What Can Acupuncture Do for You?
What Can Acupuncture Do for You?
Harnessing the power of an ancient method for the modern patient
Practiced for over 2,500 years, acupuncture is an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine and involves inserting needles at strategic points along the patient’s body, depending on what condition is being treated. The traditional concept is based on the idea of unblocking the body’s energy (“qi”) along its natural pathways, or meridians, thus re-balancing the patient’s energy and providing pain relief and optimal health. Western practitioners view acupuncture as an effective method used to increase blood flow and stimulate the body’s natural analgesic functions by energizing muscles, nerves, and connective tissue.
A common concern for people considering acupuncture is whether or not it hurts. The needles used are extremely thin (only about the diameter of a human hair) and most patients say the sensation of being pricked is minor; it’s been described as a tingling sensation and a dull ache. Many patients report hardly feeling the needles at all!
Many migraine patients report relief from migraine pain with acupuncture. Numerous studies back up its efficacy – great news for migraine sufferers. Even better, the treatment provides not only short-term pain relief, but can also can have lasting effects, reducing both the frequency and intensity of migraines.
But the benefits of acupuncture go well beyond pain relief and include increasing immune function and helping to reduce swelling and boost healing by releasing anti-inflammatories in the body. It is being used more and more frequently in conjunction with standard addiction treatments. For example, many smokers struggling to quit the habit find that acupuncture provides numerous benefits, helping to:
- Reduce cravings
- Decrease anxiety
- Alleviate withdrawal symptoms
- Regulate emotions
- Support better sleep
Acupuncture is also helpful in treating children’s health issues. Not only is it safe for kids, but it also provides relief without the negative side-effects of medication, and an acupuncturist can reduce the number of office visits by treating a child for multiple conditions in a single treatment. Dr. Riobe can attest to the benefits for kids not only as a practitioner, but also as a mom. Her daughter had acupuncture at the age of two to avoid having her tonsils taken out and to treat frequent colds and insomnia.
Are you interested in learning more about how you or someone you love might benefit from acupuncture? Call the Riobe Institute of Integrative Medicine for more information! 772.266.4258
