Acupuncture is an essential component of Traditional Chinese Medicine and involves the insertion of sterilised thin needles to various points in the body. It is used to treat and prevent various types of illnesses and conditions.
In Australia, acupuncture is known to relieve pain but it is also used for other types of illnesses like respiratory, neurologic or even emotional problems such as postnatal depression and panic attacks.
The effectiveness of acupuncture
Acupuncture can be used alone or in conjunction with other traditional therapies like herbal medicine, or more conventional western therapies. Based on a national survey conducted in Australia, about 3.1 million adults and 150,000 children have used acupuncture each year. The popularity of acupuncture is increasing over time due to its effectiveness.
Studies also suggest that acupuncture can be used to help relieve a wide range of conditions including:
- Reproductive and menstrual problems
- Gastrointestinal disorders like acute colitis, chronic indigestion, constipation and diarrhea
- Respiratory problems like rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, common cold, and asthma
- Neurological disorders like migraine, headaches, facial paralysis, frozen shoulder, neuralgia, sciatica, and arthritis
- Orthopaedic diseases like lower back pain, tennis elbow, tendonitis and neck pain
Acupuncture as a treatment for women’s health
Acupuncture has been shown to help alleviate the effects of depression and stress, which in turn can help women struggling with infertility. It can also decrease anxiety, which is known to contribute to fertility problems. In fact, high levels of stress hormone or cortisol can increase the risk of miscarriage.
When a woman becomes pregnant, several symptoms can present, such as morning sickness. Traditional acupuncture can reduce vomiting and nausea associated with morning sickness. Pregnant women may also experience lower pelvic and back pain, which can be treated by acupuncture.
Importantly, acupuncture can support women during the postpartum period. It can support the recovery process, fatigue, pain, balancing hormones and milk production – which is essential to a happier and healthier mother and baby.
Acupuncture can also assist with symptoms of menopause! Learn more here.