Acupuncture is a traditional oriental medical practise that involves the incision of very thin needles into specific parts of the body and is said to have benefits in helping to treat certain health problems as well as stimulate the body and balance the energy flow.
History of acupuncture

The history of practising acupuncture dates back thousands of years. The earliest known written record of this treatment is from the Han Dynasty in China, which was between 206 BCE and 220 CE. Back then, people used sharpened bones and needles as the instruments for acupuncture treatments, and the main purpose was mainly to treat digestive problems, respiratory disorders, and muscle pain.
Over time, acupuncture continued to evolve, and a lot of new techniques and theories started to emerge. It became very popular to perform this treatment in conjunction with heat therapy, diet, massages, and aromatherapy. In fact, it was so popular that there are bronze statues from the 15th century that show the acupuncture points. They were meant to be used for teaching and examination purposes.
However, around the 17th century, interest in acupuncture started to decline. And by the 20th century, it was regarded as an unscientific and outdated practise and was abandoned in favour of Western medicine. Acupuncture regained popularity only in the 1950s thanks to the efforts of Chairman Mao Zedong, who was a strong supporter of traditional Chinese medicine. So he actively encouraged its use as a way to provide health care to China’s population.
In Western culture, it started to be popular in the 19th century, when it was introduced by travellers and missionaries who had been exposed to acupuncture therapy in Asia.
Potential benefits of acupuncture

Though some people may be sceptical about this treatment, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that acupuncture can actually offer a wide range of benefits for both mental and physical health. It is even suggested on an NHS website as an alternative treatment for such things as migraines, muscle tension, pain after surgery, etc.
Pain relief
One of the most well-known benefits of acupuncture is its ability to relieve pain. Most of the time, it is used in combination with physiotherapy and is said to be a great way to help with back pain, neck pain, knee pain, etc. The tiny needles used in acupuncture stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body (endorphins), which can help reduce pain without taking any medication.
Stress reduction
Acupuncture is often used as a way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. This, again, is due to the stimulation of endorphin production. It is great to use it together with aromatherapy because the relaxing smells of essential oils, such as lavender oil, can provide additional support in reducing stress and anxiety. Additionally, acupuncture can help regulate the body’s nervous system and reduce cortisol levels, which is a hormone responsible for stress.
Improving sleep
Many people experience serious sleep problems, such as insomnia or trouble falling asleep. It has been shown that acupuncture treatment can help regulate the body’s natural sleep cycle and be a great help in normalising sleeping routines.
Digestive health
It can be beneficial to use acupuncture to treat different digestive disorders, such as IBS, acid reflux, and constipation.
Improve Immune System
Another popular use for acupuncture treatment is to improve the overall immune system. It has been shown that this therapy can help increase the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections.
Womens health
It can also provide great help with treating menstrual cramps, PMS, and menopausal symptoms. Some specialists even use acupuncture to improve fertility in women and regulate the menstrual cycle.
Is it for everybody?
Well, yes and no. Despite a lot of potential benefits, there is no extensive research on how acupuncture works, and there is a lot of controversy around using it as a sole treatment.
That’s why consulting with a doctor is the first step to determining if acupuncture is suitable for an individual. There are several conditions, including pregnancy, heart, and blood disorders. That may make acupuncture an unsuitable option. Therefore, it is essential to inform the doctor of any underlying conditions and medications the individual is taking. And if the medical practitioner determines that acupuncture treatment is beneficial and poses no serious risks, it can be considered.