The Truth About Acupuncture: Is It Just a Placebo?

Thin needles are inserted into the skin at particular locations on the body during acupuncture, an age-old Chinese therapy. It is frequently employed to treat a number of medical ailments and reduce pain. Despite the fact that many people have found acupuncture to be helpful, some doubters still think it is only a placebo. The reality about acupuncture will be discussed in this article, along with certain questions about blood pressure that are related to it.

Let’s start by discussing if acupuncture is only a placebo. A study indicated that acupuncture has a success rate of 50–80% in treating chronic pain, and it was published in the Journal of Pain. The study found that acupuncture is a real therapy option for persistent pain, not merely a placebo. Additionally, acupuncture was found to be more successful than a placebo in treating chronic pain, migraine headaches, and osteoarthritis, according to a review of 29 research on the treatment of various illnesses by acupuncture that was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Moving on to the issue of blood pressure, it is thought that a certain location on the body might help lower blood pressure. The place on the hand between the thumb and index finger is known as the LI-4 point. This point can assist control blood pressure, according to conventional Chinese medicine, when pressure is applied to it. It is crucial to remember that this approach shouldn’t be utilized in place of medical care, and those with high blood pressure should speak with their doctor instead.

Aspirin is frequently utilized to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke. It does not, however, appear to reduce blood pressure. In actuality, consuming an excessive amount of aspirin might raise blood pressure. As a result, patients should only take aspirin as prescribed by their physician.

Finally, there are some quick fixes for high blood pressure, including deep breathing techniques, mild exercise, and stress reduction. However, those with high blood pressure should visit their doctor and not utilize these techniques as a substitute for medical care.

In conclusion, acupuncture has been proven to be successful in treating chronic pain and a variety of illnesses, proving that it is more than just a placebo. Although there is a spot on the body where it is thought to assist control blood pressure, it shouldn’t be used in place of medical care. Aspirin is not known to lower blood pressure, so those who have high blood pressure should speak with a doctor about the best course of action. Additionally, there are methods for immediately lowering blood pressure, but they shouldn’t be utilized in place of medical care.

FAQ
Then, how far do acupuncture needles go in?

Depending on the area and illness being treated, acupuncture needles are typically put between 1/4 and 1 inch into the skin. In some circumstances, deeper penetration of the muscle tissue by needles is possible. Based on the patient’s unique demands, the acupuncturist chooses the depth of the needle entry.

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