How Does Acupuncture Work and What Does it Treat?
Acupuncture is commonly known as the application of fine needles into the skin, fascia and muscle tissues. But what does it actually do? And why would anybody have it done?
There are a number of ways that acupuncture works. Here are a few of them:
Nerve Stimulation: Needles inserted into the body trigger a chain reaction through the nervous system. This chain travels all the way up and signals the brain to release neural hormones such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine, the body’s natural pain killers. Some studies suggest that stimulating the nerves with acupuncture needles can ultimately open up the opioid receptors in the brain to become more available to these natural pain killers.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The acupuncturist creates a controlled “micro-trauma” to the affected area with the acupuncture needle. This minor and contained injury produces a rush of inflammatory proteins to the injured area which helps to fight infection and heal any (internal or external) wounds.
Improves Blood Circulation: Areas that, for many possible reasons, develop restricted blood flow are going to be slower to heal. Acupuncture is a safe, effective way of getting blood to move through those “thirsty” tissues.
Relaxes the Central Nervous System: It can be all too easy to become caught up in the stress of daily life and find ourselves in a loop of “fight or flight” responses. Anxiety, depression, overwhelm, anger are all common emotional responses to this and can keep our bodies from performing their own healing abilities. Settling into an acupuncture session can offer you a chance to relax and let your body calm down into the “rest and digest” state – where it really has a chance to restore balance and heal itself.
Conditions that Acupuncture can be helpful for:
Neurological & Muscular: Headaches, Migraines, Neck Pain, Back Pain, Sciatica, Sports injuries, Frozen Shoulder, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Neuralgia, Bursitis, TMJ, Post-Stroke, Facial Paralysis, Peripheral Neuropathy,
Gynecological: Menstrual Problems, PMS, Infertility, Menopausal Problems, Morning Sickness, Delayed Labor, Uterine Fibroids, PCOS, and Mastitis
Men’s Health: Prostate Health, Sexual Dysfunction, Fertility
Gastrointestinal: Gastritis, Heartburn, Colitis, Ulcers, Diarrhea, Constipation, Nausea & Vomiting
Stress/Mental Health: Insomnia, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and Hypertension
Ear, Nose and Throat: Sinusitis, Rhinitis, Seasonal Allergies, Asthma, colds/flu
Supportive Care for Cancer Treatment: Nausea & Vomiting, Fatigue, Dry Mouth, Lack of Appetite, Hot Flashes, Peripheral Neuropathy Constipation, and Joint & Muscle Pain
Wondering if acupuncture may be right for you? Contact us at NE Wellness and we’ll be happy to answer any questions!