Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List
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How does it work? of Acupuncture
Acupuncture works by stimulating the nerves in the skin and muscles of sensitive parts of the body. These sensitive areas are known as acupoints, and are thought to link to nerve junctions in other parts of the body. When needles are inserted into these points, the body to releases natural pain killing substances, known as endorphins. Endorphins enter into the nerve pathways of the brain and spinal cord and help to relieve pain in the corresponding part of the body. For example, acupuncture needles are inserted into the tender areas of muscle in the neck and shoulders to treat headaches.
Some acupuncturists practice electroacupuncture. This type of treatment uses needles that are connected to a battery-operated electrical device, causing them to vibrate and produce a tingling sensation. Acupoints may also be stimulated through the use of lasers or by pressing the acupoints in a certain way, known as acupressure. These techniques are often used to treat children, nervous patients, or sensitive areas of the body, because they do not involve needles.
