An ancient Chinese medicine, Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years to help manage pain and treat several physical, mental, and emotional health issues. The practice involves the insertion of incredibly thin needles into the skin and soft tissue. These needles have a similar thickness to human hair, which is inserted into acupoints. Acupoints are strategic locations in the body that, when triggered, may stimulate the body to release natural chemicals to help with symptoms.
While the thought of inserting needles may seem unnerving to some, many patients find the experience pleasant. While others find it relaxing and don’t even feel the needles.
Today, we’ll explore the benefits of acupuncture and what it can do for your overall health.
Aid in Pain Management
Managing pain is one of the most common uses for acupuncture. Nearly everyone can relate to having to deal with pain. Many causes of chronic pain can be caused by ignoring early symptoms. Though when we think of pain, we usually think of injuries or accidents as a significant cause of pain. Yet pain can manifest in a wide variety of forms, including:
- Muscle Pain
- Back Pain
- Headaches
- Joint Pain
- Muscle Tension
- Dental Pain
- Neck Pain
Pharmaceuticals and other drugs are occasionally prescribed to help mask the symptoms of pain without resolving the main issue. You can avoid the use of addictive drugs with acupuncture.
When the correct acupoints are triggered, the body may release a natural pain-relieving chemical known as endorphins. These endorphins help to mitigate some of the pain your body is dealing with. Additionally, triggering the correct acupoints can help relieve muscle tension or stiffness. This can not only help further manage pain symptoms, but it can also be helpful when recovering. Often, stiffness and muscle tension make it difficult to do proper recovery exercises. Acupuncture can assist as a complementary therapy to chiropractic care or physical therapy.
Improved Sleep Experience
Sleeping is when the body’s muscles and tissue repair and rejuvenate. Sleep is also when your mind can take a break. When your sleep is constantly being disturbed, it can significantly affect your mental health. The inability to have a healthy sleep cycle with good quality rest can significantly affect your mind and body in several ways, including:
- Improved Immune System
- Weight Management
- Lowers Risk of Heart Disease
- Lowers Risk of Diabetes
- Reduces Stress
- Improves Mood
- Improved Mental Clarity
A contributing factor to poor sleep is pain. As previously stated, acupuncture can help manage this. However, acupuncture can aid in mitigating other factors that affect one’s sleep. Acupuncture can be a relaxing experience, and it’s not uncommon for some patients to take a small nap. By promoting relaxation, acupuncture may contribute to better sleep quality.
Stress and anxiety can also influence the ability and quality of sleep. Acupuncture is said to have calming effects on the nervous system. This may help to reduce both stress and anxiety levels in some. This can significantly help you fall asleep sooner and have fewer interruptions when you sleep.
Improved Immune Function
Your immune system is your front line in fighting off pathogens and other viral, fungal, or bacterial infections. Our bodies are incredible at keeping us healthy and safe naturally. Traditional Chinese medicine says that acupuncture may be a factor in holistic well-being by promoting the balance of energy in the body.
It’s been stated that acupuncture may have anti-inflammatory properties, along with the benefits previously stated in this article. When your mind, body, and spirit are balanced, your body doesn’t need to fight to feel good. This allows your immune system to be prepared for any future ailment you may suffer.
Take the Next Step In Improving Your Health by Contacting SOHMA Integrative Medicine
Our goal is to help you improve your health. You can contact us and ask about the Myers Cocktail, IV Therapy, Chiropractic care, or how our other health service lines can help you with your journey to improved health.
Located in Long Beach, CA, we help individuals from the surrounding cities.
We look forward to helping you take the next step in your journey to better health.
