ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine in which practitioners insert very thin needles into specific acupuncture points of the body. The body is thought to have over 1000 acupuncture points, each of which provides certain benefits through acupuncture. Traditional Chinese medicine describes acupuncture as a way to stimulate the flow of energy or life force, known as qi (pronounced chi), through the meridians or pathways of the body.
In acupuncture, an acupuncturist will insert sterile, hair-thin, one-time-use needles in strategic acupuncture points around a patient’s body. These needles will be inserted at varying depths depending on the condition of the patient and which acupuncture points are being used. These needles will stay inserted for 30 minutes on average before being removed
What Does Acupuncture Do?
In traditional Chinese medicine, the positive effects of acupuncture are thought to be due to helping reestablish the flow of energy (qi or chi) in the body along the pathways of the body.
Some Western medical practitioners believe that acupuncture works by stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissues to release endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. It is also thought that acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system to release chemicals that can influence blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and calm the brain.
Acupuncture is used in general to help aid in pain relief or to help offer healing benefits to individuals experiencing certain conditions such as nausea, depression or anxiety, insomnia, and more.
After an acupuncture treatment, individuals may experience improved sleep, better mental clarity, improved digestion, and decreased stress. In addition, individuals may experience temporary relief from headaches or nausea, muscle or joint pain.
Acupuncture plays a critical role in women’s health, helping to stabilize and balance hormones. For this reason, acupuncture is often a part of hormone balancing protocols for endometriosis, PCOS, estrogen dominance and thyroid support.
Acupuncture also regulates the nervous system, helping to lower anxiety, stress and cortisol surges. For many patients, acupuncture is key in helping with many anxiety- and stress based symptoms, including insomnia, repetitive thoughts, a racing heart, or general agitation.
Based on the premise of interconnected systems, acupuncture is regularly used as an integrative treatment in functional, holistic medicine. The entire Chinese medicine system of diagnosis and treatment fits neatly into integrative and functional models of medicine that are designed to get at the root of the issue and connect the dots between emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental health.
What Conditions can be Treated with Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is used as a treatment for several different conditions, including chronic pain, depression or anxiety, headaches, and more. However, it is also used in some cases to promote overall wellbeing.
Common uses for acupuncture include:
• Hormone balance
• Immunity
• Nausea, especially from chemotherapy or postoperative nausea
• Headaches or migraines
• Lower back pain
• Women’s wellness
• Neck pain
• Chronic pain
• Arthritis
• Anxiety & depression
• Insomnia
• Sinus congestion
• Digestive health
• Stress
• Weight management
• Infertility
• Post-operative dental pain
How Acupuncture Works
In Chinese medicine, the idea of how acupuncture works is based on a belief that disease is caused by disruptions to the flow of energy, or qi, in the body. The body is thought to have over 1,000 acupuncture points on and under the skin. By inserting a thin acupuncture needle into the skin, many traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the acupuncture point is stimulated, releasing the blocked energy.
In Western medicine, there are multiple hypotheses for the experienced effects of acupuncture. Some acupuncturists describe how acupuncture works in terms of biochemical pathways and nerve stimulation.
One hypothesis is that by stimulating nerves by putting needles in certain acupuncture points, the brain releases neural hormones such as endorphins that create feelings of euphoria and can reduce perceived pain.
Another hypothesis is that some acupuncture points decreases pro-inflammatory markers such as TNF and IL-1β. This decreases inflammation and reduces pain. One popular acupuncture point for this is below the knee (known as stomach 36). This point is frequently used not only for inflammation anywhere in the body but also for increasing energy and boosting the immune system.
What to Expect from an Acupuncture Appointment
When you first arrive at your acupuncture appointment, you can expect your acupuncturist to ask questions about your current condition as well as any medications you are taking. This helps them identify which acupuncture points may be at best use for your treatment and to identify any contraindications.
You will be placed in a comfortable sitting or lying position that allows you to rest while allowing your acupuncturist to access the necessary acupuncture points. In many cases, this can be done clothed. Some acupuncture points, such as your back, may require some clothing adjustments or use of a gown.
Your acupuncturist will then insert acupuncture needles into the predetermined acupuncture points. These needles are very fine and, in many cases, cannot be felt at all. In some cases, you may feel a pinch or a heavy sensation. This heaviness is thought to be the energy and blood coming to the needle.
The needles are left in for about 30 minutes then are removed and disposed of.
Finally, your acupuncture therapist will advise you on how to best maximize your effects from your acupuncture treatment and how to maintain continued healing.
