One of the most ancient methods of treatment, which is still offered by alternative medicine, is acupuncture (acupuncture). This technique is popular today. There are both adherents and opponents of this technique. What feedback on acupuncture doctors and patients give, will be considered in the article.
General concept
Considering reviews of acupuncture in osteochondrosis, intervertebral hernia, heart disease and other diseases, it is worth saying that many patients are satisfied with the result. Acupuncture is a recognized treatment for certain diseases. Reflexotherapy (acupuncture) has both indications and contraindications.
Since the treatment is very ancient, the technique is overgrown with myths. Some people believe that even incurable diseases can be defeated with acupuncture. There are also skeptics. They believe that the method presented does not have any therapeutic effect on the body.
The essence of acupuncture is the use of thin needles that a professional introduces at certain points in the body. They are called biologically active. This allows you to restore the correct movement of energy, harmonize it, thereby improving the patient's condition.
It is not known for certain when this ancient art of healing was born. Scientists found evidence that sharp stones were still being treated in the Neolithic. The first hieroglyphs that talk about the use of acupuncture in the treatment of various diseases were dated 1600-1100 BC. The doctrine arose in Ancient China, from where it spread throughout Asia and then Europe.
The procedure is well tolerated by patients. Some discomfort may occur. However, there is no need to be afraid of this method of treatment.
Indications for use
The benefits of acupuncture, according to many patients, are undeniable. During treatment, medications are not used. In this case, reflexology can be combined with other techniques. Acupuncture also has contraindications. However, their list is small. It is also worth considering that acupuncture does not cause allergies, enhances the effect of other drugs and techniques.
After a course of reflexology, metabolic processes are accelerated. Also, the body's immunity and resistance to adverse environmental factors are increased, the production of hormones is enhanced. Before starting the session, the doctor should examine the patient. Without this, the professional will not conduct treatment.
The presented procedure is especially effective for diseases of the central, peripheral nervous system. Also, according to reviews, acupuncture in cervical osteochondrosis, other diseases of the spine (including intervertebral hernia) is effective. Joint inflammation can also be treated with reflexology.
Such procedures are indicated for patients who have neurological pathologies. This, for example, may be intercostal neuralgia, or damage to the facial nerve. The procedure is shown to people who have frequent headaches, including migraine, muscle pain. Diabetes mellitus, obesity and other metabolic abnormalities can be treated with this method. It helps to increase immunity, accelerate metabolic processes.
Acupuncture will be effective in chronic fatigue, depression, and sleep disturbances. Ailments of the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and urogenital system are also treated with acupuncture. Respiratory diseases can also be overcome with the help of such effects. The same goes for allergies, alcohol addiction.
Contraindications
According to reviews of acupuncture treatment, which are left by professional medical professionals, the presented methodology is a recognized and officially approved treatment method. He has a number of contraindications. It should be borne in mind that reflexology cannot become a panacea for all pathologies and deviations in the human body.
Signing up for such procedures is possible only with a trusted specialist. It is advisable to look at documents that indicate sufficient preparation and practice of the doctor conducting the acupuncture session. If during the session the pain intensified, nausea and dizziness appeared, the session was stopped. In this case, we can talk about the wrong choice of points or too strong impact on them.
A session is not performed if the patient has a high fever or an infection is present. In acute surgical diseases, the technique is also powerless. With appendicitis, pancreatitis, with fractures and injuries, acupuncture is not prescribed. The treatment is carried out by a surgeon. Only after appropriate exposure, during the recovery period, you can visit reflexology sessions.
During pregnancy, this method is also not used. This is due to the peculiarity of the processes that occur in the body of a woman. Each pregnancy proceeds in its own way. Acupuncture can be harmful in this condition. Also, the effectiveness of this method will be several times lower for children under 7 years of age and elderly people. With cancer, this method is also ineffective.
Doctors reviews
Modern medicine has officially recognized acupuncture as an effective method of influencing the human body. According to reviews, acupuncture with a hernia of the spine, disorders of the musculoskeletal system is very effective. In 2006, studies were conducted on the effects of reflexology on the human body. A team of scientists from the Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics of the Russian Academy of Sciences worked on this. In the course of the studies, it was proved that the effectiveness of this method is 80-91%.
Doctors have recognized this method as effective in a number of diseases. However, the mechanism of acupuncture effects is not known for certain. Many hypotheses and opinions are put forward, scientists have not yet come to a single point. In the course of the studies, which were confirmed by relevant observations, about 20 different theories were put forward on the mechanism of the effect of reflexology on the body.
Theories of the effects of acupuncture on the body
Today, doctors no longer doubt the effectiveness of the presented method of exposure to the human body. According to reviews, acupuncture with a hernia of the lumbar, with cervical osteochondrosis, and other diseases is an effective tool. There are several theories about the effects of acupuncture on the human body. Each of them has its drawbacks.
One common theory is capillary theory. She claims that the positive effect of reflexology occurs due to the activation and restoration of capillary blood flow in the subcutaneous layers under the action of a needle. This theory cannot explain the positive effects of acupuncture on internal organs.
