acupuncture healing methods dates back to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The roots of these practices are based on the principle that most of the ailments are a result of imbalances in the body’s vital energy (Qi) flow. Unlike the normal presumption, acupuncture is nothing to be scared of. The needles used in acupuncture are tiny, thin needles that are hardly painful when inserted in your skin. In fact, many patients become so relaxed that they often fall asleep during their session.

Qi rules

Acupuncture theory works on the principle that the Qi flows through a network of channels or meridians, on which the energy is concentrated at different points known as acupoints. Applying pressure on these acupoints or stimulating them with fine needles are thought to bring about a balance in the energy flowing through it and also stabilize the energy imbalances within the same or different meridians.

How does acupuncture work

With over 365 acupoints spread over 12 main meridians, acupuncture is a vast science that needs the right approach to bring about the desired healing changes. Each acupoint corresponds to a particular organ and stimulating these points brings about the desired result.

Numerous researches suggest that using acupuncture boosts immunity, stimulates the nervous system , reduces inflammation, lowers blood pressure, blocks pain pathways and best of all, secretes the feel-good chemical aka endorphins that reduces depression and stress. Stimulation by using needles brings about a metabolic change in the body, which is favorable for its healing.

Along with metabolic changes, energetic changes also take place, which have now been successfully measured by a technique known as Kirlian photography, which finally put an end to all the debate revolving around this ancient science.

Variations in acupuncture

Variations were made to the traditional acupuncture practice, making different branches emerge. Japanese acupuncture emphasizes on using painless methods of healing, making use of very fine needles and very light touches on the skin.

Chinese acupuncture, on the other hand, uses thicker needles to achieve a tingling, heat or a dull, feel-good ache, which is in fact, believed to be a sign that the treatment is actually working.

BDST: 1457 HRS, APR 19, 2015
Edited by:  Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor