Despite existing for years, acupuncture has recently gained popularity for its various health and wellness purposes. The great thing about this medical practice is it’s a noninvasive holistic cure that uses thin needles on various acupoints in the body to balance the energy flow.
This ancient Chinese Medicine believes that the energy flows through different pathways in the body. So, if one of those paths gets blocked, that’s when you feel pain or develop an illness.
Although everyone can benefit from it, the treatment can address several physical and mental issues for women. If you want to find out what they are, read more below.
Pain Management
The primary thing acupuncture is known for is its ability to manage discomfort. It stimulates the central nervous system and increases the production of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-killing hormones. As a result, it can relieve ache from various symptoms of chronic and acute diseases, such as:
- Arthritis
- Sciatica
- Fibromyalgia
- Tennis elbow
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Tendonitis
- Stiff neck
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Migraines and headaches
Besides, a study shows that acupuncture can be effective in reducing the duration and intensity of menstrual pain compared to not receiving treatments or taking Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). You can also prolong its efficacy by maintaining short-term follow-up sittings.
Stress Reduction
(This graph shows the global acupuncture needles market size in 2022 and the expected market size in 2032, in US$ million).
If the daily hassles of life have caused the stress level to rise, consider incorporating acupuncture into your self-care ritual. Consistent treatments can reduce the cortisol levels, and chemical reactions associated with mental pressure, and release endorphins, the “feel-good” hormones. So you’ll feel lighter and rejuvenated after the practice sessions.
In addition, it targets specific points that help relax the mind and body, reduce fatigue, enhance sleep, and increase energy levels so that you can cope with stress better in the long run.
Digestive Health
If you’re suffering from digestive issues, acupuncture can help balance the digestive system. It does this by enhancing the blood flow to the digestive organs. Thus, improving digestion and alleviating symptoms like bloating, gas, indigestion, and constipation.
One study reveals that it is more effective than polyethylene glycol (PEG) 4000 and pinaverium bromide for treating Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) after 18 sessions of this practice and 12 weeks of follow-up sessions. Results revealed that the effects of it can last up to 12 weeks after cure.
Another study shows that it can increase anti-inflammatory bacteria, enhancing the intestinal barrier against inflammation.
Emotional Wellness
You don’t have to necessarily be suffering from physical symptoms to get the treatment since it’s also effective for emotional and mental health. Acupuncture regulates the neurotransmitters, increasing the production of endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, hormones that play vital roles in regulating mood.
An older clinical systematic review studied the effects of this Chinese practice on women with anxiety and depression. Results showed that there is high-level evidence that consistent care can be effective for treating major depressive disorder in pregnancy.
While it isn’t recommended to replace actual medical remedies, you can use it as a complementary alternative treatment. It’s considered safer than taking antidepressants because, when performed by a licensed practitioner, acupuncture shouldn’t have any side effects.
Hormonal Balance
Another reason for how women can benefit from it is it can restore the balance of the chemical reactions in the body. It does this by regulating the endocrine system and influencing the release and activity of the hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and thyroid endocrine.
It also affects the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, a neuroendocrine system that regulates hormone production and stress response. Regular treatments modulate the activity of this axis, restoring the stability of the hormone levels and improving overall function.
As a result, acupuncture can minimize disorders related to hormonal imbalance, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hyperthyroidism, and endometriosis.
Fertility
Want to boost your chances of getting pregnant? This therapy is a must-try for fertility issues. It improves the blood flow to the reproductive organs, promoting follicle development and improving uterine lining quality. Enhancing the blood flow supports the delivery of hormones and nutrients as well to the reproductive organs, vital for optimal potency.
It can regulate the menstrual cycle by stabilizing hormone levels and promoting regular ovulation. You can also use acupuncture as a complementary cure for increasing the success rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intrauterine insemination (IUI) therapies.
Do You Know?
In 2023, the global acupuncture industry size was $54.16 billion which is estimated to grow by $40,563 million by 2028.
Ready to try acupuncture?
If you’re ready to experience the benefits of acupuncture, book the treatments at Integrative Healing Arts. They offer several sittings that cater to different health goals, such as stress management, anti-aging, and sports injuries.
Their signature Fertility Program combines the advantages, herbal medicine, and energy healing to improve fertility from pre-conception, pregnancy, and after birth. If you have questions or inquiries, simply visit their website for more information.
