Acupuncture is a complementary medical practice that entails stimulating certain points on the body, most often with a needle penetrating the skin, to alleviate pain or to help treat various health conditions.
Traditional oriental medicine explains that health is the result of a harmonious balance of the complementary extremes of yin and yang of the life force known as QI. Qi is said to flow through meridians (pathways) in the human body.
Acupuncture is considered very safe and has very few side effects. Several studies/ research have established beneficial effects of Acupuncture on Nervous system, Immune system, cardiovascular system, Endocrine and digestive system. Acupuncture is also beneficial in pain management, improving sleep and enhancing overall wellbeing.
Improving the speed of transmission of electromagnetic signals in body. This releases endorphins, natural painkillers of the body, or releases immune system cells in the body.
Enhancing release of opioids, chemicals known to lessen pain and promote sleep.
Changing chemistry of the brain by alternating release of Neurotransmitters and Neurohormones. While Neurotransmitters stimulate/dampen impulses of nerve, Neurohormones could affect activity of a body organ.
A common assumption about acupuncture is that it hurts. You are, after all, getting stuck with needles. Fear of pain from acupuncture needles is one of the most common reasons people forgo acupuncture. Often to the astonishment of those who take the plunge, acupuncture usually does not hurt. No pain, though, does not mean no sensation. There are instances where acupuncture needles are inserted without the recipient feeling a thing — this is especially common with styles of acupuncture that utilize extra thin needles, such as korean acupuncture. However, most of the time acupuncture produces some kind of sensation at the site of needling.