Do you have a medical ailment that you’re having a hard time dealing with? Does your condition leave you feeling exhausted and unable to perform your daily activities? You’re not alone.
More people are using the acupuncture Brighton clinics offer to find relief for everything from headaches to blood pressure ailments. In some cases, these treatments serve as part of a holistic healing approach, and other times patients have resorted to acupuncture as a last resort. Whatever the reason, even skeptical people are finding relief with this treatment.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and involves a practitioner inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. These points, also called acupuncture points, stimulate the nervous system which in turn causes the body to release endorphins.
Since endorphins are pain-relieving chemicals, they can provide pain relief. In Chinese medicine, these pathways are referred to as meridians and their stimulation can rebalance the flow of “qi”, or life force in the body.
The amount of acupuncture sessions you’ll need depends on factors such as health goals, type of ailment, and also how your body reacts to initial treatment. For initial treatments, your acupuncturist may recommend one or two treatments per week for about six weeks. This can then be followed by one monthly session. For chronic pain conditions, you may require more frequent treatments.
Popular for Good Reason
You may be surprised to learn acupuncture is popular among adults of all ages. Many ailments can be treated with a few quick acupuncture sessions. In addition to finding pain relief, some patients have reported feeling less stressed and more energetic after a single session. Our team of TCM experts has compiled a list of the top ailments that acupuncture can provide relief for.
Blood Pressure Ailments
Demanding schedules, insomnia, and poor eating habits have made more people susceptible to high or low blood pressure. A few acupuncture sessions combined with a cardio exercise routine, and a healthier eating plan will all help to keep your blood pressure at a normal level. Experts stress that you shouldn’t ditch your blood pressure medication but rather have acupuncture as part of your current treatment plan.
Migraines and Chronic Headaches
Cluster headaches and migraines are ailments that often have their roots in an overworked schedule. Some headaches are also a symptom of other conditions such as neck or back strain, eye strain, chronic pain, and stress.
It’s not uncommon for patients to ditch the over-the-counter paracetamols and codeines that promise relief but don’t provide it. Patients who use acupuncture to treat headaches have reported a reduction in the frequency and severity of both cluster headaches and migraine symptoms.
Creates Healthier Sleeping Patterns
Anyone who struggles to get a good night’s rest will know that consistently struggling with sleeping patterns can leave you feeling exhausted, rundown, and easily overwhelmed. Despite often leaving you feeling groggy, sleeping pills can also affect your gut health.
A few acupuncture sessions will see you feeling more relaxed, which in turn will help you sleep better. You can also combine acupuncture with massage therapy to provide long-term relief. Working on methods that encourage relaxation is key to feeling better.
Poor Gut Health
Poor gut health can be caused by many lifestyle factors such as existing medical conditions, medications, stress, and unhealthy eating habits. Symptoms that go along with poor gut health can include heartburn, constipation, IBS, and acid reflux.
Acupuncture has been known to bring relief to these symptoms and reduce the need for excessive over-the-counter pills and syrups. Speak to your acupuncturist for herbal remedies that you can use in conjunction with your acupuncture sessions to alleviate symptoms that appear after meals.
Chronic Back Pain
Since acupuncture can be used as adjunctive therapy, combining a few sessions with your regular treatment will provide relief and often allow the patient to go back to doing regular daily activities such as walking and sitting comfortably.
By stimulating the nervous system, acupuncture can show results for patients who opt for regular and maintenance treatments. Massage therapy, cupping, and herbal remedies are often used to help provide relief for lower and upper back pain. If your back pain stems from sitting hunched in front of your computer all day, you should consider investing in ergonomic furniture to provide long-term relief.
Helps to Reduce Nausea
People who are undergoing chemotherapy will vouch for how unpleasant side effects such as nausea and consistent vomiting can be. Fortunately, acupuncture can also provide relief for this. Speak to your acupuncturist and your medical practitioner about adding a few sessions to your current treatment plan.
Final Thoughts
Despite being labeled as an old-world medicine, acupuncture is as relevant and beneficial now as it ever was. Patients find instant relief from chronic pain conditions they may have been struggling with for years. While acupuncture won’t cure your ailment, it’s an effective way to find relief and comfort. Speak to your acupuncturist for a session and see what all the fuss is about!
