Acupuncture is an ancient practice still being used thousands of years later to treat conditions throughout the body. While it may seem like an odd treatment for most in the modern world, having many tiny needles stuck in different parts of the body, it is gaining traction in the health field due to its effectiveness in reducing stress, managing pain, and promoting overall well-being in those who receive this therapy.
The stigma around acupuncture
Acupuncture has always had a stigma surrounding it due to the way it is administered. No one likes being stuck with needles, right? However, the history and use behind this treatment may make you want to think again. Some Western medical professionals are often hesitant to endorse acupuncture as a treatment for body pain and other health issues. While some studies have shown it creates a placebo effect, others show it is an effective way to combat many health issues throughout the body.
When it comes to acupuncture, it can be difficult to wrap your head around as a patient. For instance, you come into your doctor’s office with back pain. The stretches and exercises aren’t working. They tell you to try acupuncture. As a patient, you may think, “I’m not getting stuck with needles. How is that going to work?” Once you understand how these tiny needles can provide comfort and help not only your pain but also your way of life, it will transform your thinking about how your body works and this treatment can give you a happier and healthier life.
Benefits of Acupuncture:
When it comes to acupuncture, despite the stigma, many benefits are provided by this treatment. Here are a few ways acupuncture can help.
Pain relief from Acupuncture:
One of the most beneficial ways acupuncture helps patients is with pain relief. Whether it is sciatica, shoulder pain, or arthritis, acupuncture offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to pain management. Acupuncture stimulates specific points in the body that release endorphins and help reduce inflammation, making it a perfect treatment for many joint and muscular pain types. Acupuncture can even help with blood flow, which will help heal damaged areas of the body and reduce stiffness in joints and muscles throughout the body.
Acupuncture assists in Stress reduction/sleep improvement
Acupuncture has been shown to help reduce stress and help people sleep throughout the night. Stress is a leading issue in many individuals that causes a variety of health issues, from insomnia, headaches, weight gain, and even stroke. Acupuncture can help counteract these health issues by calming the nervous system. When placed correctly, these few needles will promote relaxation, reduce cortisol levels, and encourage the release of natural chemicals like serotonin and melatonin in the body. As your body releases these natural chemicals, it will help your body relax and fall into a better and more natural sleep. Along with helping with sleep, acupuncture may also help you create a more balanced state of mind by providing better sleep over a certain amount of time.
Menstrual pain relief from Acupuncture
For many women experiencing menstrual pain, cramps, and other issues like bloating, irritability, and headaches, acupuncture is a viable option. Acupuncture helps with blood flow to the pelvic region, reducing cramping severity. It may also help balance out hormones, reducing the discomfort of those cramps. Acupuncture also has anti-inflammatory abilities that will help center on the cause of period pains, which makes it an effective and more natural way to combat those feelings, allowing women to stay away from drug treatments.
Acupuncture offers a wide variety of health benefits, including reducing stress, improving sleep, managing pain, and relieving menstrual discomfort. Despite the stigma surrounding acupuncture, its effectiveness in helping people is becoming recognized in larger circles of the health community. As more people are turning to holistic methods for pain relief and treatment, acupuncture is continually at the top of the list when it comes to helping many ailments as a safe and natural alternative to modern medicine.
Author:
Dr. Shiffler, a Naturopathic Medical Doctor at Be Well Medical Primary Care in Chandler, Arizona is a graduate of the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, now known as Sonoran University, and specializes in holistic, integrative, and personalized care to meet her patient’s health concerns.
