One of the most important techniques of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture was introduced in Brazil over 40 years ago. Considered as complementary therapy, since 1995 it is also recognized as a medical specialty.
The method consists of applying needles to defined points of the body aiming at different therapeutic effects. According to physiotherapist and acupuncturist Daiane Perez, the main goal of acupuncture is to promote an energy balance throughout the body that will result in overall benefits to it. "From the point of view of oriental medicine, what we call diseases, would actually be energy imbalances, which would manifest through signs and symptoms such as pain and emotional changes," he explains.
Thus, acupuncture treats through energetic and physiological mechanisms. The energy mechanism is the balance of the channels through which the body's energy flows. The physiological is the release of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant and a modulating action on emotions, endocrine and immune systems.
If you have not yet liked the idea of having spiky needles all over your body, you may want to review your opinion after learning some of the benefits of the Chinese technique. Check out:
1. Treats headaches
Several studies have scientifically proven the effectiveness of acupuncture in preventing and treating headaches and migraine attacks. In cases of headache, traditional Chinese medicine techniques produce analgesic, anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant effect.
The educator Ana Carolina Guimarães has already experienced in practice the benefits of needles for this type of problem. I have suffered from migraines for years and have tried various treatments. Only with acupuncture did I see a lasting result? In cases of headache, acupuncture can promote immediate pain relief and treat its causes, says acupuncturist Daiane Perez.
2. Minimizes symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The Chinese ancient technique may also be an option for treating emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is because it stimulates the production of joy and well-being hormones (serotonin and endorphin).
Acupuncture also provides relaxation, dispersing anxiety and tension through balancing the body's energies, the acupuncturist points out.
3. Alternative to treat polycystic ovary syndrome
A study at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, found that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be relieved by using acupuncture and exercise. During the survey, a group of women with PCOS received electroacupuncture (a technique in which needles are stimulated by a low-intensity electrical current) regularly for four months. As a result, they had their menstrual cycle and hormone levels regularized.
Do women with polycystic ovaries not ovulate normally? This can lead to infertility and increase the risk of obesity, the development of type 2 diabetes and the development of cardiovascular disease.
4. Prevents and mitigates allergy symptoms.
Acupuncture may be an alternative if you have been suffering from seasonal allergies for years and for some reason do not get along with the drugs for the problem. A German survey published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine reported that after being treated with the Chinese technique, participants found relief from allergy symptoms.
However, some of the patients who underwent only false acupuncture sessions also reported some improvement, which may indicate a placebo effect.
5. Treats urinary incontinence
Problems with urinary incontinence can also be addressed by the concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine for both adult and child patients.
"I took my youngest son out of diapers through seeded auriculotherapy," says acupuncturist Daiane Perez. The technique consists in stimulating in the ears the reflex points or areas that correspond to the body organ to be treated. Instead of needles, the stimulus is made by seeds attached to a small sticking plaster.
6. Relieves chronic back pain.
Acupuncture can offer relief to those suffering from chronic pain such as low back pain. But a study from the University of São Paulo School of Medicine Hospital das Clínicas argues that the technique needs to be combined with conventional treatment for better results.
7. Relieves Menopause Symptoms
Decreased estrogen levels are responsible for the hot flashes that bother women in the menopause phase. If you are experiencing this, know that needles can alleviate this unwanted symptom of age.
Acupuncture has an effect on brain structures that coordinate hormonal functions. By stimulating them, the therapy not only fights hot flashes but also improves anxiety, sleep and vaginal dryness.
8. Helps Quit Smoking
If you have decided to quit, can acupuncture help alleviate symptoms that usually follow nicotine withdrawal, such as anxiety and insomnia? remembering that needles stimulate the production of endorphin, serotonin and dopamine (hormones of pleasure and well-being).
In general, acupuncture treatment for smoking, alcohol and some drugs is effective. To achieve the desired results, it is recommended that the patient take one session per week for 3 months or more, depending on each person.
9. Relieves PMS Symptoms
Good news for women: Acupuncture can relieve nervousness, cramps, fluid retention, headaches, and moodiness so characteristic of the premenstrual period.
In this case, the needles are scattered around specific points in the belly near the navel, foot, head and ear. Thus, acupuncture seeks to regulate the nervous system, liver function and hormones. The treatment takes eight to ten sessions, one per week. Then Daiane suggests monthly maintenance the week before menstruation.
10. Minimize TMD Pain
An experiment conducted by a professor at USP's Ribeirão Preto School of Dentistry submitted 25 patients with temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) to acupuncture sessions instead of the bite plates used during sleep.
The result was that acupuncture had a very similar effect to plaque, with the advantage of providing better sleep and better quality of life.
Recommendations and contraindications
Experts ensure that the technique is suitable for everyone, even children. But there is one exception to the needle technique, as it should not be used by people who have changes in blood clotting.
When choosing a professional, look for references about him and check the care that is taken with the needles (they should be disposable). Asepsis (cleaning) is essential.
Finally, it is important to note that, in many cases, the use of acupuncture alone is not sufficient to solve the problems and, in the most serious diseases, the technique will need to be combined with conventional treatment.
Acupuncture Treatment (April 2024)
- Stress, Prevention and Treatment, PMS
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