Bone density starts losing from about 35 years of age. Women lose bone rapidly in the first few years after the menopause. Losing bone is a normal part of the ageing process, but for some people it can lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures. Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. This is a common condition that affects around three million people in the UK. More than 300,000 people receive hospital treatment for fragility fractures every year as a result of osteoporosis. The most common type of breaks that affect people with osteoporosis is wrist fracture, hip fracture and fracture in the bones in the spine. Osteoporosis is commonly no sign until a bone is fractured after a minor falls.
Do you know that acupuncture can help improving osteoporosis and increasing bone density? A research study has shown that 12 weeks acupuncture plus tuina regulate the lumbar biomechanical structure through the positive stress stimulation and reconstruct the mechanical equilibrium of the lumbar vertebra. This study suggested that acupuncture plays the active significance in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Other studies have shown that the bone mineral density of lumbar vertebrae and femur in acupuncture treatment group increased obviously than that before treatment in men and in post menopausal women. The mechanism is that acupuncture increases circulation and improves bone mineral density.References
Wang et al Zhongguo Zhen Jiu (2012) 32:685-8
Qu-Yang G et al Zhongguo Zhen Jiu (2011) 31:23-5
Qu-Yang G et al J Tradit Chin Med (2002) 22:9-11
