Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine, which follows the belief that certain points on the body are associated with different organs or systems. The natural healing mechanisms of the body are activated when an acupuncturist stimulates various points on the body with small needles.

Acupuncture has been used as an effective treatment method for numerous ailments for over 3,000 years, and acupuncture is respected by many of today’s doctors and clinicians as a low- or no-risk therapy for both physical and mental concerns.

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture induces a deep state of relaxation just like that experienced after a massage. Both techniques are noted for increasing blood flow around the body, which may be responsible for releasing endorphins, or the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. The relaxing, calming and meditative effects may also be attributed to increased body awareness.

Adding acupuncture to your arsenal of management and recovery tools can help you experience improved health. An acupuncturist will discuss your physical, mental and behavioral concerns with you in order to determine which areas of the body to focus on. For example, certain parts of the ear are commonly stimulated in individuals recovering from addiction.

Who Can Benefit From Acupuncture?

Virtually anyone can benefit from acupuncture as a “tune-up” or management practice for good health. That said, the most common concerns that acupuncturists assist individuals with at Elements Behavioral Health include:

• Depression
• Withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headache or muscle pain
• Schizophrenia
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Substance use disorders

Many people report immediate relief after just one acupuncture session, but it is recommended that you receive additional acupuncture treatments for best results.

For individuals who are nervous around needles, the same effects can be produced by stimulating areas with pressure. However, needles are more precise, and the consensus is that they do not hurt. If you have questions about acupuncture and whether it can benefit you, give us a call.

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