Acupuncture is growing in popularity as more and more Americans seek other ways to improve their health. This holistic health technique originated from Traditional Chinese Medicine practices. Acupuncture is a complimentary heath option that has evolved from its roots in China to the practice we see today. It is commonly used to treat a variety of illnesses, disease, pain, and stress.
We, here at Epic Healthcare in Highland Village, Texas want to ensure that your acupuncture experience is positive. We have highly trained professionals ready to provide you with the care you need. There are many ways that acupuncture can improve your health. We’ve compiled the most common reasons that our patients request our treatment.
Acupuncture Therapy for Pain Treatment
Acupuncture therapy is used to treat several kinds of pain. Headaches, migraines, chronic pain in the back, neck, and knees, and even pain from arthritis are commonly treated. Many people who either wish to avoid medications and surgery seek out acupuncturists for relief. Some people seek out alternative medicine because traditional medicine has been ineffective for them. Whatever the reason, acupuncture offers a viable alternative to those who are seeking pain relief.
There have been several studies about the use of acupuncture for the treatment for chronic headaches and migraines. These studies reviewed several clinical trials showing the effects of the therapy. The group that had the true therapy experienced decreases in the number of headache days as well as the intensity of the pain. Those that had placebo therapy did not experience the same benefits.
Acupuncturists are well known for being able to reduce or eliminate back, neck, knee, shoulder, and arthritic pain. Studies have shown that there is a significant difference in pain level for patients who undergo 8 weeks of therapy versus those who don’t. The study involved over 17,000 individuals and proves that acupuncture is very effective for the treatment of pain.
Acupuncture and Mental Health
Acupuncturists have also helped many people who suffer from ailments such as cognitive decline and insomnia. New research is indicating that it may be a viable treatment option for those who suffer from Parkinson’s disease. The study is showing that acupuncture can help relieve cognitive decline symptoms related to age. This is because the stimulation generates neural responses in the areas of the brain that are affected by Parkinson’s disease. A small study done by the University Of Maryland School Of Medicine reported improvements in 85 percent of patients. Improvements helped with tremors, walking, pain, sleep, depression, anxiety, and even handwriting.
A large study on the effects of acupuncture for people suffering from insomnia also showed a reduction in symptoms. The results were significant when compared to those who had no treatment. The study focused on individuals who added the therapy to their current treatment regimen. The benefits of acupuncture are far better than those of sleep medications as there are no adverse side effects to the therapy.
Acupuncture and Other Health Conditions
Another set of studies has proven that treatment from a trained acupuncturist can reduce recovery time following cancer treatment. The therapy has shown to boost immunity while speeding up recovery. This is due to increased platelet count. The therapy also reduces the decrease in healthy cells post radiation or chemotherapy. In additions, patients reported that they experienced less pain from their treatments and had a general improvement in their quality of life.
Acupuncture is also a great treatment option for women who experience stress, anxiety, and pain throughout pregnancy and during labor. Pregnancy greatly limits the types and strengths of medications that women can take. Some women choose not to take any medications during their pregnancy. This makes this alternative treatment option a great solution to ease both the physical and emotional strain. After the baby is born, it can also help with physical and mental symptoms including depression or mood problems.
It is very important that if you’re thinking of acupuncture as cancer treatment or for pregnancy that you find someone experienced in these areas.
The Acupuncture Experience
When visiting an acupuncturist you’ll talk about the goals you have for your health. After an exam, the acupuncturist will use sterile, disposable needles placed at specific points on your body. Most people notice no discomfort because the needles are so thin. They leave the needles in for a short period of time. The acupuncturist then removes the needles, advises you to drink plenty of water, and go about your day.
Acupuncture is deemed a safe practice when performed by trained, experienced professionals. There do not seem to be any complications or side effects that result from the therapy. The safe practice in combination with the lack of side effects makes it a desirable treatment option for many people.