Acupuncture may seem intimidating at first if you're afraid of needles. However, over time it has grown to be among the most well-liked holistic remedies in around the world. It is an efficient remedy for a variety of illnesses, such as pain, and emotional and mental distress like anxiety and depression. These benefits may outweigh the fear of the initial procedure and worth it for bettering mental health, which is always a priority.
Rooted in China, acupuncture is a long-established medical practice and has helped millions of people suffering from anxiety and pain. In this article, we'll explore the benefits of regular acupuncture, how it relieves anxiety and muscle discomfort to help you live a better and more tranquil life.
1. Relieves Muscle Pain
One of the most common reasons people seek acupuncture treatment is for muscle pain. Acupuncture is a great way to release tension, promote relaxation, and reduce pain, especially chronic pain that otherwise interferes with the quality of your daily life. An acupuncturist places ultra-thin needles in specific areas or acupoints of the body, which help promote endorphins, natural pain killers that runs through your body.
Acupuncture triggers the body's natural healing process, helping relieve muscle tension, inflammation, and pain through releasing opioid peptides, which has the strongest therapeutic benefit of acute and chronic pain. Clinical tests with people who have different types of chronic pain, such as low back pain and diabetic neuropathic pain, have confirmed this finding. This therapy can help with additional types of muscle pain, including neck pain, shoulder, and joint pain.
2. Relieves Headaches
If you suffer from headaches or migraines, acupuncture can significantly relieve your symptoms. It works to promote better blood circulation and relaxes tense muscles in the neck and shoulders, which is helpful for alleviating a migraine due to increased circulation.
An acupuncture practitioner will place the thin needles in the pressure points linked to headaches, getting to the root of the pain. Some people feel relief after just one treatment and can be a technique to prevent future headaches by releasing muscle tension.
3. Reduces Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety can have a significant impact on your daily life, no matter how mild or severe the symptoms are. While anti-anxiety or antidepressants can be impactful and an important part of one's daily routine, acupuncture takes a holistic approach, treating the body as a whole and not just the symptoms. It gets to the root of the painful muscle, thus relieving anxiety as stress and pain are interconnected.
Additionally, research has shown that acupuncture can trigger the release of endorphins, which are organic mood enhancers that encourage relaxation and lower stress levels. Acupuncture also aids in balancing the body's energy and encourages healthier sleeping habits, both of which are crucial for treating anxiety and depression. Studies show that acupuncture relieved symptoms of patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
4. Long Term Relief
Some people find they are deeply relaxed, with lessened muscle tension, an uplifted mood, and an increased sense of general well-being just after one session. While the temporary effects are helpful, incorporating acupuncture into a weekly or monthly self-care regimen can manage and release persistent anxiety and pain. For example, once a week is a common routine for people suffering from back pain, arthritis, or migraines.
If the pain is less severe, setting up regular monthly acupuncture appointments can maximize the effects of this traditional healing technique. Regular acupuncture stimulates the body's own healing mechanisms to treat underlying imbalances and promote harmony. Therefore, the body has time to integrate and react to the therapeutic benefits when treatments are spread out over a longer time frame.
Conclusion
The use of acupuncture has proven effective in treating muscle pain, anxiety, depression, and headaches or painful migraines over time. When it comes to reaping the long-term rewards of acupuncture, consistency is essential. Consider visiting a licensed acupuncturist and seeing how it can benefit you mentally and physically.
At Thrive Urban Wellness in Newmarket, Ontario, Dr. Rachel Stummer, Naturopathic Doctor is registered to provide acupuncture that can help you live a more relaxed, healthy, and fulfilling life by relieving pain and anxiety symptoms.
Schedule an Initial Naturopathic Intake Appointment to start your acupuncture healing journey with Dr. Rachel Stummer today.
References
Effectiveness of Acupuncture on Anxiety Disorder: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials,
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33516258/
The Impact of Acupuncture on Anxiety Levels: A Comprehensive Meta-analysis. Journal of Integrative Medicine,
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33004170/
The Role of Acupuncture in Pain Management: A Systematic Review.Journal of Pain Management,
