What are the benefits of acupuncture?
I have been studying and practicing acupuncture & TCM for 7+ years now and the benefits patients feel each session still amazes me…
Acupuncture is an ancient form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. I also tend to call it magic, since the scientific research on acupuncture is still catching up, but the countless evidence suggesting various benefits over thousands of years is significant.
10 benefits of acupuncture I see most in clinical practice:
Pain relief: Acupuncture helps alleviate various types of pain, such as back pain, neck pain, knee pain, and migraines. The insertion of needles at acupoints stimulates the release of endorphins, our natural pain-relieving chemicals.
Stress and anxiety reduction: Acupuncture reduces stress and anxiety while promoting relaxation and improving overall well-being by balancing the body, mind and spirit. Some studies have shown that it can positively influence the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with mood regulation.
Improved sleep quality: Acupuncture helps individuals with insomnia or other sleep disorders by promoting better sleep patterns and balancing your circadian rhythm and hormones. This reduces sleep disturbances.
Headache and migraine management: Acupuncture is often used as a complementary treatment for chronic headaches and migraines. I see a reduction in the frequency and intensity of headaches and migraines in clinical practice.
Nausea and vomiting reduction: Acupuncture helps alleviate chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It is also beneficial for pregnancy-related nausea or morning sickness.
Mental health: Some studies indicate that acupuncture may play a role in improving symptoms of depression and anxiety. I see concurrent digestive issues, and stress or trauma, connected to most mental health issues. Acupuncture also helps with the co-occurring issues to provide holistic healing of mental health naturally.
Boosting the immune system: Acupuncture helps the body defend against infections and illnesses, also known as Wei Qi. It can also help you recover quicker from a cold, sore throat, flu, covid, etc.
Enhance fertility: Acupuncture is sometimes used in conjunction with fertility treatments to potentially improve the chances of successful conception. Acupuncture on its own helps regulate your cycle, relieve PMS & menstrual cramps, and alleviate symptoms of common disorders, such as PCOS and endometriosis, to further improve your ability to conceive. I also see many women keep their pregnancies, even with history of recurrent miscarriages, through regular acupuncture treatments.
Allergy relief & digestive health: Acupuncture has been explored as a possible complementary therapy to alleviate allergy symptoms by reducing inflammation and improving immune response. This is typically done by regulating the energy and flow of qi in the digestive tract. Bloating, constipation, IBS, loose stools, and other digestive disorders and symptoms are often alleviated over time with acupuncture and herbs. Once digestion has improved, your body is less inflamed and will produce less antibodies and histamine in response to certain foods and your environment.
Tapering off medications: Acupuncture and herbs can help those tapering off of a medication their body has relied on for more than 6 months. Treatments help with coursing the liver to move any stuck emotions while rebalancing what has been imbalanced in the brain through medication reliance. It also allows you to process and move through any difficult emotions with ease. In my experience, Acupuncture typically provides relief similar to talk therapy sessions.
Before pursuing acupuncture, always consult with a licensed acupuncturist that has a Master’s degree in Acupuncture or Oriental Medicine. Nu Wave Acupuncture offers many services for all conditions in Gahanna, Ohio. Remote sessions are also available. Learn more about services here.