Acupuncture: What is it? Can it really help?

Acupuncture is one of the main medical practices in many countries in Asia. Although this medical practice has been around for over 1,000 years, it was recently introduced or known to public in Western Countries. It was in 1971 when James Reston, New York Times reporter received acupuncture treatment in Beijing and wrote its effectiveness in the newspaper. This article drew great attention and many became curious about what seemed to be non-scientific and yet more and more started to claim its healing power.

Now acupuncture has become much popular in the West and reports of more than half of British doctors are prescribing acupuncture. There are still many who see it as unreliable, but certainly it is finding its place in the West. The number of acupuncture administered is increasing every year and people are reporting that improvements in their health conditions are the result of receiving acupuncture treatments.

Some aspects of this ancient method is hard to be proven through the modern science but yet there is research that shows acupuncture stimulates the nerves in the body and consequently releases good chemicals and possibly natural painkillers for which causes patients to feel relieved.

Today, acupuncturists treat almost every kind of illness. It seems particularly effective for treatment of the back, shoulder, neck pain and migraine.  Acupuncture has been so effective in England that government agencies are now recommending acupuncture to those who suffer from these health issues.

For those who fear acupuncture thinking it might be very painful, it is not as painful as one might think it is. The level of pain one may experience will depend on what part of the body the needles are inserted into.  However, acupuncture is generally a pain free practice as the needles are very thin

Acupuncture is also considered to be a very safe medical practice due to its promotion of natural healing.  There are very few side effects associated with acupuncture, however if you should consider receiving acupuncture, it is always advised to seek these services from a well trained certified acupuncturist.