Acupuncture is the stimulation of certain points in the body with fine needles. Research is showing that the insertion of acupuncture needles stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals, called neurotransmitters, which alter the body’s hormones to reduces pain and inflammation.* Research has also shown acupuncture as an effective treatment for many conditions, including musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, asthma, gynecological issues, headaches, and stress. I use acupuncture most commonly to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Many people are often very uncomfortable with the idea of having multiple needles inserted in their body. This reaction is perfectly normal noting the needles you have probably come into contact with during your lifetime. Most people have had blood drawn at one time or another. Some have had medication injections. Others have needed fluids or medication given by IV, or intravenously. These needles are large because they need to allow fluid to pass through the needles. Since acupuncture needles do not need to allow fluid to pass through, they are solid and are 2-5 times smaller than needles used to deliver medication or draw blood. Smaller size means that they are far less painful. Many patients report no discomfort at all. During treatment, most patients report feeling very relaxed and often sleepy.
I have seen dramatic response to treatment when chiropractic and acupuncture are used together. Most patients go through three stages during chiropractic care: pain relief, corrective, and wellness. The corrective stage is the most critical to healing because that is when I am able to correct musculoskeletal issues. This stage is not started, however, until your pain and inflammation are gone. Patients experience a far more rapid reduction in pain and inflammation when acupuncture is done with chiropractic care. This means more rapid relief, fewer visits, and lower treatment cost for you.
Please bring up any questions or concerns you may have at any appointment. If you are interested in adding acupuncture to your treatment plan, I would be happy to discuss it with you.
*University of Maryland Center for Integrative Medicine. Acupuncture – Healing with the Touch of a Needle. < http://www.umm.edu/cim/acupuncture_feature.htm>.
