On Pins and Needles: A Look at Acupuncture

Acupuncture. For many needle-phobics, the idea of having a needle inserted into their skin for any length of time seems a torture. But there is good reason for the popularity and staying power of this alternative medicine practice: it has worked for 5000 years, and continues to improve the wellbeing of those who undergo the treatments.

Acupuncture is the Chinese alternative medical practice of inserting very small needles into the skin in strategic places. These places are specially chosen for their effect on specific parts of a person’s physiology. Sometimes acupuncture needles also work with electricity to induce the physiological benefits of the particular points. Often another alternative therapy called Moxibustion is used with acupuncture; this involves the burning of herbs to elicit physiological benefits. Acupressure is also based in the same principles as acupuncture and is sometimes used in conjuncture with acupuncture.

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Yoga and Pregnancy

Yoga is very helpful for a variety of medical disorders, diseases, and ailments. It is so helpful that it is often prescribed or recommended to patients by traditional medical doctors. This makes it dissimilar from other natural healing practices as most of these do not enjoy acclaim from the medical community.

Pregnancy is one of the times when yoga can be extremely helpful. While the typical yoga poses cannot all be used during pregnancy, prenatal yoga – which is designed to work with the needs of a pregnant woman’s body – can benefit both mother and baby. The mother’s body is strengthened by the physical exertion, and therefore her internal systems are strengthened, which ultimately helps the baby, too. Yoga can also help with labor later on, as well as relieve common complaints of many pregnant women, like back pain.

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