Acupuncture - benefits, indications and contraindications of treatment with needles

Philosophy and Practice of Acupuncture

Traditional Chinese medicine is based on the works of ancient philosophers and spiritual practitioners who viewed the human body as a microcosm connected to Nature and filled with Qi - an energy substance interpreted as "life force".

According to the gurus of Eastern philosophy, the flow of Qi can be controlled by exerting physical influence on the energy channels (meridians) of the life force, and acupuncture is one of the methods of such influence. The master of this practice immerses needles of the required diameter into the patient's body, adjusting the circulation of Qi along the meridians.

The technique of point impact on the Qi channels involves the use of additional tools - incense sticks for cauterization and bunches of grass used to warm up the needle. This complex effect is called the practice of zhen-jiu, the first mentions of which are found in manuscripts from the 16th-11th centuries BC.

Modern therapists from China, Japan and Korea use acupuncture treatment to stimulate the necessary reactions of the human nervous system using the "gates of pain". The calming and tonic effect of acupuncture is a scientifically proven fact, as are cases of stimulation of bone tissue regeneration in fractures and the formation of bone calluses.

In Russia, acupuncture has been used as an official physiotherapy procedure since 1957. This technique is taught in medical institutes as part of the training of the specialty "reflexotherapy". The list of indications and contraindications for acupuncture is published in the format of a special order of the Ministry of Health No. 364 of 1997.

What does acupuncture treat?

Chinese doctors and domestic specialists consider chronic and acute disorders of life support systems as indications for acupuncture. This practice is prescribed:

• for disorders of the respiratory system - reflexology helps to cope with the common cold and facilitates asthma therapy.
• in case of disorders in the genitourinary system - acupuncture has proven itself in the treatment of cystitis, impotence, pyelonephritis and prostatitis, and in gynecology this technique is used for mastopathy, female infertility and climacteric syndrome;
• for disorders of the endocrine system - acupuncture is used in the treatment of diabetes, thyroid pathologies and obesity;
• in case of problems with the gastrointestinal tract - acupuncture helps with gastritis, ulcers, colitis and constipation;
• for diseases of the heart and blood vessels - courses of acupuncture alleviate the condition of a patient suffering from low or high pressure, varicose veins or vegetative-vascular dystonia;
• in case of pathologies or damage to the musculoskeletal system - reflexology alleviates symptoms of scoliosis, hernias, arthritis and arthrosis.

The list of indications also includes many neurological ailments, including sexual disorders, and with the help of acupuncture, you can cure osteochondrosis of the spine and help a person who wants to lose weight.

Features of treating spinal problems

The effectiveness of acupuncture for osteochondrosis and spinal hernia is a generally recognized fact. This technique allows you to relieve pain, which is especially valuable for radiculitis and other pinched or inflamed nerve fibers. In addition, reflexology has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.

Additional benefits of acupuncture include the following facts:

• this practice does not cause allergic reactions;
• the procedure is not associated with discomfort or painful sensations;
• the duration of the session does not exceed half an hour, after which the patient feels relief from pain.

Classical acupuncture allows you to awaken and use the body's own reserves in the treatment of degenerative-dystrophic disorders of a person of almost any age.

Weight loss assistance

Acupuncture rooms and clinics alleviate not only neurological disorders or the consequences of degenerative-dystrophic changes. This practice is used as an adjunct therapy for weight loss.

An experienced practitioner or qualified physical therapist can achieve a 5 percent weight loss within a month using acupuncture alone. By affecting certain nerve centers in the patient's body, the hormonal balance is balanced, metabolism is stabilized, and appetite is normalized.

Acupuncture techniques for weight loss involve a course of 10-15 sessions of 40 minutes each or constant wearing of a needle in the body, located in the hunger center area. By a lucky coincidence, this center is located in the auricle, so people around the patient perceive the needles as piercing elements.

Contraindications and age restrictions

The following circumstances are contraindications to acupuncture:

• oncological and acute infectious diseases;
• myocardial infarction in the acute phase or other pathologies that require prompt solution of the problem, and not therapy of symptoms;
• pregnancy;
• tuberculosis;
• a course of hormonal drugs or other drugs that affect metabolic processes;
• heavy physical or mental stress.

Contraindications include age restrictions should also be added - acupuncture is not recommended for infants.