Acupuncture and massage therapy are forms of complementary and alternative medicine practiced for health and well-being. Acupuncture is part of traditional Chinese medicine and involves stimulation of certain points on the body. Massage therapy includes structured movements of soft tissues. Because of limited medical studies, the effectiveness of these practices for specific health conditions has not been concluded.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the therapeutic practice of stimulating specific points on the body. During a typical acupuncture treatment, the acupuncturist inserts hair-thin metal needles into your skin and manipulates the needles by hand or with electrical stimulation. This form of treatment dates back thousands of years to China and other Asian countries. The Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports that an estimated 3.1 million American adults received acupuncture treatments in 2006.
Benefits of Acupuncture
"In traditional Chinese medicine, the body is seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang," according to the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, adding, "health is achieved by maintaining the body in a balanced state; disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang." According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture restores balance to your body by releasing vital energy, called qi. Addictions, blood disorders and menopause are among the many conditions addressed by acupuncture, reports Acupuncture.com.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy involves techniques for palpating and moving skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Therapeutic massage date to the ancient civilizations of China, Japan, India, Egypt, Greece and Rome. During a massage, the therapist typically uses gliding, kneading and tapping movements. Swedish massage, deep tissue massage and sports massage are among the most common forms of massage therapy. According to the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, "an estimated 18 million Americans received massage therapy in 2006."
Benefits of Massage Therapy
People use massage therapy for a variety of health conditions. According to MassageTherapy.com, massage therapy reduces stress and results in decreased anxiety, enhanced sleep quality, more energy, improved concentration, increased circulation and reduced fatigue. Although scientific research on massage is limited, the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine cites an analysis suggesting that a single session of massage therapy can reduce state anxiety and multiple massage sessions can reduce trait anxiety.
Medical Considerations
The Center for Contemporary and Alternative Medicine warns "do not rely on a diagnosis of an acupuncture practitioner who does not have substantial conventional medical training." Although few complications have been reported, "when not delivered properly, acupuncture can cause serious adverse effects, including infections and punctured organs," according to the center. The Mayo Clinic website advises to consult your physician prior to a massage in cases of unexplained pain, open wounds, cancer, blood clots, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, severe osteoporosis and pregnancy.
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