Tissue theory says that when needles are inserted into the skin, its cells in this place are destroyed. Biologically active substances are released from them, which have a stimulating effect on the body. In 2010, a study was conducted that confirmed this theory. During acupuncture, the amount of histamine in the skin increased. However, in different parts of the skin, this effect was not the same.
One of the most popular theories that medical experts adhere to today is neuro-reflex. According to this statement, when certain points on the skin are irritated, the signal through the nerves enters the spinal cord, and then the brain, triggering complex chain reactions, allowing you to change blood circulation, release biologically active substances, and produce hormones. At the same time, it was found that in the course of such an effect a certain amount of endorphins is released, which helps to improve the emotional state, reduces the sensitivity to pain.
The process of the impact of acupuncture on the human body is being studied today.
Acupuncture session
An acupuncture session of the lumbar spine, reviews of which can be found in different sources, as well as in other parts of the body, has a number of features. For the procedure, thin disposable needles are used. They are sterile, made of metal. The time for one session may be different. On average, it ranges from 20 minutes to 1 hour.
The doctor chooses the points of influence, depending on which organs and systems the therapeutic effect is directed to. Point selection is a very complex process. The doctor who conducts the procedure must possess not only deep theoretical, but also significant practical skills. Therefore, you should not seek help from a little-known, unverified specialist.
Considering the reviews of acupuncture with a hernia of the intervertebral discs that ordinary patients leave, it can be noted that the pain during the procedure will be negligible. The body of each person is special. Therefore, portability is different for many. Discomfort is mainly due to psychological factors.
In most cases, an acupuncture session is easily tolerated. Soreness is either completely absent or insignificant. With increasing negative feelings, you need to inform the doctor about this. It is normal if the patient feels a slight burning sensation or irritation on the skin, numbness. Drowsiness may also occur.
The moment a doctor inserts a needle under the skin is described by many patients. This is similar to how a weak current passes through a certain area of the skin. Such sensations do not cause discomfort. After the session, the pain goes away.
Reviews of different types of acupuncture
According to reviews, acupuncture in cervical osteochondrosis is an effective procedure. As a result, blood circulation in this area increases, and the negative manifestations of the disease decrease. First of all, according to patient reviews, it is possible to get rid of soreness, tinnitus and darkening in the eyes - symptoms that are frequent companions of cervical osteochondrosis. Patients claim that they have gone through headaches, dizziness.
Also effective is, according to reviews, acupuncture with a hernia of the lumbar spine. The doctor conducts an examination, consultation of the patient. Then assigns the number of sessions and additional procedures. Many patients noted that they managed to overcome the disease, avoiding surgery. Mobility after a course of acupuncture in the affected spine increased.
You can also find many positive reviews about the acupuncture procedure aimed at losing weight. On average, patients lose about 7 kg or more per month. Treatment is aimed at accelerating metabolic processes. The doctor gives recommendations on proper nutrition to his patients.
Also, all visitors to such sessions, regardless of the type of disease, improved immunity, protective functions of the body, general health.
Treatment features
Considering reviews of acupuncture in osteochondrosis of the cervical spine, with intervertebral hernia, obesity, and other diseases, several features of this effect should be noted. Need to visit a doctor several times. He will appoint the number of sessions in accordance with the severity and type of disease.
After each session, the effect on the body will increase. All systems respond differently to such stimulations. Gradually, they begin to work more correctly, more rhythmically. The patient does not notice such changes immediately. Improvement of health can be observed in the middle or even closer to the end of the course of treatment.
First, the doctor conducts a session of a general, mild effect on the body. The specialist prepares the person for further treatment. After that, the impact begins directly on those departments that need improvement. Course completion is also standard. The doctor conducts an impact on the immune system, improving the emotional state, mood of the patient.
The key to effective treatment
According to reviews of acupuncture in osteochondrosis, hernia, metabolic disorders and other ailments, treatment can be more or less effective. This indicator is largely influenced by the professionalism of the doctor. He must abide by 3 main rules.
First, the specialist conducts the correct diagnosis. To do this, he prescribes an ultrasound scan, an MRI scan, applies the methods of traditional Chinese diagnostics. Sometimes it’s enough just to measure the patient’s pulse, examine the tongue, etc.
Also, a specialist should ideally know the human anatomy and the location of all active points of the body. Sometimes a doctor uses a special device to determine a suitable point. Another important rule is the correct combination of selected points. Indiscriminate exposure to active points cannot cure the patient. People who fall for a layperson leave negative reviews about acupuncture.
Cost
Acupuncture reviews are mostly positive. The cost of the session may be different. It depends on the type of disease, the pathology that needs to be treated. On average, 10 to 15 sessions are required (and more can be). The course may be different, sometimes it is repeated several times. The average cost of one session in Moscow is from 1 to 7 thousand rubles. Do not save on the quality of treatment.
Having considered the features of acupuncture, reviews on the methodology of doctors and patients, you can decide on the possibility of using this method of treatment for a specific disease or pathology.