Traditionally, acupuncture manipulates QI which is to use the needle to leverage physiological processes. Pathology arises when there are imbalances in normal body functions. Modern life provides us with chronic stressors that can eventually lead to disease. Without intervention (lifestyle or otherwise) there is a risk of developing diabetes, autoimmune conditions, chronic pain & inflammation, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, and mental health issues. General symptoms may include:
- Upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, constipation, heartburn, or other gut issues
- Rapid heart rate or chest pain
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of sexual desire or reduced sexual function
- More colds or seasonal illness than usual
- Clenched jaw or teeth grinding
- Sore, tense muscles, especially in the neck and shoulders
- Constant worry
- Racing thoughts
- Feeling frazzled, unfocused, and forgetfulness
Acupuncture is said to balance the Five Elements (an analogy for the physiological systems) to restore health, or Harmonize Yin and Yang by regulating the Autonomic Nervous System: Parasympathetic (Rest & Digest) & Sympathetic (Fight & Flight). It can down-regulate the stress response, balance hormones, reduce inflammation, and soothe pain, amongst other beneficial effects.Emphasis on recovery from stress is now more important than ever, acupuncture is a safe and effective method to add to a recovery routine. Acupuncture can be useful for other conditionals as well. An abridge list from the Word Health Organization recommending acupuncture for these diseases, symptoms, or conditions, because acupuncture has been ‘proven—through controlled trials—to be an effective treatment’:
- Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
- Allergic rhinitis (including hay fever)
- Anxiety
- Biliary colic
- Constipation
- Depression
- Dysmenorrhoea, primary
- Elbow pain
- Epigastralgia, acute (in peptic ulcer, acute and chronic gastritis, and gastrospasm)
- Facial pain
- Headache
- Hypertension, essential
- Hypotension, primary
- Insomnia
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Temporomandibular pain
- Knee pain
- Leukopenia
- Low back pain
- Malposition of fetus, correction of
- Morning sickness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck pain
- Pain in dentistry
- Periarthritis of shoulder
- Postoperative pain
- Renal colic
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sciatica
- Shoulder pain
- Sprain
- Stroke
Traditional Herbal Medicine is an efficacious adjunct to acupuncture to aid in many conditions such as chronic pain, menstrual disorders, gastrointestinal conditions, and more. Curious about how Acupuncture and Traditional Herbal Medicine may help you? Call/text Align Sports Chiropractic and Health Center at 724-801-8622 to schedule your initial visit!