Studies have shown that acupuncture stimulation induces the following physiological effects:
- Pain relief
- Promotion of tissue heating processes
- Regulation of gastrointestinal motility
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Immunoregulation
- Hormone and reproductive regulation
- Antifebrile effects
Clinical trials indicate that acupuncture therapy can be effective in the following conditions:
- Musculoskeletal problems: muscle soreness, back pain, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint disease.
- Neurological disorders: seizures, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), laryngeal hemiplegia, and facial and radial nerve paralysis
- Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, gastric ulcers, colic, vomiting, constipation and impactions
- Other chronic conditions: anhidrosis, heaves, asthma, cough, uveitis, renal failure, chronic liver diseases, behavioral problems, infertility, Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, geriatric weakness and skin problems.
- Quality of life, maintenance and enhancement, and hospice care.
- Performance enhancement and the prevention of disease.
Cautions and Contraindications
Acupuncture should be used with caution in the following conditions: fractures, pregnancy and open wounds and tumors.