VietNamNet Bridge – Acupuncture which dates back more than two thousands years in Asia, continues to have a positive impact on patient’s lives. Vietnam is considered one of the world’s leading countries when it comes to acupuncture treatment.

Illustrative image -- File photo

Western medicine and skepticism regarding its usefulness have left alternative medicine in a disarrayed state. Many patients who swear that it has affected them in a positive way but the jury is still out whether it can make any practical long-standing contribution to a patient who is suffering from an illness that western medicine can only cure.

It’s hard to argue with results, and with one particular form of therapy.

However, it’s hard to argue with results, and in one particular form of therapy. Acupuncture, which dates back more than two thousands years in Asia, continues to have an identifiably positive impact on patient’s lives.

Vietnam is considered one of the world’s leading countries when it comes to acupuncture treatment, and is spreading its joy around the world and at home.

Vietnam Therapy Heads North

Traditional Vietnam acupuncture is having a positive impact all over the world, and especially in Russia. The Vietnam Centre for Acupuncture, located in Moscow, is led by Russian and Vietnamese experts in the field. At the 500 square metre center, patients receive acupuncture treatment the traditional way, but in a modern, high quality environment.

It is just one of many motions between Russia and Vietnam that have developed in recent years, which aim to introduce local cultures and practices into each other’s country. Today, there are 63 provinces and cities across Russia that are home to advanced acupuncture practices.

Bringing the traditional medicine into the 21st century has been an important step in making the the practice more accepted by advanced nations, who are able to feel the benefits while also demystifying the practice, receiving their treatment in a clinical and highly professional setting.

Acupuncture at Home

The benefits of acupuncture treatment also continue to be evident at home too, with Vietnam continuing to lead the way in the alternative medicine realm. Seemingly miraculous stories have been heard from people whose lives have been dramatically improved after receiving treatment.

Nguyen Van Minh is one. After a stroke had left him paralysed, Van Minh turned to acupuncture to see if it would work. It did. Treatment soon had an effect, and he was able to walk with the aid of crutches. After continuing treatment he can now walk on his own, with the aid of just a weekly acupuncture treatment and some home exercise.

The treatment is also making a big impact on children’s lives, too - with illnesses ranging from autism, asthma, and cerebral palsy, among others, all having their symptoms reduced with treatment. The evidence is in the stats - the numbers of children who refused to play with others has reduced by a large number, as has the number of children who couldn’t identify parts of their body.

Something about acupuncture, whatever it is, is working - and all at a low cost and without lengthy treatment times; sessions typically last from just 30 minutes to an hour, a couple of times a week.  

So how does it work?

Acupuncture works by inserting needles into the body, specifically at points that need stimulating to alleviate pain. These needles help a flow of energy called chi, which relaxed the body and restores its equilibrium. Best of all - the needles don’t hurt when they’re entered into the skin, or when they’re in.

You’ll see an acupuncture patient with dozens of needles stuck in their body, but they’ll only be feeling good.

The treatment is, partially, concerned with unseen forces (chi), which has made it difficult to sell to the more rational and science orientated western countries, but it definitely has its place in the world, and can be used to treat a whole list of medical problems, including: arthritis, drug addiction, migraines, pain, high blood pressure, skin problems

And that’s a grossly condensed list. While acupuncture isn’t a miracle worker - the list of what it can’t help with is long - it’s an excellent addition to regular medicine, and used effectively can alleviate symptoms and dramatically improve a person's lifestyle.

Regrettably, the treatment doesn’t work for everybody, but for those that do feel its benefits, acupuncture is a gift.

The next time you find that traditional medicine is getting you nowhere, try acupuncture and see if it helps - you never know, it just might.

Gemma Waverley

VOV