Benefits of Acupuncture
- Relieves pain. Insertion of needles stimulates the nervous system to release analgesic neurotransmitters that reduces pain without side effects.
- Strengthens the immune system. Increases the immune response and can boost NK and T-cell counts.
- Relieves spasms. Direct insertion into skeletal muscle decreases muscle spasms to relieve pain and discomfort. Acupuncture also relaxes smooth muscles to treat a wide variety of internal conditions including abdominal cramps, asthma, painful menstruation, etc.
- Reduces inflammation. Insertion of needles stimulates interleukin cytokines (small proteins that signal cells) for an anti-inflammatory response to alleviate pain and discomfort.
- Neuroprotective Function. Acupuncture regulates serotonin levels to help address psychoemotional concerns such as anxiety or depression. It is also involved in neurotrophin signaling pathways, a growth factor that promotes the survival of neurons.
- Boosts Circulation. Insertion of needles creates micro-traumas that improves blood flow and cellular activity in problem areas to restore the body’s natural healing ability.
About Acupuncture
Acupuncture is among the oldest healing practices in the world for over 3,000 years. It involves the insertion of very fine needles into a specific network of points (called meridians) that span throughout the entire body. The insertion of the needles creates micro-traumas that stimulate a systemic effect to promote the body’s innate healing ability.
Acupuncture needles are sterile, disposable and hair-thin with minimal complications when delivered by a qualified practitioner. The needles are so thin that you can fit up to 20 into a standard hypodermic (injection) needle.
Acupuncture is a complementary medicine, which can be used alone or in conjunction with allopathic or Western Medicine. However, many patients find that their need for prescription medicines or surgery is either decreased or eliminated as they return to health naturally.
Acupuncture comes under the scope of Eastern Medicine which also includes herbal medicine and nutrition, heat therapy (including moxibustion and infrared therapy), cupping, acupressure, and qi gong (meditation exercise utilizing controlled breathing and movements). A typical treatment plan utilizes a combination of various modalities including acupuncture to treat the root cause of many health challenges.
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