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The use of acupuncture: 6 evidence-based arguments

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
 
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06 November 2012, 16:00

Research scientists say that acupuncture can be an effective method for treating headaches and even obesity.

Alternative medicine does not inspire confidence in "traditional" Aesculapius. However, a new study, a study published in the American journal Archives of Internal Medicine, can change this opinion.

The specialists analyzed data of almost 18,000 people who participated in a study aimed at studying the effectiveness of acupuncture and found that acupuncture can indeed treat arthritis and other chronic diseases.

Back pain

British scientists have found that with pain in the lower back, acupuncture combined with traditional methods of treatment provides a long-term therapeutic effect. Two years after the acupuncture sessions, patients did not suffer from pain.

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Increasing the effectiveness of drugs

Brazilian scientists have found that acupuncture sessions can save heartburn and indigestion in pregnant women. One group of pregnant women underwent acupuncture therapy in combination with medications, while another group followed a prescribed diet and, if necessary, took medication. In the course of the study, 75% of the women in the first group improved their health and anxious problems retreated. In the second group, only 44% had the same effect.

Constant headaches

An analysis of 22 studies involving patients with persistent severe headaches showed that regular acupuncture treatment facilitates spasms, and in some cases completely eliminates migraine headaches.

trusted-source[5], [6]

Depression

People who are depressed are usually treated with antidepressants, feeling full of all their side effects. In fact, an alternative to psychotropic medicines may be acupuncture, which will relieve depression and not harm the body. According to the report of the World Health Organization, the effectiveness of treatment of depression with acupuncture is comparable with the results of conventional treatment of depression. In addition, that acupuncture sessions relieve a person from depression, they also improve overall health.

trusted-source[7], [8]

Obesity

The effect of acupuncture on the treatment of obesity is not well understood, but there is every reason to believe that acupuncture sessions really help to get rid of extra pounds. Researchers from Korea analyzed 31 studies, in which a total of 3 013 people participated. They found that acupuncture therapy led to a greater decrease in body weight than taking medications for weight loss and lifestyle changes. Experts believe that in combination with a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition and physical activity, acupuncture can bring good results.

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