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Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicinal practice that has been used to treat a wide range of conditions for thousands of years. This technique involves stimulating specific points on the body, often by inserting very thin needles through the skin.
Many people try Acupuncture Orleans to relieve chronic pain, reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and more.
If you’re curious how acupuncture works and what it may be able to treat, read on to learn about some of the top benefits of this traditional remedy. Dry needling in Orleans, ON, is also becoming a popular treatment option.
Alleviating Chronic Pain
One of the most common reasons people turn to acupuncture is to find relief from ongoing pain. This includes any pain that persists for more than 12 weeks, including:
- Back pain – Low back pain is one of the top reasons people seek acupuncture. The needles can target tender points to reduce muscle tightness, spasms, and inflammation in the lower spine.
- Neck pain – Pain and stiffness in the neck is often caused by poor posture and stress. Acupuncture helps relax the muscles and connective tissue in the neck for increased mobility.
- Knee pain – Knee osteoarthritis stemming from overuse or injuries can be debilitating. Acupuncture combined with herbal patches has significantly improved function in arthritic knees.
- Headaches – Both tension and migraine headaches seem to respond well to acupuncture. Needling trigger points on the shoulder, neck and scalp can block pain signals to relieve headache pain.
- Shoulder pain – Loosening up stiff, painful shoulders is another common use of acupuncture. It releases adhesions around the rotator cuff and relaxes muscles for a wider range of motion.
The needles used during acupuncture may stimulate the central nervous system to release endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body. Acupuncture Orleans may also reduce inflammation which can make pain worse.
If you want a customized treatment plan for your hip pain, contact Orleans Physiotherapy – Orleans, Ontario, for experienced acupuncturists.
Improving Sleep Issues
Do you regularly have trouble falling or staying asleep? Acupuncture can help regulate sleep cycles and make it easier to get quality shut-eye.
Insomnia and other sleep problems often accompany chronic diseases like fibromyalgia or mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. The calming nature of acupuncture gives your sympathetic nervous system a break, dialing down the “fight or flight” response. This can pave the way for deeper and more restorative sleep.
Easing Digestive Troubles
Stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, bloating – these annoying digestive complaints can make it hard to get through your day. Medications often fail to solve the underlying issue. Acupuncture takes a different approach by activating key points that regulate digestion.
Recent research suggests acupuncture works by stimulating the vagus nerve, which runs from the brainstem all the way to the colon. This helps coordinate contractions in the stomach and intestines so that food can move smoothly through the GI tract.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Modern life keeps most of us in a near-constant state of stress, leading to mood disorders like anxiety. But acupuncture has a noted calming effect on the body that can offer relief from racing thoughts, worries, and panic attacks.
As it activates natural painkillers, acupuncture also increases blood circulation to the brain. Enhanced blood flow provides oxygen and nutrients to areas like the pituitary gland, which controls hormones that govern our stress response. As a result, many people report feeling more relaxed after acupuncture.
Bolstering Immunity
Fending off pathogens is a complex job that requires communication between your brain, immune cells, and organs. Acupuncture helps up immunity by fine-tuning this network.
Recent research found acupuncture may increase T cells, white blood cells that play a central role in immune response. Other studies show it helps boost levels of IgA, an antibody that protects mucosal surfaces like the nose, mouth, and lungs from invading bacteria and viruses.
By regulating immunity at key physiological junctions, acupuncture supports the body’s defenses against disease.
Easing Menstrual Discomfort
Up to 90% of menstruating individuals deal with cramps, headaches, mood swings, or other period symptoms at some point. Hormone-modulating acupuncture provides a drug-free way to curb monthly discomfort.
Acupuncture points related to the liver, kidneys and spleen can influence estrogen and progesterone levels. Needling these areas helps smooth out imbalances to alleviate PMS and menstrual cramps.
Acupuncture also releases endorphins to relieve uterine and abdominal pain directly. When performed regularly, it can reduce period pain and emotional volatility month after month.
Conclusion
While more research is still needed, the growing body of evidence supports acupuncture as a versatile treatment for pain, sleep issues, digestion problems, stress, weak immunity, and more. It has very few side effects when performed correctly.
So if you’re dealing with a health condition that hasn’t responded well to other therapies, consider giving this traditional Chinese medicine a try. As acupuncture continues gaining mainstream acceptance in the West, more insurance companies are covering it.
If you’re located near Orleans, Ontario and want to experience the benefits of acupuncture, contact Orleans Physiotherapy today to schedule your first appointment. Their knowledgeable acupuncturists develop customized wellness plans to target your unique health goals.
