Acupuncture is a unique therapeutic system and part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Needles are inserted into particular points, it is believed that blockages in the bodies system can cause ill health and by unblocking the system can cause the body to heal itself.
Western doctors use a slightly different technique, using it mainly to treat acute and chronic pain.
As a symptomatic treatment for pain, acupuncture has the advantage of being free of the side effects of analgesic medicine.
It is also very effective in reducing the inflammation that accompanies arthritis.
Acupuncture can help to relieve the symptoms and after effects of many allergic reactions.
There are potent points to relieve menstruation problems and hot flushes, to help you conceive and morning sickness.
Acupuncture can relieve pain, and pressure of acute sinus infections as well as speed up the healing of joint pain and injuries.
Acupuncture is extremely useful in relieving anxiety and nervousness An interesting use for acupuncture in the use in addiction treatment: needles are inserted into the points of the ears and have helped some people withdraw from heroin and cocaine, quit smoking and moderate addictive eating.
In traditional Chinese Medicine acupuncture is used to manipulate the energy flows around the body, according to TCM, the health of the immune system is governed primarily by the condition of the kidney, liver, lungs and spleen.
A specialist will use points that fortify these organs to recharge the body.
In addition by fortifying the kidneys, acupuncture awakens the body's self-curative abilities and strengthens the body as a whole.
An offshoot of acupuncture is acupressure.
In acupressure the same points are used as in acupuncture only you can learn this easily and apply it to yourself, family and friends at home.
Acupressure is very beneficial when you find yourself in an anxiety attack and applying the pressure to the point/s involved will give almost immediate results and help you calm down.
The same applies in morning sickness put your thumb on the actual point or points and you will begin to feel better.
It is very easy to learn and extremely helpful as many pregnant women do not like to take medicines unless of course a doctor prescribes it for any serious problem.