 Source : Daily Mail Ditch the paracetamol and try ACUPUNCTURE: Scientists prove it can rewire the brain and make the body better able to cope with pain.
Acupuncture can be used to relieve pain in sufferers of repetitive strain injuries, new research suggests. Currently patients with carpal tunnel syndrome - common in office workers - undergo physiotherapy or surgery to assist them. It is caused by a nerve in the wrist being squeezed and subsequently alters an area of the brain related to touch, scientists claim. But the new study found the ancient Chinese practice rewires the brain and helps to combat the aching and tingling sensations. Participants were given brain scans after receiving electro-acupuncture - similar to the traditional method but instead uses electricity to generate impulses - on their affected hand. They were also assessed by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers after having the same treatment on their ankle opposite their injured hand. Others received 'sham' acupuncture - where placebo needles were placed near their affected region. While he also noted that the treatment method helps to increase blood flow to the affected areas, known to fight discomfort. However, the sham treatment method could work through the placebo effect, he added. Dr Napadow said: 'Acupuncture is a medical therapy that originated in China several thousand years ago. 'But despite its long history, the intervention itself - particularly when coupled with electrical stimulation - has significant similarities to many conventional therapies. 'A large body of clinical research exploring acupuncture for chronic pain disorders has demonstrated that it may be marginally better than a placebo procedure in reducing pain ratings.' This comes after a report in January claimed that acupuncture could help men with premature ejaculation. Scientists from the University of Sheffield found that Chinese herbal medicine and a Korean topical cream both had significant desirable effects. While a study last month also discovered that acupuncture could stop babies suffering from colic from crying so much. The Swedish researchers noted that the practice could help to reduce the distress of babies with the condition. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-4274898/Ditch-paracetamol-try-ACUPUNCTURE.html#ixzz4aYGd3Cgf Comments are closed.
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