Acupuncture for pain management

Acupuncture is a unique form of treatment for pain management that have been around for over 5,000 years, and it originated in China. It is recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1979 and is used in 120 countries. It is effective for 103 physical problems including insomnia, stress, migraines, depression, back pain, sciatica, arthritis, sports injuries, etc. It heals 90 percent of a person's body and works like magic to fix chronic pain.

According to acupuncture science, the human body has numerous channels or meridians where acupuncture points are located, and biological energy flows through this channel.

A balance of this 'qi' or 'Chi' is essential to stay healthy, and when the flow of 'qi' is obstructed or imbalanced for any reason, the immunity decreases. The human body can resist all diseases, but if there is an imbalance, people are affected by various diseases.

During acupuncture, the flow of 'qi' is activated by inserting needles into certain obstructed meridian points, and the nerves in the brain are stimulated, blood circulation and oxygen supply increase, and the brain is stimulated to release pain-killing chemicals.

In the 1970s, scientists identified endorphins, chemicals that help relieve pain, and acupuncture increases the secretion of these endorphins or creates a flow of endorphins by channeling the obstructed 'qi' flow of meridians. This procedure is almost painless, performed with the skill and experience of an acupuncturist physician. It is one of those treatment methods that have no uses for medicines, steroids, painkillers, injections and surgery.

Dr S M Shahidul Islam is one of the pioneers who has contributed to the spread of acupuncture in Bangladesh, treating thousands of patients for wellness at SUO XI Hospital located at Shantinagar Crossroads. He is a master craftsman in acupuncture treatment and cure in Bangladesh. He has also written about 18 research papers in different journals on the modernisation of acupuncture, and some research papers are in the pipeline.