Acupuncture’s origins trace back over two thousand years to ancient East Asia. Over the past fifty years, acupuncture has been gaining popularity in the United States. Major cities countrywide show an increase in the popularity of acupuncture NYC is just one example, indicating a steady increase in licenses issued yearly. Acupuncture has been shown to benefit people with a wide array of ailments and improve overall well-being for its users. As advances in medical technology continue, scientists and practitioners are exploring novel ways to improve accessibility, patient outcomes, and approaches to the traditional technique.
Novel applications:
Acupuncture has been used to treat many ailments, including numerous conditions causing acute or chronic pain, headaches, and stress-related symptoms. Specialists are now finding evidence for and recommending acupuncture therapy in NYC and beyond for psychological conditions such as depression, addiction, and schizophrenia. Studies and tests have shown that acupuncture can alleviate nausea and dental pain and target drug and tobacco dependence. There are even studies that indicate acupuncture could be effective for patients with Alzheimer’s disease and cardiac and post-stroke therapy. While acupuncture should not be used to replace any medical treatment ordered by a physician, it has been shown to have great benefits when used in conjunction with mainstream medicine.
Acupuncture and technology: introducing electroacupuncture
While its first iterations appeared almost a century ago, modern technology has refined what we know as electroacupuncture. This treatment involves the same ultra-thin needles as acupuncture and has a low electrical current passed between the needles, bringing extra stimulation to affected areas of a client’s body. The electrical current used is very low and should only cause a mild tingling sensation for the client. Electroacupuncture is most effective for people suffering from musculoskeletal pain. The electrical current can relax muscles, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing, making it effective for sufferers of conditions that cause pain, such as neuralgia, arthritis, and migraines. This procedure might sound daunting, but it is non-invasive and safe for most people. Electroacupuncture may be available at a local wellness center that specializes in acupuncture. NYC, for example, is likely to have a growing number of specialists who can offer this treatment.
Safety notice
Before trying electroacupuncture, clients should check with a physician to ensure they are cleared to receive the treatment. Patients with pacemakers or other fitted electrical devices, pregnant patients, and patients with a history of epilepsy, seizures, or heart conditions may be advised against electroacupuncture. If patients experience any unmanageable discomfort or adverse side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or vomiting, medical advice should be sought immediately.
Integrating acupuncture into mainstream healthcare:
It is becoming more common to see conventional medical practices offer acupuncture and other forms of traditional East Asian therapy, such as cupping. Acupuncture therapy NYC hospitals and clinics can offer a less high-risk alternative to opioids for pain relief. While not all conventional practitioners vouch for the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment in itself, many have seen the positive effects of pain relief in their patients. Since acupuncture therapy can be administered as needed (in most cases), dangerous contraindications of drugs do not have to be a major concern – nor does the cost of these drugs. Many healthcare coverage providers have started including acupuncture therapy as a benefit, especially for patients with conditions causing chronic pain.
The future of acupuncture
Research on acupuncture and its applications continues to develop. Ongoing studies are investigating acupuncture’s potential to affect hormone regulation. This could be revolutionary for women experiencing menopause by alleviating or reducing uncomfortable symptoms. If there is evidence of effectiveness in this area, women who experience irregular or extremely painful periods could also benefit from acupuncture. It follows that acupuncture could be used in fertility treatments and the treatment of gynecological issues.
Conclusion:
Acupuncture has been used for centuries, and its applications continue to evolve with modern medicine. Electroacupuncture combines traditional acupuncture techniques with modern technology by running small electrical currents between acupuncture needles. This treatment is considered safe for most people, but there are important contraindications, so patients should always refer to a physician before undergoing this treatment. Acupuncture’s popularity is growing in the United States, and many conventional medical practices offer acupuncture treatments. Acupuncture is used to alleviate the symptoms of many ailments, and researchers are looking into the potential for further applications, such as hormone regulation in women.