Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practiced for thousands of years, is a common treatment that has helped countless people find pain relief. While additional research is still needed, many studies suggest that acupuncture can also treat many other health conditions, such as arthritis, sciatica pain, headaches, or even stress and anxiety. While once considered an “alternative therapy,” acupuncture is becoming much more popular as a vital and effective form of treatment.
Here, we will explore how acupuncture treats various health conditions, including patient experiences and questions about this ancient and holistic form of treatment.
What is Acupuncture?
Johns Hopkins Medicine describes acupuncture as a practice involving the insertion of thin, solid, metallic needles into the skin, followed by gentle manipulation or electrical stimulation. However, the origins of acupuncture predate Johns Hopkins University and much of Western medicine.
Acupuncture is a traditional form of treatment used for thousands of years. Originating from China roughly 3,000 years ago, acupuncture has been commonly used to treat a wide range of health problems. The foundation of acupuncture is based on the traditional Chinese belief that your body’s energy flow, or Qi, is responsible for your overall health and wellness. Your Qi flows throughout the body and pathways, connecting the roughly 2,000 acupuncture points. By applying acupuncture to these various points throughout the body, it is believed that acupuncture can treat a range of health issues and boost your physical and even mental health.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
This healing process works by having a chiropractor or licensed acupuncturist insert very thin needles into various points across the body of the patient. After insertion, these needles are believed to stimulate the central nervous system, impacting almost every aspect of your health and wellness. The stimulation of the nervous system releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. Studies suggest that these biochemical changes may stimulate your body’s natural healing ability and improve your overall health and well-being.
Understandably, many patients worry that acupuncture will be painful, given common experiences with needles. However, it’s important to note that an acupuncture needle is much smaller and thinner than the medical needles used for vaccines. Those needles are much larger because they have to inject a substance, usually some type of medication, whereas acupuncture needles don’t. For most patients, acupuncture needles simulate light pressure when inserted. In fact, acupuncture is often painless and relaxing, causing many patients to fall asleep during the process.
What is Acupuncture Good For?
Acupuncture is an ideal form of holistic treatment for many different health problems. Many are surprised to discover the wide-ranging benefits of acupuncture, affecting both physical and mental well-being. Here are some of the most common health conditions that can be treated by professional acupuncture:
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Neck pain
- Inflammation
- Osteoarthritis
- Arthritis
- Asthma
- Sciatica pain
- Insomnia
- Headaches and migraines
- Sinus congestion
- Stress and anxiety
- Nausea
- Gynecological issues
- Fibromyalgia
Acupuncture treatment can be effective for a wide array of physical and mental health conditions, providing pain relief and relieving tension and other underlying issues.
Can a Chiropractor Perform Acupuncture?
While spinal adjustments are a common chiropractic service for back pain and joint stiffness, chiropractors offer a much wider range of care. Beyond adjustments, patients can often access services like massage therapy, spinal decompression, rehabilitation, custom orthotics, and even acupuncture in a chiropractic office.
Chiropractors can offer acupuncture in two ways: by obtaining a Licensed Acupuncturist (LAc) degree or through an acupuncture certification. Even if a chiropractor isn’t certified in acupuncture, their office may still offer it through a licensed acupuncturist on staff. If not, they should be able to provide a trusted referral to a local acupuncturist.
What Else Can Chiropractors Treat?
In addition to providing acupuncture to patients, chiropractors are experts in treating a range of health conditions. Chiropractors are truly versatile healthcare providers who can help patients find relief from pain, reduce joint stiffness, improve mobility, treat nervous system issues, and more. If you’re experiencing one of these health problems, then chiropractic care could be right for you:
- Back or neck pain
- Joint stiffness
- Chronic pain
- Headaches or migraines
- Sciatica
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Sports injuries
- Car accident injuries
- Post-surgery rehab
- Learning to use an assistive device, like a cane or walker
Receiving regular chiropractic care can help you stay healthy and avoid future injuries. This is especially true if you’re physically active, as seeing a chiropractor can help you maintain the lifestyle you love for years to come.
Experience The Benefits of Acupuncture With Governor’s Park Chiropractic
While the idea of acupuncture may seem daunting, it offers a multitude of potential health benefits such as pain relief, joint stiffness reduction, relaxation, and other ailments such as sinus congestion, arthritis pain, sciatic pain, and more.
As Colorado’s premier provider of acupuncture and chiropractic care, Governor’s Park Chiropractic offers a variety of techniques to facilitate full body healing, recovery, and rehabilitation. We understand that every journey toward healing is unique, which is why we pride ourselves on developing personalized treatment programs for each patient. Whether you’re suffering from chronic pain, sciatica pain, arthritis, a sports injury, or a car accident injury, our team of chiropractors can help you heal and recover. Led by Dr. Omid Ferdowsian, we utilize non-invasive therapy techniques to provide holistic and effective care. No matter your health care needs, Governor’s Park is on your side. For more information or to book an appointment at one of our three clinics in Denver, WheatRidge, and Lone Tree, call us or text us at (720) 743-3915.
Governor's Park Chiropractic is the Colorado chiropractor team dedicated to helping individuals get out of pain and achieve better health. Offering a range of services and treatment options to meet the specific needs of each patient.