Stick It to Pain and Stress with These Acupuncture Benefits
Why Acupuncture Benefits Are Changing Modern Healthcare
Acupuncture benefits are backed by thousands of years of practice and growing scientific research, offering natural relief for pain, stress, and numerous health conditions without medications or invasive procedures. Its use by U.S. adults more than doubled between 2002 and 2022, and major medical organizations now recommend it as a first-line treatment for certain conditions.
Top acupuncture benefits include:
Pain Relief: Effective for back pain, neck pain, headaches, and arthritis.
Stress Reduction: Calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety.
Better Sleep: Improves sleep quality and helps with insomnia.
Women's Health Support: Helps with menstrual issues, fertility, and pregnancy discomfort.
Digestive Health: Reduces nausea and improves digestive function.
Immune System Boost: Strengthens the body's natural defenses.
Allergy Relief: Reduces seasonal allergy symptoms.
In 2017, the American College of Physicians recommended acupuncture as a first-line nondrug treatment for chronic low-back pain. The American College of Rheumatology and Arthritis Foundation also conditionally recommends it for osteoarthritis.
Hi! I'm Dr. Michelle Andrews, founder of ChiroHer in Oklahoma City. Through my work with prenatal patients and athletes, I've seen how acupuncture can transform lives by providing natural pain relief and supporting overall wellness. I'm excited to share what you need to know about this wellness technique.
What is Acupuncture and How Does It Work?
Acupuncture is a traditional practice where ultra-thin needles are gently placed at specific points on the body to encourage the body's natural restorative processes. This technique bridges ancient wisdom with modern science, offering two complementary ways to understand its benefits.
Traditional Chinese Medicine: The Flow of Qi
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the body as a network of energy pathways called meridians, where vital life energy, or "qi" (pronounced "chee"), flows. When this flow is blocked by stress or injury, it can cause pain and illness. Acupuncture works by stimulating specific points along the 14 major meridians to restore the natural flow of qi, helping the body restore its balance.
The Scientific Perspective: A Modern Understanding
Western science explains that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system. The needles send signals to the brain and spinal cord, triggering a cascade of physiological responses:
Release of Endorphins: Your body's natural painkillers are released, reducing discomfort.
Neurotransmitter Regulation: It influences hormones and chemicals that regulate mood and sleep.
Increased Blood Flow: The needles improve circulation to treated areas, promoting local recovery.
Immune and Endocrine Support: It can help the body fight illness and manage stress more effectively.
The U.S. National Institutes of Health has recognized acupuncture's safety and effectiveness since 1997. Both the traditional and scientific views agree: acupuncture activates the body's natural ability to find balance and promote well-being.
The Top Acupuncture Benefits for Your Body and Mind
Many patients at ChiroHer are surprised to learn how far-reaching acupuncture benefits are. While they may come in for back pain, they often find improvements in sleep, anxiety, and even seasonal allergies. Acupuncture works with your body's natural systems to restore balance, meaning you might come in for one issue and leave with widespread improvements.
At our clinic, we've seen patients find relief from chronic conditions without medication and regain control over their lives. For more information, explore our acupuncture services.
Key Acupuncture Benefits for Pain Management
Pain relief is one of the most well-researched acupuncture benefits. It addresses pain by triggering the release of endorphins, reducing inflammation, and changing how the brain perceives pain signals. A 2018 analysis confirmed that acupuncture provides genuine pain relief beyond a placebo effect.
Back and Neck Pain: The American College of Physicians recommends acupuncture as a first-line treatment for chronic low-back pain.
Osteoarthritis: The American College of Rheumatology and Arthritis Foundation conditionally recommends acupuncture for arthritis in the knee, hip, and hand.
Headaches and Migraines: A 2020 review found acupuncture was slightly more effective than medication for preventing migraines, with fewer side effects.
Learn more about How Does Acupuncture Work to Relieve Pain.
Beyond Pain: More Acupuncture Benefits for Overall Health
This holistic therapy touches nearly every system in your body, creating a ripple effect of improved wellbeing.
Stress and Anxiety: Acupuncture helps shift the nervous system from a "fight or flight" state to a calm, restorative mode.
Sleep Problems: By balancing the body's energy, acupuncture can help patients fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Nausea and Vomiting: It is highly effective for nausea related to chemotherapy, surgery, or pregnancy.
Seasonal Allergies: It can boost the immune system and reduce the inflammation that causes allergic reactions. Learn more about Can Acupuncture Help with Allergies.
Digestive and Respiratory Issues: It can help regulate digestive function and reduce inflammation associated with conditions like asthma.
Immune System: Regular treatments can strengthen your immune response, helping you fight off infections.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health provides extensive research on these and other conditions.
Acupuncture for Women's Health
As a clinic focused on women's health, we've seen how acupuncture can address unique challenges throughout a woman's life.
Menstrual Cramps and PMS: It helps relax uterine muscles and balance hormones to reduce pain, bloating, and mood swings.
Fertility Support: Acupuncture can help optimize reproductive hormones and improve blood flow to reproductive organs, supporting natural conception and IVF.
Pregnancy Discomfort: It offers safe, natural relief from morning sickness, back pain, and sciatica. Read more about the Benefits of Acupuncture During Pregnancy.
Menopause Symptoms: A 2018 review found acupuncture effectively reduced the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats.
PCOS and Pelvic Pain: It helps restore hormonal balance and can provide significant relief from chronic pelvic pain.
Urinary Incontinence: A 2017 study showed electroacupuncture significantly reduced urine leakage in women.
What to Expect and How to Get Started
Starting acupuncture is more comfortable and straightforward than you might imagine. At ChiroHer, we guide patients through their first session to ensure they feel at ease.
Your First Acupuncture Session
Your first visit is a bit longer so we can get to know you and your health goals. Here's what to expect:
Initial Consultation: We'll discuss your health history, symptoms, and lifestyle. We may also use Traditional Chinese Medicine assessment methods like examining your tongue and pulse.
The Needles: Acupuncture needles are as thin as a human hair. Most people feel only a brief pinch or slight pressure upon insertion. You may feel a dull ache or tingling, which is a sign the treatment is working.
Rest and Relaxation: Once the needles are in place, you'll rest comfortably for 10 to 30 minutes. Many patients find this part so relaxing they fall asleep.
After Treatment: After the painless removal of the needles, you might feel deeply relaxed or energized. The number of sessions needed varies by condition.
Finding a Qualified Practitioner at ChiroHer
Choosing the right practitioner is key to your safety and results. Here's what to look for:
Licensing and Safety: A qualified practitioner should be licensed and certified, like through the NCCAOM. At ChiroHer, we use sterile, single-use needles as required by the FDA, making the procedure very safe. Side effects are rare and minor.
Integrated Care: Acupuncture works well as a complementary therapy alongside other treatments, like chiropractic care. Proper spinal alignment and free-flowing energy can multiply your body's wellness potential.
Insurance Coverage: Many insurance plans, including Medicare, now cover acupuncture for certain conditions. Check with your provider for details.
Hi! I'm Dr. Michelle Andrews. At ChiroHer, we provide award-winning, patient-focused care in a comfortable setting. We specialize in personalized chiropractic, acupuncture, and holistic wellness, with particular expertise in caring for women and prenatal clients throughout Oklahoma City, Yukon, Edmond, Nichols Hills, Del City, Mustang, and Moore.
We believe everyone deserves to experience the transformative acupuncture benefits for themselves. If you're ready to see how this traditional practice can support your wellness, I invite you to book a consultation with us today.
This guide is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for already established medical advice from your healthcare provider.