Benefits of Acupuncture
There are so many benefits to acupuncture, in fact hundreds of clinical studies on the benefits of acupuncture show that it successfully treats conditions ranging from musculoskeletal problems (back pain, neck pain, and others) to nausea, migraine headache, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and infertility.
Acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention is widely practiced in the United States, and is a component of the health care system of China that can be traced back at least 2,500 years. The general theory of acupuncture is based on the premise that there are patterns of energy flow (Qi) through the body that are essential for health. Disruptions of this flow are believed to be responsible for disease.
If you’re looking for a safe, effective way to heal the aches & pains or injuries, or help with other conditions you may have acupuncture may be something you would want to further explore.
Here are 5 reasons you may want to consider acupuncture.
5 Proven Benefits of Acupuncture
Below are 5 proven benefits of acupuncture.
1. Relieve back pain
Acupuncture has had a long history of successfully relieving chronic back pain. Studies have been performed where there was a 15% greater improvement among patients who were treated with acupuncture compared to others that were taking medications and undergoing standard chiropractic care. A study published in May’s Archives of Internal Medicine showed that even applying pressure to the acupuncture instead of needles resulted in the same patient improvement rates. Stimulating points with the hands, usually called acupressure, is common for some practitioners and can be mixed with massage therapy.
2. Boost a medications effectiveness
For those suffering from anxiety, a recent study in August’s Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine showed that a low-dose of anti-anxiety medication (Prozac) combined with acupuncture therapy was just as effective as a full-dose. This could also help to reduce the side effects of the medication. Typical side effects of anti-anxiety medication are nausea, weight gain, and a decreased sex drive.
3. Soothes Indigestion
In Brazil researchers found that acupuncture was an effective treatment to alleviate heartburn and indigestion for pregnant women. The study included one group being treated with acupuncture and medications while the other was counseled on dietary changes and given medication. The ending result was 75% of the acupuncture group saw a decline in heartburn intensity and antacid use, meanwhile the other group saw only the same effect for 44%.
4. Offset Radiation Side Effects
There are a large range of side effects that can affect cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment. Some have found that they perceive fewer negative side effects from radiation when paired with forms of acupuncture therapy. In the studies published in CA, patients reported feeling less nauseated and less problems with dry mouth, common side effects for head and neck radiation treatments while wearing acupressure bands during treatment. However, it was found that they vomited the same amount as before and saliva measurements showed the same levels as well. Although the side effects were not alleviated the patients enjoyed an improved quality of life.
5. Dulls persistent headaches
There have been many studies published in regard to acupuncture therapy treating migraines and tension headaches. It has been found that acupuncture therapy is effective at preventing tension headaches and migraines and that it effective for existing headaches.
If you are experiencing any of these issues and would like to learn how acupuncture treatment may be able to help you Dr. Phil would love to hear from you! Dr. Phil runs the top Upper West Side Acupuncture & Wellness Center, which is located at 201 W 74th St Suite 16G New York, NY 10023
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