Acupuncture: 10 amazing health benefits

One of the most important techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture was introduced in Brazil over 40 years ago. Considered as a complementary therapy, since 1995 it is also recognized as a medical specialty.

The method consists of the application of needles in defined points of the body aiming at different therapeutic effects. According to physical therapist and acupuncturist Daiane Perez, the main objective of acupuncture is to promote an energy balance throughout the body, which will result in global benefits for the same. “From the point of view of oriental medicine, what we call diseases, would actually be energy imbalances, which would manifest themselves through signs and symptoms such as pain and emotional changes”, she explains.

Thus, acupuncture treats through energetic and physiological mechanisms. The energetic mechanism is the balance of the channels through which the body’s energy flows. The physiological one is the release of analgesic, anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant substances and a modulating action on emotions, endocrine and immune systems.

If you still haven’t sympathized with the idea of ​​having needles sticking out of your body, you may want to review your opinion after learning about some of the benefits of the Chinese technique. Check out:

1. Treats Headaches

Several studies have already scientifically proven the effectiveness of acupuncture in the prevention and treatment of headaches and migraine attacks. In cases of headache, the techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine produce analgesic, anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant effects.

The pedagogue Ana Carolina Guimarães has already experienced in practice the benefits of needles for this type of problem. “I suffered from migraines for years and tried various treatments. Only with acupuncture did I see a lasting result,” she reports. In cases of headache, acupuncture is able to promote immediate pain relief and also treat its causes, says acupuncturist Daiane Perez.

2. Minimizes symptoms of depression and anxiety

The ancient Chinese technique can also be an option for treating emotional disorders, such as depression and anxiety. This is because it stimulates the production of hormones of happiness and well-being (serotonin and endorphin).

Acupuncture also provides relaxation, dispersing anxiety and tensions through the balance of the body’s energies, points out the acupuncturist.

3. Alternative to treat polycystic ovary syndrome

A study done at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, concluded that polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be relieved by the use of acupuncture and physical exercise. During the research, 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.

Women with polycystic ovaries do not ovulate normally – which can lead to infertility and increase the risk of obesity, developing type 2 diabetes and developing cardiovascular disease.

4. Prevents and alleviates allergy symptoms

Acupuncture may be an alternative if you’ve suffered from seasonal allergies for years and for some reason don’t do well with medication for the problem. German research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine reported that after being treated with the Chinese technique, participants reported relief from allergy symptoms.

However, some of the patients who underwent only sham acupuncture sessions also reported some sort of improvement, which could indicate a placebo effect.

5. Treats urinary incontinence

Problems with urinary incontinence can also be treated by the concept of Traditional Chinese Medicine, both for adult patients and children.

“I took my youngest son out of diapers through auriculotherapy with seeds”, says acupuncturist Daiane Perez. The technique consists of stimulating the reflex points or areas in the ears that correspond to the organ of the body to be treated. Instead of needles, the stimulus is done by seeds attached to a small tape.

6. Relieves chronic back pain

Acupuncture can offer relief to those who suffer from chronic pain such as low back pain. But a study by the Hospital das Clínicas, Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo argues that the technique needs to be combined with conventional treatment to present better results.

7. Relieves menopausal symptoms

The decrease in estrogen levels is 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 aging.

Acupuncture has an effect on brain structures that coordinate hormonal functions. By stimulating them, the therapy not only fights hot flashes but improves anxiety, sleep and vaginal dryness.

8. Helps to quit smoking

If you have decided to give up smoking, acupuncture can help relieve symptoms that normally follow nicotine withdrawal, such as anxiety and insomnia – remembering that needles stimulate the production of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine (pleasure and well-being hormones). .

In general, acupuncture treatment for smoking, alcohol and some drugs is effective. To achieve the desired results, it is recommended that the patient has one session per week, for 3 months or more, depending on each person.

9. Relieves PMS Symptoms

Good news for women: Acupuncture can relieve the jitters, cramps, fluid retention, headaches and moodiness so characteristic of the premenstrual period.

In this case, the needles are spread at specific points on 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. Afterwards, Daiane suggests monthly maintenance, in the week before menstruation.

10. Minimize TMD pain

An experiment conducted by a professor at the Faculty of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, USP, submitted 25 patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) to acupuncture sessions instead of the bite plates used during sleep.

The result was that acupuncture had an effect very similar to that of plaque, with the advantage of providing better sleep and a better quality of life.

Recommendations and contraindications

Experts guarantee that the technique is suitable for everyone, even children. But there is an exception regarding the technique with needles, 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 must be disposable). Asepsis (cleaning) is essential.

Finally, it is important to emphasize that, in many cases, the use of acupuncture alone is not enough to solve the problems and, in the most serious diseases, the technique will need to be combined with conventional treatment.

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.