What is Acupuncture? | Understand The Benefits Of Acupuncture

Nowadays, there’s growing evidence for acupuncture’s effectiveness in managing pain, reducing stress, and even stimulating digestion. Nonetheless, many still believe that its uses are limited and are reluctant to try it.

Regardless, many doctors now refer patients to professional acupuncturists. The stimulation of specific acupuncture points complements the conventional treatment plans for many disorders, including neck and lower back pain, headaches, and muscle strains.

In some cases, acupuncture can also benefit anxiety and depression by promoting a better hormonal balance.

Кeep reading to learn more about acupuncture benefits and what to expect as we describe the therapy and its specifics in-depth.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a type of ancient Chinese medicine that has been around for more than two millennia; experts now recognize it as a method for treating various health conditions including headaches, pain, muscle strains, and sprains.

So how does it work? Ancient practitioners believed that we all have Qi—a life force—that flows through meridians spread throughout our bodies. Thus, inserting acupuncture needles into designated points promotes the energy flow and fixes imbalances.

Studies from a science-based perspective show that stimulating acupuncture points could lead to a cascade of positive physiological responses. They show that this increases blood circulation and releases positive hormones such as endorphins, serotonin and dopamine. Ultimately, the goal of acupuncture is to trigger the body’s natural self-healing properties.

What Are the Benefits?

Patients regularly turn to acupuncture for pain management. Since it stimulates the release of the body’s natural painkillers—endorphins—acupuncture can treat various causes of discomfort. It’s essentially a drug-free way to fight neck and back pain, headaches, strains, sprains, and more.

There’s also strong evidence that acupuncture can benefit osteoarthritis, allergic rhinitis, and nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy. Other more surprising acupuncture benefits include fighting high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, addictions, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Overall, the method can benefit almost any condition, and since it’s relatively risk-free, it’s always worth giving it a try.

How Many Sessions Will I Need?

Generally, the number of sessions you will need to achieve substantial results for your ailment will always depend on your characteristics. During your first visit to an acupuncturist, they will ask you various questions about your symptoms and medical history.

Based on this information, they will determine the best way to go forward and give you an estimate of the required sessions. It’s also worthwhile to ask the practitioner whether they have experience treating your condition and if it responds well to acupuncture.

Minor ailments will take as few as 2 to 4 or even a single session to notice positive effects. Moderate acute cases could take 4-8 treatments, while chronic ones may require more than ten sessions to maximize the benefits.

What’s most important for achieving long-term results is to be persistent, take regular treatments, and follow your practitioner’s guidance.

Book Your First Acupuncture Appointment Today!

Whether or not you’re experiencing pain or other issues, there are numerous acupuncture benefits to promote health and wellness.

Our team at Tread Well provides professional acupuncture, chiropractic care, physiotherapy, and massage therapy. Operating in Burlington since 2012, we aim to help patients become better and healthier versions of themselves!

To learn more about our services and how they can benefit you, call us at (289) 337-1657 or book an appointment online .