According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMD), acupuncture can be used to treat various pain conditions by stimulating the peripheral nerves that send messages to the brain, releasing endorphins and blocking pain. Acupuncture can also be used to complement other treatment methods that do not provide adequate relief. Acupuncture has also been used for conditions other than those related to pain, such as the common cold. Additionally, when acupuncture treatment is combined with medications, lower doses can be used, resulting in fewer side effects from drugs.
Respiratory Diseases
According to the AMMD, acupuncture can be used to treat respiratory diseases, including acute sinusitis, acute rhinitis, acute tonsillitis and even the common cold.
Pain
The AAMD suggests that pain-causing conditions, also referred to as orthopedic disorders, can be treated with acupuncture. Tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain and rheumatoid arthritis are all examples. According to the Mayo Clinic, Western explanations for these results suggest that acupuncture can stimulate nerves, connective tissue and muscles, which can increase blood flow and boost the body's naturally occurring pain killers. In addition, acupuncture can be combined with pain medications to control pain and nausea among surgery patients.
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders, even those that seem minor, such as the hiccups, can be treated with acupuncture. Other disorders that respond to acupuncture include constipation, diarrhea, acute and chronic gastritis, ulcers and colitis.
Chronic Conditions
Migraines, chronic and sometimes debilitating headaches, are typically treated with triptans. These medications, however, cannot be taken by everyone. Those with underlying conditions or risks of heart attack and stroke are not advised to take the medicines, according to the Mayo Clinic. Acupuncture might be a suitable treatment for these individuals and can be combined with medications for those who find inadequate relief with medications alone. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic suggests other chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis might improve with acupuncture treatments.
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