As you already know, anti-aging advice and treatment options come in all forms. Sticking needles into your skin may not sound like the most pleasing anti-aging advice, but for some, it can be healing. It’s known as the traditional Chinese practice called “acupuncture,” which has been used for centuries. In recent years, acupuncture has grown in popularity in the Western world as well—many professionals are now recommending acupuncture as part of their anti-aging advice.It’s a little more complex than simply being prodded with needles. According to ancient Chinese philosophy, the body has specific acupuncture points that are all interconnected by paths called meridians, and the energy—or Qi, pronounced “chee”—flows through these pathways. It’s believed that the channels of energy are obstructed when we are suffering from illnesses such as sinusitis, headaches, joint pain, and nausea. By carefully placing the needle in a specific acupuncture point, symptoms are said to be reduced or even disappear completely, which is what makes it such effective anti-aging advice.If you’re considering taking up this anti-aging advice, here’s what you can expect. When you go into your first appointment, the acupuncturist will first ask you about your daily life, including questions about your dietary habits, work schedule, and how you’ve been feeling recently. They will proceed to check your pulse points through both wrists to measure your flow of energy. They may also ask to see your tongue, which gives them an indication of the condition of your internal organs. This holistic approach is typical of traditional Chinese acupuncture.

After briefly explaining the procedure, they will begin inserting the needles where they deem necessary. All you have to do is lie still and relax for 15 to 30 minutes. The acupuncturist may maneuver the needles slightly to affect the flow of Qi in your body. After your treatment, your acupuncturist will advise you on what to do going forward and instruct you on when you should book your next acupuncture appointment. They may also offer other anti-aging advice that you can use alongside your acupuncture treatment.

Although acupuncture has been known to help people who suffer from a wide range of conditions, the procedure has especially gained increasing popularity among older adults battling age-related diseases, like arthritis, because of its non-invasive, drug-free, easy, and fairly painless technique. However, more research still needs to be done to completely understand how acupuncture works—or doesn’t work—with the body’s natural functions. Some studies have dispelled the benefits of this anti-aging advice, while others have found evidence of healing through medical trials. There are many theories about how acupuncture really works with regards to the body’s response—some believe it encourages the release of pain-relieving endorphins; some believe it blocks pain receptors.

That being said, enough evidence has been presented to regard acupuncture as a significant method of healing and an effective piece of anti-aging advice. Acupuncture does not claim to be the cure to any disease—the power of this traditional procedure lies in its ability to relieve painful side effects of chronic illnesses. Many practitioners use it in conjunction with other treatment methods.

The World Health Organization has officially recognized the practice of acupuncture as a viable treatment for various health issues, including osteoarthritis, headaches, perimenopausal symptoms, depression, stress, compromised digestive health, and addictions.

Although acupuncture is thought to be relatively risk-free, talk to your health care provider if you are on medication or using other treatment methods. Always make sure the acupuncturist is qualified and check their references. If any part of the procedure is unbearably painful, it could be an indication of an unqualified practitioner. Keep in mind that more than one acupuncture session is required to really feel the benefits.

Source(s):
“What is Acupuncture?” Acupuncture Foundation of Canada web site; https://www.afcinstitute.com/AboutAcupuncture/WhatisAcupuncture/tabid/73/Default.aspx, last accessed August 5, 2013.
”What Is Contemporary Acupuncture?” Canadian Contemporary Acupuncture Association web site; , last accessed August 5, 2013.