Acupuncture Benefits
One of the most common conversations we have at the office is about acupuncture benefits, and whether or not a person’s condition can be treated. In the majority of these cases, the answer is yes. Due to the holistic nature of acupuncture, it can be used to treat many different conditions, and often has a positive impact on the whole body, not just the area being treated. However, there are many misconceptions about how acupuncture works, what it can treat, and what can occur as side effects.
Conditions to Treat with Acupuncture
A biking accident, seasonal allergies, a predisposition for high blood sugar or weight gain: these are some of the many different reasons a person might try acupuncture. However, so much of the time people turn to acupuncture as a last resort. Although a successful return to a healthy state is still very possible late in the game, acupuncture is most effective when used at the beginning of treatment.
Including all sorts of physical injuries, acupuncture can be used to treat the following:
- Headaches and migraines
- Insomnia
- Digestion
- Inflammation and arthritis
- Allergies and colds
- Anxiety and depression
- Hormone imbalance
- Weight gain
- Addiction
- High blood pressure
- Headaches and migraines
- Vertigo
- Muscle spasms and weakness
- Parkinson’s and stroke
Side Effects of Acupuncture
Not to toot our own horn too loudly, but one of the greatest things about acupuncture is its remarkable safety. Our acupuncturists are highly trained, with thousands of hours of clinical experience, as well as continued education experience with some of the top practitioners in the country.
That being said, it is always important to be aware of potential side effects. The needles are sterile, but may cause slight bleeding or bruising at the insertion site. Dizziness and lightheadedness are also possible risks. Other modalities, such as cupping and moxibustion, also have inherent risks, though every precaution is taken. In these treatments, it is possible that people experience bruises from the suction of cupping, or burns and scarring from moxibustion (only if used incorrectly).