Acupuncture and Neuroprotection: Does Long-term Acupuncture Damage Nerves?
A few days ago, my neighbor, Old Wang, suddenly came to me. He was suffering from severe cervical spondylosis and had tried various methods without significant results. After hearing me mention acupuncture, he quickly asked, “Xiao Zhang, do you think I can relieve my cervical spondylosis with acupuncture? It won’t really damage my nerves, will it?” I smiled and patted his shoulder, saying, “Old Wang, don’t worry. Acupuncture can be a bit painful, but generally, it won’t damage the nerves.”
I remember it was on a Wednesday when I performed acupuncture on Old Wang at a small clinic in XX. He was indeed a bit nervous, as he was somewhat afraid of acupuncture. But I told him that it had nothing to do with the nerves; it mainly stimulates acupuncture points to regulate the flow of Qi and blood in the body. Just like when we catch a cold, drinking more water and resting will help the body recover naturally.
After my explanation, Old Wang felt much more at ease. He said, “I had heard some rumors about acupuncture, saying that some people experience pain or numbness after treatment, so I was a bit worried.” I explained that these symptoms are actually due to acupuncture stimulating certain sensitive nerve endings, causing temporary pain or numbness. However, this does not mean that acupuncture damages the nerves; it is a normal reaction to acupuncture.
I also told Old Wang that the principles of acupuncture are aligned with TCM theory. Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes the balance of Yin and Yang, and acupuncture is used to adjust this balance to treat diseases. It’s like when you feel uncomfortable after being in an air-conditioned room for too long; opening a window to ventilate and adjusting the temperature makes you feel better. Acupuncture works similarly by stimulating acupuncture points to adjust the body’s Yin and Yang balance, achieving therapeutic effects.
Of course, not everyone is suitable for acupuncture. Some individuals may have special constitutions that make them sensitive to acupuncture, potentially leading to some discomfort. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor before undergoing acupuncture treatment to see if it is appropriate for you.
I also remember a time when I visited a friend’s house, and he was sweating profusely due to a stomach ailment. I treated him with acupuncture, and after about ten minutes, his stomach pain significantly alleviated. The friends present were amazed by the miraculous effects of acupuncture.
However, while acupuncture has excellent therapeutic effects, there are also some precautions to consider. For example, cupping should not be done too frequently, and the diet should be light and easy to digest, avoiding raw, cold, and spicy foods. These measures are to ensure the effectiveness of acupuncture while also protecting the body’s health.
After hearing this, Old Wang thoughtfully said, “I didn’t realize there was so much knowledge behind acupuncture. I will definitely learn more about it in the future.” I nodded and smiled, saying, “That’s right, Old Wang. Acupuncture is a profound TCM skill that requires continuous learning and practice to master.”
I wanted to share a few more things with him: “Old Wang, did you know that acupuncture can not only help relieve the pain from cervical spondylosis but also improve sleep quality and boost immunity?” Old Wang was very interested and replied, “Really? That’s great! I will try acupuncture often to see if it can help my cervical spondylosis.”
Besides cervical spondylosis, I also shared some other applications of acupuncture with Old Wang. For instance, some people with severe insomnia can adjust their biological clock through acupuncture to improve sleep; others with chronic fatigue syndrome can alleviate fatigue and enhance their quality of life through acupuncture.
I told him that acupuncture does not require complicated equipment or high technical skills; just find a qualified clinic and an experienced TCM doctor. Of course, when choosing acupuncture treatment, it is essential to select a legitimate medical institution and qualified doctors to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
After my introduction, Old Wang was very happy: “Xiao Zhang, thank you for sharing so much knowledge about acupuncture. I now have a deeper understanding of it and feel more confident to try it out.” I smiled and patted his shoulder, saying, “Old Wang, no need to be polite. Acupuncture is like a key that can unlock the self-healing door within the body. As long as you believe in it and persist, you will definitely reap unexpected benefits.”
I wanted to share some small stories about acupuncture. Once, I went to a small town to promote acupuncture services, and the local residents welcomed it warmly. An elderly lady, who had suffered from chronic back pain and had difficulty walking, felt much relief after I treated her with a few needles. She praised acupuncture and said she was no longer afraid of pain.
Another time, I taught an acupuncture class at a university. A student who was usually weak and often caught colds learned a few simple acupoint massage techniques from me. I told him to persist in massaging these points daily to help strengthen his constitution and prevent colds. Later, he told me that since learning these methods, he had noticeably become much stronger.
Through these stories and cases, I want to convey that acupuncture is indeed a magical TCM skill that can bring us health and comfort. However, while enjoying the benefits of acupuncture, we must also pay attention to certain precautions and methods to better utilize its effects.
I want to ask everyone: “Have you ever tried acupuncture? What are your thoughts and suggestions about it?” Feel free to share your experiences and ideas in the comments! Let’s discuss this ancient and magical TCM skill together!
