Acupuncture is a holistic health technique that stems from Traditional Chinese Medicine practices in which trained practitioners stimulate specific points on the body by inserting thin needles into the skin. It can improve the body’s functions and promote the natural self-healing process by stimulating specific anatomic sites.
Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on an ancient philosophy that describes the universe, and the body, in terms of two opposing forces: yin and yang. When these forces are in balance, the body is healthy.
Energy, called “qi” (pronounced “chee”) flows along specific pathways, called meridians, throughout the body. This constant flow of energy keeps the yin and yang forces balanced. However, if the flow of energy gets blocked, like water getting stuck behind a dam, the disruption can lead to pain, lack of function, or illness.
Acupuncture can release blocked qi in the body and stimulate function, evoking the body’s natural healing response through various physiological systems. Modern research has demonstrated acupuncture’s effects on the nervous system, endocrine and immune systems, cardiovascular system, and digestive system.
By stimulating the body’s various systems, acupuncture can help to resolve pain, and improve sleep, digestive function, and sense of well-being.
Surprisingly, although needles are used in acupuncture, treatments are relatively pain-free. In fact, one of the most popular uses of acupuncture is to reduce chronic pain throughout the body in a natural way, without the need for medications that can cause unwanted side effects.
1. Relieve Pain
Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the body’s natural painkillers (endorphins), increase blood flow, stimulate nerves, muscles, and tissues. Acupuncture may also block the neurotransmitters and therefore block pain messages from being delivered to the brain. Because of this, many people find relief from headaches and migraines, chronic pain of the back, neck, knee, and arthritis pain.
2. Reduce Stress
Acupuncture takes the edge off. It removes you from the perpetual state of sympathetic dominance in which so many of us find ourselves. By mellowing out the nervous system, acupuncture can help you feel less affected by and better equipped to manage the stressful aspects of life.
3. Improve Sleep
Insomnia is one of the most common complaints seen by acupuncturists, and acupuncture can be highly effective at helping it. Acupuncture can reduce the frequency of insomnia for many people by increasing the secretion of nocturnal melatonin, which is a chemical that aids and induces sleep.
4. Improve Digestion
Regular acupuncture therapy has been proven to reduce signs of heartburn, and indigestion. If the stomach is strong, a person has the ability to transform food into valuable nutrients that the body can use. If the digestive force is weak or blocked, the body will not receive the nutrients it needs or properly eliminate waste. Acupuncture can effectively help regulate the digestive system and strengthen its ability to break down food, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste.
5. Reduce Anxiety
There have been a number of studies done on the effects of acupuncture on anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder, anxiety neurosis, and perioperative anxiety. Like many of the other uses of acupuncture, the exact mechanism is not completely understood, but clinical trials show a positive correlation between anxiety reduction and acupuncture.
6. Increase Energy
Although it’s common to find yourself in “aculand” — a somewhat dazed, blissfully-relaxed state — immediately following acupuncture treatment, the after effect is usually increased energy. Many people report having more energy in the hours, days and even weeks after acupuncture treatment. You may notice that you’re avoiding that post-lunch coma, feeling more motivated to hit the gym, or just sensing a little extra spring in your step.
Interested in giving Acupuncture a try? Visit Erika at CrossFit Recursive on Tuesday, January 31st from 5:30pm – 8:00pm for a 30 Minute Session. Cost is $45, register here: https://crossfitrecursive.sites.zenplanner.com/event.cfm?eventId=D8B484A2-BE9A-4F86-BC43-293FE9A02E8C