The Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Try, And Love, Acupuncture
We’ve all heard of it, some of us have tried it (and swear by it) and others think it’s a bit too “out there” for them. So, what really is acupuncture all about? And why are so many wellness experts touting its effectiveness as a natural healing tool?
Acupuncture is a wellness modality whereby small, very thin needles are inserted into specific points on your body (known as acupuncture points) to provide a distinct healing effect. And, I get it—the vision of lying on a table with several needles stuck in your body for 30 minutes may not seem appealing, at first. However, most people who try the treatment absolutely love it. And, after they experience the benefits they find themselves going back again and again and again (trust me, I’ve seen it and experienced it!).
In terms of the effectiveness of acupuncture, the proof really is in the pudding—the history of this amazing modality dates back thousands of years and originated out of China with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and India with the practice of Ayervedic Medicine. TCM Doctors and Ayervedic Medicine Practitioners use a variety of different practices to treat their patients, with acupuncture being just one of these. They also utilize massage, exercise (tai chi, qi gong or Yoga), herbs and diet to manage their clients holistically. Over time, as the benefits were realized by many, this incredible modality spread to Western cultures where more and more practitioners adopted the practice. Acupuncture has now become very mainstream worldwide and is used by a host of different Health Care Practitioners including Doctors, Dentists, Chiropractors, Naturopaths and Physical Therapists, just to name a few.
The benefits of acupuncture really are quite amazing (hence the reason why it has gained so much popularity in Western cultures over the past several decades). It can be used effectively to treat almost any condition that you can imagine (that pesky cold, skin conditions, digestive upset, chronic pain, allergies and asthma, stress and anxiety, depression, musculoskeletal injuries, migraines, back pain, even wrinkles and saggy skin…need we say more?), and it can also be used very successfully to promote and maintain overall wellness, health and happiness. As acupuncture is considered to be an energy therapy, one of the main goals of this treatment is to balance a person’s energy. The result: You leave your session feeling (literally) more balanced. How amazing does that sound?
Keep reading for our top 5 reasons why you should try, and love, acupuncture!
It helps our bodies heal by increasing circulation
A very potent benefit of acupuncture is that it increases circulation to an area where it’s lacking and/or where there is toxic build-up. Simply put — oxygen and nutrients are carried to the tissues that need it and carbon dioxide and toxins are carried away. The effect can be considerable on tissues that are painful, injured and in need of healing. This is also why acupuncture can be used effectively to enhance skins elasticity and reduce wrinkles (we have seen a huge increase of its use in the area of Alternative and Cosmetic Dermatology).
It’s a natural pain reliever
By inserting the needles into specific acu-points, the body releases special chemicals that act as natural pain-killers. Also, there are certain of these points and forms of acupuncture (such as electro-acupuncture where an electrical stimulation is added to the needles) that have been shown to change the way our brain perceives pain.
It helps to balance our energy (Qi)
In TCM it is believed that Qi (pronounced Chi) is the energy of our life force. When Qi is out of whack, then we too are out of whack, and this is when injury or disease can occur. Qi runs through pathways in our bodies known as meridians that are each associated with an organ system. Acupuncture helps to balance out the energy in these channels (and our organs) and therefore helps promote ease and harmony, which in turn allows us to heal.
It makes us feel happy
We all know what it’s like to feel grouchy or moody. Simply put, it sucks. Stimulating specific acu-points can help release endorphins (the same chemicals that are released when we exercise), which in turn can help enhance our mood and make us feel, well, happy! Studies have shown a reduction of depression and mood disorders with the consistent use of acupuncture.
It helps us chill out
As a society, we are under a constant buzz of stimulus (from our iphones, ipads, TV, kids screaming and yelling, work, commuting etc.). So, of course we are all stressed-out in some way or another! The good news is that acupuncture can help. One method it can do this is by reducing the production of stress hormones in our body. Overtime, this can be very helpful in the management of stress by allowing our bodies to respond to stress in a more effective wa
Helps us catch our Zzzz’s
We all have trouble sleeping from time to time. Sometimes it’s a phase, sometimes it’s our kids waking in the middle of the night, and sometimes it’s a real problem known as Insomnia. In all of these cases, acupuncture can help. In addition to the before-mentioned effects of balancing our hormones and releasing mood enhancing hormones, acupuncture can also mediate our nervous system and increase melatonin, both of which function to help us get more zzzz’s.
My advice, if you struggle in any of these areas, or you just want to feel better, balance your hormones, feel less stress and more ease, seek out a licenced and qualified Acupuncturist and give it a try! I can pretty much guarantee you won’t regret it!
* As with any new treatment, it's best to check with your doctor or qualified health care practitioner prior to starting any new treatment to make sure it is right for you.