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Acupuncture: What it is, what it is for, types and how it works

All of the information below are well studied and verified by: Acupuncture Associates of America - Acupuncture Specialist Albuquerque
Acupuncture is an ancient therapy originally from China, which involves the application of needles at specific points of the body to treat diseases and promote health. These needles when applied to some specific regions are capable of treating various physical or emotional diseases such as sinusitis, asthma, migraine or arthritis, in addition to improving the immune system. 
The placement of acupuncture needles stimulates existing nerve endings in the skin and other tissues, thus sending messages to the brain, triggering different effects on the body as an analgesic or anti-inflammatory action. There are several scientific studies that prove that acupuncture works, however, in most countries it should only be used to complement the clinical treatment oriented by the doctor. 

What is it for

Acupuncture is a technique that can be used to strengthen the immune system and to treat problems and diseases such as:
  • Mouth problems such as pain after tooth extraction, gingivitis or pharyngitis;
  • Respiratory diseases such as sinusitis, rhinitis, common cold, asthma or bronchitis;
  • Ophthalmological diseases such as conjunctivitis, cataracts or myopia in children;
  • Neurological problems such as headache or migraine;
  • Gastrointestinal problems such as excess acidity in the stomach, duodenal ulcer, constipation or diarrhea;
  • Orthopedic problems such as sciatic pain, lumbago or rheumatoid arthritis;
  • Sleep disorders such as insomnia.
In addition to these problems, acupuncture can also be used in the treatment of diseases and emotional disorders such as anxiety, excess stress or depression. 
Any person can perform acupuncture, even if there is no illness or physical complaint, and this technique can even be performed in children, being recommended in these cases the use of lasers in children with fear of needles.

Types of Acupuncture

There are different types of acupuncture, and each has a different function:

1. Aesthetic acupuncture

In the case of aesthetic acupuncture, the needles are applied at certain points of the body to improve blood circulation, promote the growth of support cells, combat localized fat and help drain excess fluids. 

2. Acupuncture for weight loss

When acupuncture is used to lose weight, it helps eliminate toxins, excess fluids and localized fat. In addition to this, excess weight can be related to psychological problems such as anxiety or depression, this technique can also be used in the treatment of these problems, to form that food stops being an emotional refuge.

3. Auricular acupuncture

Auricular acupuncture, also known as auriculotherapy, can be used to treat pain, physical or emotional illnesses and can be performed with or without needles. This technique is performed on the ears, and when no needles are used, mustard seeds or other small spheres that are placed at certain points of the ear can be used.  

Can needles transmit diseases?

Acupuncture should be done with disposable needles, since its reuse increases the chances of contracting some diseases such as hepatitis or HIV, for example. 
Therefore, when performing an acupuncture procedure, you must ensure that it is performed by a competent professional who specializes in the area. Likewise, you must be aware that the professional complies with the sanitary norms that require the use of disposable or individualized material.

Indications of acupuncture

Anyone who is healthy or has a disease can get acupuncture therapy In the case of children, acupuncture can be done with laser to avoid fear of needles. In addition to this, it can also be beneficial during pregnancy, as it helps control the hormonal variations that are frequent during this phase, also relieving back pain and discomfort caused by the weight of the belly. 
Animals such as dogs or cats can also be treated with acupuncture, as it relieves pain, allergies, respiratory tract infections, digestive problems or other diseases such as rhinitis, for example.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website at https://www.acuassociatesnm.com/ 

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