What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment that uses needles to stimulate points on the body. It’s commonly used to alleviate pain and other health conditions.

Acupuncture helps alleviate pain by rebalancing the energy flow through your body (qi). It may also reduce stress and promote restful sleep.

1. Relieves Pain

Acupuncture has been used for millennia as a treatment to alleviate pain in various ways. It’s widely considered a safe and effective alternative to prescription medications for various health issues.

Acupuncturists use needles to stimulate specific points on the body, known as acupuncture “acupoints,” that may help alleviate pain by releasing endorphins. Furthermore, these treatments have the potential to influence serotonin production in the brain – a chemical which has been known to boost moods.

Another way acupuncture reduces pain is through inflammation. Studies have demonstrated that it increases blood circulation and boosts immune function, both of which may alleviate chronic discomfort and inflammation.

Many people who receive acupuncture treatment for pain report an 80% reduction in their symptoms after just one session, according to Eric Kempisty, MD, an acupuncture specialist and founder of California Acupuncture Associates in Los Angeles. This can lead to a greater sense of overall well-being.

Finding an experienced acupuncturist with expertise in treating various illnesses is the best approach. They’ll be able to craft a tailored plan for you that includes multiple sessions.

In addition to relieving pain, acupuncture can also be used for other issues like anxiety and insomnia. In fact, studies have even discovered that it may be effective at treating conditions medical doctors don’t recognize, like autoimmune disorders and nausea after cancer treatments.

2. Reduces Stress

Stress is any thought, feeling or belief that causes the brain to feel threatened. This includes work stress, money worries, relationship struggles and many other emotions and sensations which may be difficult for individuals to manage.

Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our health, such as headaches, muscle pain, fatigue, insomnia and digestive issues. Fortunately, there are numerous holistic treatments available to reduce stress and lead a healthier lifestyle.

Acupuncture reduces stress by improving the circulation of blood throughout your body. This oxygenates tissues and flushes out unwanted chemicals like cortisol that can lead to unnecessary tension.

It also releases endorphins which naturally reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Thus, this makes for a great alternative to medication since it’s safe and without any negative side effects.

Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help reduce stress and promote overall wellbeing. It forms part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). When receiving treatment from an acupuncturist, other healing modalities like cupping, moxibustion or guasha may also be employed.

3. Improves Sleep

Acupuncture may provide relief to people suffering from sleep issues, such as insomnia. It also has the potential to benefit those with conditions that can contribute to these issues, like obstructive sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome.

Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can improve symptoms of insomnia, such as how quickly you fall asleep and for how long. Additionally, it reduces the amount of time spent awake during REM sleep.

Even better, taking vitamin B6 can improve how you feel in the morning. It increases serotonin levels and decreases cortisol, a hormone produced during stress. These modifications make you feel calmer which is especially helpful when trying to sleep better.

Before considering whether acupuncture is right for you, consult your primary care doctor. They can suggest a reliable acupuncturist who can administer the treatment and answer any queries that arise about it.

Typically, you can begin with 2 or 3 sessions per week and gradually reduce them as your symptoms improve. Your acupuncturist will customize your treatment plan according to individual needs.

If you struggle with chronic insomnia, multiple sessions may be necessary in order to see results. Your acupuncturist can also work with you on creating a daily routine that promotes better sleep – for instance, doing some meditation before bed will promote deeper levels of slumber.

4. Reduces Allergies

If you’re suffering from seasonal allergies and over-the-counter antihistamines aren’t providing you with relief, acupuncture may be the solution. Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting very fine needles into specific points on your body for pain relief and relaxation.

Acupuncture works by restoring your energy flow, or qi, which travels throughout your body along meridians. When this qi imbalance occurs, you may experience a range of health issues.

Acupuncture can not only treat allergies, but it may also relieve other health conditions like back pain and headaches. During an acupuncture session, your therapist will insert very fine needles into various points on your body which are believed to be connected to different meridians.

If you’re considering trying acupuncture for your allergies, consult with a medical professional about its safety and how to locate an accredited acupuncturist in your area. Usually, one or more sessions will provide long-lasting relief from symptoms.

5. Helps You Quit Smoking

One of the best methods for quitting smoking is through acupuncture. Not only does it help control cravings, but it can also prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice that utilizes needles to stimulate specific points on the body. It’s commonly used for pain management and other illnesses, but can also aid people in quitting smoking habits.

It has the power to reduce smoking cravings and ease physical symptoms associated with quitting due to its ability to regulate your body’s energy flow, or qi. Furthermore, it promotes relaxation, reduces stress and anxiety symptoms, as well as irritability or restlessness.

Additionally, acupuncture can strengthen and purge your lungs from smoking. Smoking has been known to lead to numerous health issues such as lung cancer, emphysema and chronic cough.

For optimal effectiveness, acupuncture must be administered by a trained practitioner who understands the principles behind this treatment. Your practitioner will complete an extensive intake and health history review to identify which areas of your body may need additional attention.

Once your acupuncturist has identified what’s ailing you, they will use needles to stimulate acupuncture points on your body. You should begin feeling the effects of their treatment within a few sessions, but more may be needed depending on how quickly your body responds and how long you’ve been smoking. The number of treatments needed depends on both individual responses to treatment and how long you’ve been smoking.

6. Reduces Repetitive Stress Injuries

Acupuncture is well known for its ability to reduce pain, but what many people don’t realize is that it also assists with other health conditions. For instance, repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome can be alleviated through acupuncture.

These conditions can be caused by a number of things, including overuse, strain and awkward positions. Computer work is one of the most frequent culprits but other jobs that require repetitive movements or place pressure on specific parts of the body may also contribute.

Chinese medicine explains that these issues arise when blood and qi (energy) become blocked. According to this view, good health requires both substances to flow freely through our bodies.

When blood vessels become blocked, tissues and muscles do not receive the oxygen and nutrients they require. This can cause inflammation and, eventually, pain.

Acupuncture can help with this by increasing circulation in the area and stimulating the release of natural painkillers within your body. This may reduce symptoms and aid in recovery time.

Acupuncture can also assist in relieving blood stasis, which occurs when old blood remains stuck in tissue. By improving microcirculation, acupuncture helps speed the removal of this debris and brings in fresh blood to repair any damage done. This is especially useful for repetitive strain injuries where tendons and tendon sheaths often don’t have naturally strong blood supplies.