Acupuncture, an ancient technique discovered by Traditional Chinese Medicine, consists of applying needles to specific parts of the body. This process stimulates the so-called "acupoints", awakening energy channels and promoting balance and health e.

"Acupuncture sessions generate a series of positive factors and help in the treatment of physical and emotional issues, such as migraine, anxiety, and muscle pain," says Lorena Crispim, a physical therapist and acupuncturist from Brasília (DF).

According to oriental wisdom, acupuncture works on the balance of energy, or IQ, "This is a fundamental substance, present both in our bodies and in the entire universe. All living beings are moved by it. To achieve more harmony and health, it is necessary to keep the IQ flowing freely through the body. When this energy becomes stagnant, pain and disease appear," Lorena explains.

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How the sessions work

In each consultation, before the application of the needles, it is essential that the professional performs an evaluation of the patient. Besides checking how the general health is, an inspection of the tongue and pulse is performed. This way, it is possible to elaborate an energetic diagnosis, essential to obtain the best results.acupuncture points, and only then does the person receive the needles, which remain in the patient's body for 20 to 30 minutes."

The number of sessions is different for each person and situation. Lorena says that there are cases in which, in the very first treatment, the effects of acupuncture can already be seen: "In the case of chronic problems But, generally, in 8 to 10 sessions it is possible to observe very positive responses", he adds.

Does Acupuncture hurt?

Pain is a very relative factor and varies from person to person. However, the sessions are usually very calm and most patients do not feel any discomfort during the application of the needles. magnetotherapy ."

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Benefits of acupuncture

The technique is recommended for the care of physical problems as well as emotional issues. Among the most common indications, which are also listed in World Health Organization (WHO) The following complaints stand out: anxiety, stress, migraines, depression, menstrual cramps, and respiratory diseases.

Other benefits of acupuncture are the reduction of pain and allergies, improvement in sleep quality, mood enhancement, and strengthening of the immune system. immune system .

Acupuncture can also be associated with other methods to optimize the results. Ventosaterapia, auriculotherapy and chromotherapy are procedures often used with the needles, for example. More complex diseases, including tumors and heart problems, find in acupuncture a strong ally. In these cases, it is essential to consult a doctor who is a specialist in the area about the bestindication for treatment.

"Acupuncture acts to provide an energetic balance, being responsible for promoting a welfare So, it ends up being indicated for any situation, even if there isn't a specific complaint, because it doesn't work only in treatments, but also in health preservation and disease prevention", explains Lorena.

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Other benefits are:

Pain Control

Some studies have confirmed its benefits for chronic pain, such as headache, joint pain like fibromyalgia, back pain, and also pain due to cancer .

Improves sleep and anxiety

Another great benefit is that this therapy can induce brain activation, improving neurotransmitters to a certain extent, bringing about relaxation. anxiety crisis .

Increased cerebral blood flow

Improved blood flow in general can be a benefit of acupuncture, which is often used to treat local musculoskeletal pain. Studies also say that there is the development of new blood vessels. These new vessels can bring better cerebral blood flow, as well as oxygenation of the brain tissue.

How to use acupuncture for immunity

To prevent and fight any disease it is important to have a good immune system. Some studies have shown that acupuncture has a great effect on cellular and humoral immunity, meaning that it can promote your immune response to fight antigens Therefore, this alternative therapy will give cells a great option to fight germs and viruses.

• LI Acupuncture 4: Located at the highest point of the muscle mount, directly in the center when you press your thumb against your index finger, LI4 improves immunity, decreases pain in the face and neck, and activates circulation;
• Acupuncture ST36 ST36 is one of the most specific points in the Traditional Chinese Medicine meridian system. In addition, ST36 helps to target low immunity, chronic diseases, poor digestion, general weakness, and fatigue;
• Acupuncture LI 11: Easily located with the elbow flexed, the point is found between the forearm and the elbow. The function of LI 11 includes reduction of high fevers and circulation problems;
• Acupuncture LV3: Finally, this point is on the "chest" of the foot. Thus, LV3 is one of the most commonly used acupuncture points to treat emotional disturbances. It also works on immunity, calming the liver and nervous system, which has a positive effect on immunity and increases circulation.

Who can do

This is a very safe technique, which uses sterilized and disposable needles. It is indicated for babies, children, adults, pregnant women, and the elderly, i.e., anyone can enjoy its advantages. However, some cases require attention, such as, for example, tumor areas, which cannot receive application, open wounds or infectious areas of the skin, and hemophiliacs.

Care after the sessions

At the end of an acupuncture session, the practitioner is likely to make recommendations in terms of routine and feeding This helps the patient to optimize the effects provided by the needles.

It is also possible that the person will feel changes in the intestines, stomach, and even emotional changes. All this is common, since the technique works with balancing the body's energy.

How to choose a good acupuncturist

The first tip when choosing a good professional is to make sure that he or she is qualified to be an acupuncturist: "Another important point is to look for a professional who, first of all, treats the person as if he or she were unique, gives a detailed evaluation, and conveys a lot of confidence", Lorena concludes.

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Source: Lorena Crispim, physiotherapist and acupuncturist from Brasília (DF).