Acupuncture is a great alternative treatment option for those suffering from many different conditions. Some people seek out treatment as a way to avoid the medications and surgeries that often accompany traditional medicine. Others may find themselves considering acupuncture after traditional medicine has failed to give them the results that they long for. No matter what brings you down this path, the experts at Epic Healthcare in Highland Village, Texas are here to answer any questions you might have.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of medicine that originated in China. It is used to treat dozens of physical and mental conditions. It is also common to find people using it as a form of preventative medicine. During acupuncture treatment, very thin needles are inserted into your skin at very specific points on your body. The goal is to bring balance to the flow of energy in your body. Traditional acupuncturists believe that ailments and illnesses are caused by blockages. These blockages throw your energy out of balance and create problems.
In western culture it’s more common that practitioners view acupuncture slightly different. Rather than referring to energy or life force, they say that the needles stimulate areas throughout the body. By engaging specific nerves, connective tissue, and muscles, they can create the desired effect for your condition. Research has shown that the needles help to increase pain threshold as well as blood flow to the area. Increased blood flow aides in healing, which is why acupuncture is so common in the treatment of pain.
Physical Conditions Treated Using Acupuncture
While people seek out acupuncturists for many reasons, one of the main conditions that they treat is pain. Studies have shown that those who had acupuncture treatment reported improvement related to several conditions. They said they had reduced pain associated with arthritis, chronic neck, back, knee, and shoulder pain. It has even been reported that acupuncture can help improve carpal tunnel syndrome as well as sciatica.
People with ongoing medical conditions have also sought out treatment when traditional medicine not been effective. Some people with unexplained chronic headaches and migraines get relief through acupuncture. Others experiencing tendinitis, muscle spasms, shingles, Bell’s palsy, and even Cerebral Palsy have all reported improvements.
Acupuncturists also see clients commonly for ear, nose, and throat disorders. Seasonal conditions such as sinusitis, hay fever, earaches, and allergies are also treated. Some have even reported treating people with nerve deafness, ringing in the ears, poor eyesight, and dizziness.
It’s also not uncommon for individuals suffering from circulatory disorders to seek out the benefits of acupuncture. Some studies have shown that high blood pressure can be treated by an acupuncturist. Acupuncture has shown to be quite effective in treating high blood pressure when used in combination with medication. Other circulatory disorders commonly treated include arteriosclerosis, anemia, and angina pectoris.
Other Conditions Treated using Acupuncture
In addition to many of the physical conditions listed above, many people seek out treatment for mental conditions as well. Many people swear by acupuncture for the treatment of anxiety, depression, and stress. Acupuncturists also commonly treat insomnia for many patients. Others have sought out treatment to help them battle addiction. Many have used this alternative therapy as a way to quit smoking. Others have used it to battle drug or alcohol addiction. People also report that it aides them with weight loss.
Many women have requested acupuncture treatment to help with premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. Some have reported that it has helped them with endometriosis, menopause, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, and chronic bladder infections. Women have also used treatment to help with irregular or heavy menstruation. Some women even seek out this healthy alternative while pregnant. It’s a great option because there are few medications a woman can take safely while pregnant. It has been reported to help expecting mothers find relief from morning sickness and other complications that arise from pregnancy.
Acupuncture is also a great option to help people who are suffering from a number of immune disorders. Conditions such as chronic fatigue, lupus, MS, Hepatitis, and HIV or Aids are also treated by acupuncturists. Some have used it as a way to quell the side effects resulting from chemotherapy and radiation.
Visiting an Acupuncturist
As you can see, there are many conditions that acupuncture treats. The most important thing when seeking out treatment is finding a reputable, trained, experienced practitioner. They’ll be able to sit down with you and discuss your condition and your goals. They’ll give you a clear idea of what progress they think that they can help you make. It’s important to understand that, like many things, acupuncture may not be an effective option for everyone and every illness. By speaking with someone experienced in treating your specific illness you are increasing the likelihood of effective treatment.