Benefits of Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine
There are many benefits of acupuncture. According to the CDC, an estimated 50 million American adults suffer from chronic pain. Traditional Chinese medicine is often turned to as a form of management. These approaches look to tackle the issue at the source and achieve an overall state of well-being. One of these approaches is acupuncture which uses tiny steel needles that are inserted into the skin. Each one impacts the flow of energy to help achieve a balance of Qi. This helps prevent illness rather than treat it after onset.
Our team of acupuncturists is often asked about the benefit of acupuncture and Eastern medicine. During an initial consultation, we like to walk through all of these options. We know you have some burning questions about how things work as you search the internet for answers. We answered just a few we often receive, just for you.
Acupuncture originated as a traditional eastern medicine, but differs from the western approach. How so?
Acupuncture did originate as a traditional Chinese medicine more than 2,000 years ago. It has since expanded and taken on various forms, including a western approach. The Western approach to medicine is more of a symptom relief whereas Eastern medicine finds the root and looks to prevent issues before they happen. This allows the body to maintain its own wellbeing.
So how does eastern acupuncture differ from western?
The western approach is much newer and has more of a science foundation as compared to Eastern acupuncture. With the eastern approach, the needles are said to stimulate the flow of energy. Western is more neurological-focused. With western, practitioners believe the needles stimulate nerves, which in turn signal the brain to release chemicals. These chemicals, in turn, make you feel better.
Can you tell me more about traditional Chinese medicine?
Sure! Understanding traditional Chinese medicine helps us understand the benefit of acupuncture. As we mentioned, this approach believes in achieving Qi, a force that must be balanced and flowing. When the flow is blocked, we experience illness. Acupuncture is not the only option. According to Johns Hopkins, traditional Chinese medicine also includes techniques such as cupping and the use of various herbs.
Can you break down some general acupuncture benefits?
Let’s start with a quick background on how it works. There are believed to be more than 1,000 points on the body that acupuncturists target. We mentioned quickly but as with other Eastern medicine practices, acupuncture seeks to find the problem at the source. This is before the problem even persists. Acupuncture has the entire body in mind, as compared to treating just one part of the whole. With this approach, the body achieves a state of harmony and balance between mind, body and spirit.
What are some health benefits of acupuncture?
Although often looked to manage chronic pain, the benefit of acupuncture goes well beyond that. There have also been links to improving various other medical conditions. Some turn to acupuncture to help stop smoking or other addictions, cope with allergies or anxiety and even lose weight. Some look to manage morning sickness, and even muscle sprains. Many athletes do turn to acupuncture as a part of injury recovery. The possibilities are different for everyone.
What are the top 10 benefits of acupuncture you have seen?
Acupuncture has been tied to headache relief, reducing inflammation and improving sleep conditions. It is also related to supporting and enhancing the body’s systems. These include the immune system, fertility and menstrual cramps in the reproductive system, blood pressure in the circulatory system, and digestion. Relieving pain can lead to an overall mood change and rise in energy.
What is acupuncture good for?
There are many benefits of acupuncture, even for those who have tried other forms of pain management. This often includes physical therapy, prescribed medicine and even surgery. Some turn to acupuncture to avoid these alternative treatments. While pain is the main focus of concern, pain often leads to other issues which can improve upon treatment. These include stress, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, depression and more.
How do I find an acupuncture clinic that works for me?
Your health is important and should not be taken lightly. When it comes to finding an acupuncture clinic, choose one that offers the services you need. This ranges from hours of operation to cost. While insurance can cover sessions, there are affordable options if that is not a possibility. These include community acupuncture. Community acupuncture is more of a group-style session compared to a one-one-one set up. Privacy is still respected, but the combined nature allows others to be treated simultaneously. A more affordable price can be offered for those looking to explore this option. Finding a friendly, certified and knowledgeable staff and convenient location is also key in deciding.
Does acupuncture hurt?
We get asked this all the time, and rightfully so! Acupuncture involves using small steel needles. While the needles are tiny and thin, you might feel a slight pinch as the needle is inserted. However, many report not feeling anything at all. Electroacupuncture involves a faint electrical current that helps stimulate flow through the needles during treatment. Similarly, while you might feel the point of insertion, pain and discomfort are typically minimal if at all.
Are there any side effects of acupuncture?
Most patients feel better following Eastern medicine and acupuncture, but as with any medical treatment, there is the risk of side effects. Some do experience slight bruising at the site of insertion. If you do feel numbness or extreme pain during a session, or faint at the site of needles, let your acupuncturist know. With any service that uses needles such as tattoos or piercings, cleanliness is of the utmost importance. At Acumantras, we use single-use needles to help combat cross contamination.
You asked, and we answered, but we know you probably have a few more questions. We would love to chat to discuss more about your specific treatments and concerns. Give our team a call today at (954) 408-8224 or connect with us on Instagram or Facebook. You can visit our website to learn more about the AcuMantras team and our studio. We are conveniently located in Plantation, serving all of South Florida. We can’t wait to help you feel great!
But wait, there’s more! Check out these resources.
Want to be a part of the AcuMantras family? Learn more about our internships, fellowships and residencies.
Find out more about our classes and programs.
Read up on bio med literature with PubMed.