(NaturalHealth365)  Acupuncture is a centuries-old remedy that was first used in China.  As a staple of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it can be used in many ways.  Because it improves and enhances energy flow throughout the body, its health-promoting benefits are numerous.

Studies suggest acupuncture treatments may help relieve pain, enable the body to heal itself, and break bad habits that hinder the body’s energy from flowing.  In addition, acupuncture has few side effects and can be used whenever needed to improve health and general well-being.

Top reasons to try this time-tested intervention

Insomnia

Insomnia is becoming a growing problem worldwide with devastating consequences on human health.  Sleep troubles can lead to various health concerns ranging from depression to heart conditions and possibly a stroke.  Studies suggest that although acupuncture may not do the trick right away, its regular use can gradually improve sleep patterns.

Fatty Liver

Fat around the liver may be caused by excessive alcohol consumption.  However, alcohol is not the only cause.  An unhealthy diet and a sedentary lifestyle have also been linked to its development.  Eating fatty foods with very little exercise can lead to conditions like fatty liver and insulin resistance.  Acupuncture is effective at helping to regulate the metabolism of lipids and allows the body use insulin more efficiently.

Addiction

Although there is limited scientific evidence available to support the use of acupuncture to help with addiction, an animal study found the technique to be a practical therapeutic alternative for treating morphine addiction.  With the increase in internet use and other compulsive or addictive behaviors, researchers are hopeful that the use of acupuncture may be able to combat the many different types of addiction that are controlling our lives.

Stroke

Post-stroke recovery can be a long and difficult process.  Healing can take weeks, months, or even years. Thankfully, studies suggest that acupuncture can help improve post-stroke cognitive impairment and restore nervous functions.  By stimulating nerves at various points along the meridians, this intervention can spark healing and increase energy flow throughout these areas.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus is frustrating for those who experience it.  A constant ringing or buzzing in the ears can be challenging since there is rarely an underlying cause.  Studies have shown that acupuncture can effectively treat tinnitus.  Regular maintenance acupuncture therapy sessions can effectively control the symptoms.

Obesity

Acupuncture has been shown to be effective at supporting healthy weight management in much the same way that it helps to minimize addiction.  With regular use, acupuncture helps to reduce cravings and improves overall body mass index.  When used with regular exercise and a proper diet, acupuncture may just be the tool you need to achieve your ideal weight.

Depression

Depression has reached epidemic levels, especially during the COVID era.  Yet, tragically, the warning signs are easy to miss unless you notice the subtle changes in a person’s mood and general outlook on life.  Acupuncture offers a drug-free alternative to pharmaceutical options with little to no negative side effects.  In one study, the technique improved depression among people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What’s the bottom line?

Although the benefits of acupuncture may not always be immediately apparent, clinical trials show promising results with regular use.  Anecdotal evidence also suggests that the technique is quite effective at relieving various painful conditions.

Contrary to pharmaceuticals, acupuncture has few unwanted side effects, making it a particularly attractive method to stimulate the body’s self-healing mechanisms.  Why not give it a try?

Sources for this article include:

GreenMedinfo.com
NIH.gov