Who would have guessed that a tiny needle (or 12) could be such a boon to your well-being? Here are research-backed ways the ancient practice of acupuncture improves your health from head to toe
Health Benefits of Acupuncture
Head: 20 sessions of electroacupuncture (where a small electric current is applied to the needles) within 4 weeks reduced the number of monthly migraines.
Mood: Once weekly acupuncture sessions can treat depression within 3 months (comparable to results from counseling) likely because it regulates happy-making neurotransmitters in your brain.
Heart: Regular sessions can decrease markers of stress and lower blood pressure.
Sleep: acupuncture revs up the production of neurotransmitters associated with relaxation and sleep, helping insomnia sufferers sleep better.
Menopause: Acupuncture can ease the frequency and severity of hot Rashes for up to 3 months after treatment, possibly by helping regular body temperature.
Nose: For seasonal allergy sufferers, 12 acupuncture sessions reduced symptoms and allowed people to use antihistamines less often.
Throat: 10 sessions over the course of a month treated acid reflux disease and soothed heartburn better than upping meds, possibly by regulating acid secretion and speeding digestion.
Immune System: Well-placed needles can boost the activity of immune cells that seek out and destroy infections.
Back: 5 weeks of needling was found to relieve lower back discomfort for up 6 months.
Weight: Acupuncture helped obese adults shed up to 9 pounds over a span of 2-weeks to &4- months.