Acupuncture is one of the oldest and most respected forms of medicine in the world. It has been used for over 3,000 years to treat a variety of illnesses in the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM). Its popularity and acceptance, both by patients and by the medical community, are increasing year after year. So, what are the key benefits of acupuncture?

The Principles of Acupuncture

There are at least 365 acupoints on the human body, which are focal points where the Qi and blood of the meridians gather, flow, or communicate on the body’s surface. These acupoints are responsive areas that are connected to the internal organs through the meridians. The human body is composed of numerous meridians, and blockages in these meridians are common. TCM practitioners use acupuncture and moxibustion to clear the meridians and regulate the body’s functions, achieving the effects of balancing Yin and Yang and treating diseases.

10 Benefits of Acupuncture

Compared to pharmaceutical treatments, acupuncture is fast-acting, has no side effects, is convenient, safe, and relatively cost-effective. Acupuncture offers the following 10 major benefits:

1.  Pain Relief

Acupuncture can alleviate pain, relax muscles and fascia, and relieve tissue adhesions. The scientific theories behind acupuncture’s pain-relief effects include the “gate control theory” and the “endogenous opioid theory.” When acupuncture stimulates the nerves, it fills the neural pathways, preventing pain signals from reaching the brain. The “soreness, numbness, fullness, and pain” sensation experienced during acupuncture, known as “deqi,” is the sensation of blocking pain stimuli. Through acupuncture stimulation, the brain releases endorphins, which have pain-relieving effects.

2.  Weight Loss

Abdominal acupuncture combined with electroacupuncture microcurrent stimulation of acupoints can dredge qi and blood in the meridians, adjust the functions of the internal organs, stimulate muscle activity, help the body metabolize toxins and remove dampness, and reduce appetite. Combined with a balanced diet, it can effectively control weight and achieve self-cultivation. Weight loss effect.

3.  Infertility

Acupuncture for infertility is effective for both men and women. In women, acupuncture can effectively regulate the endocrine system, promote uterine blood circulation, and improve fertility rates. In men, acupuncture can increase sperm count and enhance sperm vitality.

Learn more: Chinese Medicine for Infertility: Why & How

4.  Eczema

Many people suffer from the discomfort of eczema. During flare-ups, acupuncture, bloodletting at specific acupoints, and cupping therapy can relieve itching. During remission, acupuncture combined with internal Chinese herbal medicine can effectively reduce the range, frequency, degree of itching and allergic reactions.

5.  Beauty and Skin Care

The saying “inner harmony reflects on the outer appearance” holds true. After adjusting the body’s internal balance, the natural facial complexion and body shape improve. Acupuncture, when applied to specific facial acupoints, can effectively tighten facial skin and reduce wrinkles.

6.  Gastrointestinal Function Adjustment

By needling acupoints near the abdomen, such as abdominal acupuncture points, direct stimulation can improve intestinal motility. From the perspective of meridian theory, clearing the meridian Qi of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and stomach can effectively alleviate digestive problems such as indigestion, diarrhea, and constipation.

7.  Improvement of Sleep Problems

Acupuncture can achieve a calming effect by stimulating key acupoints. In a large clinical trial involving 180 participants, the results showed that performing acupuncture on such acupoints as Baihui, Shenting, Sishencong, Shenmen, and Sanyinjiao can significantly improve sleep quality and daytime functional status for 6 weeks successively. While needling the acupoint Shenmen interacts with the aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway can inhibit the activity of the central nervous system and affect the concentration of melatonin in the brain.

8.  Emotional Disorders

Stimulating acupoints on the head can clear the mind, alleviate depression, soothe the nerves, and promote the circulation of Qi and blood. When combined with electroacupuncture, it can increase serotonin secretion, helping to relieve symptoms of depression, promote emotional well-being, and improve sleep quality.

Learn more:  How TCM Cope with Anxiety for Infertility

9.  Post-Stroke Sequelae

Modern medical research has found that needling acupoints can improve cerebral oxygen metabolism, increase blood flow and glucose supply to the brain, protect central neurons, reduce neuronal death, and promote the plasticity and reorganization of cortical functional areas. This approach can reduce disability rates and promote the recovery of post-stroke patients.

10.  Cancer Rehabilitation Support

Acupuncture is more effective in complementing Western medical cancer treatments for pain relief and managing other side effects. Research in the United States has shown that acupuncture can significantly reduce pain in breast cancer patients undergoing hormone therapy, helping patients continue their treatment and improving survival rates.

Here at Shanghai Medical Clinic, a TCM clinic in Dubai, we provide acupuncture for patients who are looking for an all-natural and non-invasive option for pain relief and healing of the body.

Speak with our physicians to find out more about acupuncture and TCM therapies. TCM #acupuncture #acupuncturedubai #herbalmedicine