Acupuncture is a roughly 2500 year old practice that is used to improve well-being, reduce pain, heal illness & prevent dis-ease. It has several benefits across all forms of health care. From gut health to mental health to physical health and reproductive wellness, acupuncture treatments can create impact through the entire body.
Most people in Western society understand the benefits of acupuncture in relation to aiding physical ailments and assisting in injury recovery. While treatments goals vary, in general the needles are used to cause a muscle contraction which releases tension in the muscle or fascia and stimulates blood flow to the local area to promote the body’s natural healing reaction. Acupuncture can also be used in injury prevention and performance enhancement for anyone living an active lifestyle.
Here are 5 other conditions that we often treat as acupuncturists that you might not know about.
Menstruation & Fertility – Due to acupuncture’s strong connection with the body’s endocrine system, treatments can help regulate hormones and improve any irregularities that occur before, during or after your period. Acupuncture can be used at different points in the cycle to help periods be as smooth & painless as possible. This impact on hormones can also helps to improve fertility in both partners as they prepare to conceive. As well, acupuncture is viewed as a complimentary treatment to IVF or IUI to help regulate hormones & reduce stress to aid in fertility treatments.
Mental Health – When you get off of the acupuncture table, we often call it “acu-drunk” – a feeling of deep relaxation caused by the reduction of stress hormones & the increase of endorphins. While this effect isn’t permanent, with regular treatments it can help to regulate the nervous system and reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Acupuncture can also be used in compliment with medications for mental health disorders to help reduce any unintended side-effects and further promote the main function of the medications in their impact on the nervous system.
Headaches & Migraines – Acupuncture can be used to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and promote relief from the pain of headaches & migraines. Your acupuncturist will be thorough about checking in with the root of your headaches to ensure that the proper points are used to reduce severity and frequency of headaches. When you see that seasonal pressure change coming in the forecast (hello Calgary chinooks!), book an appointment with your acupuncturist to prevent the onset of that days-long migraine.
Cosmetic Concerns – Here at Botanical Point, we offer Cosmetic Acupuncture – a treatment designed specifically for your facial concerns. Using multiple modalities including acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, LED light therapy & facial massage, these sessions reduce the appearance of fine lines, acne, discolorations, wrinkles & sagging skin to promote a more radiant complexion.
Digestion & Gut Health – from what you’ve already learned about acupuncture’s impact on hormones, stress reduction & pain reduction, it should be no surprise that acupuncture can also assist in digestive concerns. Acupuncture stimulates the digestive system to help regulate bowel movements, improve nutrient absorption and balance gut microbiota. Whether used for treatment of individual symptoms such as bloating and cramping, or treating diagnosed illnesses such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and acid reflux, acupuncture can help improve everyday quality of life that can be impacted by digestive complaints.
In summary, with acupuncture's holistic approach to supporting your entire well-being- it can help with almost anything! It’s common that people notice an improvement in their energy levels, digestion or sleep as a “side effect” of whatever they are seeking acupuncture treatments for. If this sounds like something that you are interested in, click here to book an appointment with one of our Doctors of Acupuncture at Botanical Point today!