The art of acupuncture for medicinal use is something that was first practiced by the Chinese about 2,000 years ago. Today this form of therapy can be found in clinics across the United States as it has grown in popularity. The small needles used to perform acupuncture are even regulated by the FDA much like other medical devices such as scalpels or hypodermic needles. Because of the popularity of this form of therapy, more people than ever before are turning to it to relieve a number of ailments. Here are some of the ways acupuncture can help people heal, and how it works.

What Acupuncture Helps

The use of acupuncture as a form of therapy should not replace a visit to a professional physician, but it can certainly help to relieve a number of symptoms people may experience. The use of acupuncture has been documented to help some patients deal with the following issues:

• Dizziness and nausea: Acupuncture can help to relieve the severity of nausea in people who are having a hard time with it because of travel sickness, pregnancy, or as a result of chemotherapy. It has also been shown to help people with dizziness who suffer from vertigo.
• Immune System: Some people claim that having regular acupuncture sessions can improve the body's immune system and boost your ability to fight off certain diseases. It's not know how this works, but there are many who believe it can contribute to a stronger immune system.
• Insomnia: Because the practice of acupuncture can be relaxing to many people, it's no wonder that some claim it helps with sleep. Part of the reason for this could also be because acupuncture relieves stress. If you're feeling less stress, you are more likely to sleep better.
• Pain Relief: Patients with chronic pain often turn to acupuncture to help. All kinds of pain ranging from sciatica to neck pain can be alleviated through acupuncture in some patients. It has also been shown to help with headaches.

How Acupuncture Works

If you've considered using acupuncture to help you, the process is painless and quite simple. You should only have acupuncture performed by a licensed and certified therapist. The acupuncture technician will gently and skillfully place very tiny needles into certain parts of the body known as pressure points. Some of these pressure points include behind the ears, behind the knee, and in certain places on the arm. Your specialist will determine which areas of your body will need treatment according to your individual issues. Most sessions can last between five to thirty minutes. With a few acupuncture treatments, you should notice some of your personal health issues starting to subside. Look for acupuncture in Fountain Valley CA if you need more informaiton.