You may not be thrilled about needles, but when it comes to chronic aches and pains, many of us reach the point where we’ll try almost anything for relief. As such, you may have noticed that acupuncture use is on the rise as a valuable, non-addictive form of treatment for numerous health conditions that can accompany aging. Acupuncture typically uses fine needles to stimulate points of the body and, according to traditional Chinese medicine, achieve a rebalance of energy flow along pathways that permeate the body. For a good overview of the purpose and procedures of acupuncture, take a look at the Merck Manual here.

Medical researchers are still uncertain as to how and why acupuncture works. Studies are ongoing to examine its impact and effects. Working theories posit that nerve stimulation at specific points can lower the brain’s sensation of pain or release chemicals that are natural painkillers. Regardless of this uncertainty, acupuncture is increasingly utilized in standard medical practice. In fact, the American College of Physicians recently advocated that practitioners consider acupuncture for pain relief in place of opioids for certain types of pain.

However it works, there is mounting scientific evidence that acupuncture can provide major relief for such health conditions as migraines and gastrointestinal disorders. For older patients, acupuncture has been shown to help with many ailments, including respiratory problems, eye disorders, arthritis pain, and emotional difficulties. And for those struggling through menopause and seeking an alternative to hormone replacement therapy, acupuncture could be a viable option. A recent study found that acupuncture can alleviate distressing menopausal symptoms such as night sweats and sleep disturbances. So put down your fan and read more here.