Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are your body’s natural pain killers. It also reduces stress by promoting deep relaxation.
TCM practitioners believe health is the result of a harmonious balance between complementary extremes of yin and yang of an invisible life force called Qi (pronounced chee). When this energy flows correctly, you experience good health.
Relieves Pain
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at various locations and depths. Its goal is to balance a person’s vital energy called Qi or chi. The body has 14 energetic pathways, called meridians, that acupuncture practitioners aim to promote flow in. When these meridians become blocked, disease and pain can occur.
It’s believed that acupuncture relieves pain by stimulating sensory nerves and activating the release of natural pain killers, such as endorphins. The pain-killing effects of acupuncture can last several hours or more.
Research has found that acupuncture can alleviate chronic back pain, migraines, neck pain, and osteoarthritis. It has also been used to treat fibromyalgia, anxiety, insomnia, depression, stress, and other psychological conditions. In addition, studies have found that acupuncture can help reduce symptoms of endometriosis and psoriatic arthritis.
Acupuncture has also been shown to have some neurochemical effects, such as increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. This may help with reducing pain and nausea from chemotherapy and surgery. It’s important to note that acupuncture should never be used as a replacement for medical treatment. It should always be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as physical therapy and medication.
The type of acupuncture practiced also plays a role in the types of health conditions it can treat. For example, Japanese style acupuncture uses less needles and places them at lower depths in the body. Five Element Style acupuncture uses the elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water to transfer energy from one area of the body to another for healing and balance.
People should always visit a licensed acupuncturist to perform acupuncture. The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) offers certifications to acupuncturists who meet the requirements of their state. Patients should also make sure their practitioner is using new, sterile needles for each session. It’s also a good idea to have a discussion with their doctor before undergoing acupuncture, so they can check for any contraindications or precautions. For example, some patients aren’t a good candidate for this treatment because they have an artificial intelligence-controlled cardiac pacemaker (AICD) or a history of bleeding disorders.
Enhances Immune System
When your immune system is healthy, it can fight infections and prevent disease. If you are prone to catching colds or other illnesses frequently, it may be a sign that your immune system is weakened and needs a boost. Acupuncture can enhance your immune system to keep you strong and healthy.
Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural defense systems by stimulating specific points (acupoints) on your body’s energy pathways (meridians). It has been found that acupuncture improves immunity by regulating immune cells and activating the lymphatic system.
In one study, acupuncture increased the production of interleukin-6 which is an anti-inflammatory chemical that helps to reduce the risk of infection. In addition, acupuncture has been shown to activate the body’s natural killer cell production and to increase their ability to kill abnormal cells and tumors.
Another study has found that acupuncture significantly reduces stress, which is another factor that can weaken the immune system and increase your chances of getting sick. Acupuncture reduces stress by stimulating the release of endorphins and promoting relaxation. It also has a direct impact on the nervous system, lowering anxiety and depression and encouraging restful sleep patterns.
Scientists have found that acupuncture evokes a physical reaction in the body that produces an electrical signal, which causes the brain to produce distinct descending pathways, such as the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, the vagal-adrenal pathway and the spinal cord-brain pathway. These pathways help to modulate innate and adaptive immune responses and restore homeostasis.
Acupuncture can also influence the number of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages, decreasing their proliferation and activation, while increasing the proliferation and secretion of anti-inflammatory M2 phenotypes. It can also inhibit the migration of neutrophils to the site of inflammation, increase the secretion of NK cells, and regulate the release of cytotoxic granules that kill abnormal cells. It can also reduce the cytokine storm that can be produced by cancer immune therapy, which can cause severe side effects in patients. It is important to get acupuncture treatment before an infection or even after to promote health and wellness. If you’re looking for a safe, effective way to boost your immune system, contact us today and schedule an appointment!
Boosts Energy Levels
If you struggle with fatigue caused by fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, the good news is that acupuncture can help. This ancient practice works to boost energy levels by calming your yang energy and increasing your yin energies, according to research. It also improves your blood circulation, helping you to feel energized and ready for the day.
Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the belief that true health depends on how freely your body’s vital life force, called qi or chi, flows through its 14 energetic meridians. If these channels become blocked, illness and symptoms can appear, including fatigue. Acupuncture uses thin, stainless steel needles to stimulate specific points on the body to promote the flow of chi and restore balance.
Studies have found that acupuncture reduces inflammation and increases blood flow, which can help you feel more energized. It also helps decrease pro-inflammatory proteins, such as IL-6, which can cause chronic fatigue and other conditions like asthma.
In addition, acupuncture is believed to shift your body from a sympathetic – or fight or flight – state into a calm parasympathetic – or rest and digest – response. This can help you relax and sleep better, which can give you more energy to tackle the day.
Several benefits of acupuncture also include improved digestion, which can lead to more energy and better overall health. Acupuncture may help to relieve bloating, water retention and food intolerances, allowing you to absorb more nutrients from the foods you eat. It can also help you get more energy from your digestive system by regulating hormones that promote metabolic activity and reducing the buildup of toxins in the liver and kidneys, which can lead to fatigue.
Acupuncture can boost your mood, releasing serotonin and other chemicals that improve your sleep cycle and make you feel more alert throughout the day. It can also help you overcome fatigue caused by a variety of illnesses and conditions, such as fibromyalgia or CFS, and help you to find new ways to engage with your life and enjoy it to the fullest.
Treats Allergies
If you suffer from allergy symptoms like runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing and sinus congestion, you may be looking for a safe, drug-free treatment. Rather than masking the symptoms with pharmaceutical medications, which often come with serious side effects, consider the ancient Chinese practice of acupuncture to relieve your allergies.
Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to harmless substances like pollen, pet dander and other irritants. These allergens trigger an inflammatory response, which can lead to clogged sinuses, runny nose, and itchy, watery eyes. Acupuncture balances your immune system and helps your body better distinguish between genuine threats and harmless environmental irritants.
Acupuncture for allergies works by addressing underlying imbalances in your energy flow, known as Qi. Acupuncturists insert thin needles into the body in spots called acupuncture points, which are believed to connect with specific organs or systems. Your acupuncturist will target the acupuncture points most relevant to your allergy symptoms.
The acupuncture treatments also promote healing by decreasing inflammation and strengthening the immune system. This helps your body resist the immune reactions that cause allergies, resulting in reduced allergy symptoms. In addition, acupuncture has been shown to reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms by increasing nasal airflow and decreasing the production of mucus.
In addition to acupuncture, your acupuncturist will incorporate other therapeutic techniques to address your allergies. These may include NAET, which is a non-invasive treatment technique that targets specific allergens. This technique involves placing a small amount of the allergen on your skin while the acupuncturist stimulates the acupressure point that corresponds to it. Typically, one session will clear a particular allergy; however, highly sensitive individuals may require multiple NAET sessions to fully desensitize their immune system.
If you want to treat your allergies with a natural, drug-free approach, contact Lee Acupuncture in Orange and Los Angeles. Our acupuncturists have years of experience in boosting the immune system, reducing stress and alleviating pain to help patients achieve optimal health. Call today to set up an appointment. We look forward to helping you enjoy a healthier lifestyle with no dependence on prescription medication!