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What Is Acupuncture ?

Acupuncture is a holistic modality that addresses emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental health. Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for treating numerous conditions. Ancient Chinese medicine used for thousands of years and acupuncture is based on the Meridian system.

Symptoms Of Addiction

Researchers at the Acupuncture Trialists’ Collaboration found:

How Does Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is the practice of using very fine, sterilized needles — the thickness of a hair — at pressure points to stimulate parts of the nervous system. The needles are inserted into specific places to unblock a blockage, move blood flow, and promote overall balance in the body. Acupuncture is sometimes used in holistic mental health treatment and addiction treatment programs.

Does Acupuncture Help Recover Addiction?

Acupuncture as an alternative therapy for pain management may prove to be a powerful component of addiction recovery programs.

The path to recovery from addiction is often long, and the route it takes varies for different people. While addiction recovery requires sustained hard work, it also requires sustained self-care. How people choose to care for themselves as part of recovery varies because of factors like upbringing, culture, and a person’s personality.

Methods Of Acupuncture For Addiction

Instead of needles, other methods of stimulation are sometimes used over the acupuncture points, including:

Treatment Of Acupuncture For Addiction

Acupuncture for addiction can be a complement to traditional mental health disorder treatment. Some research shows acupuncture as a promising depression treatment when combined with antidepressants and therapy. It can help increase the quality of life and social-emotional health. Studies also suggest acupuncture can be an effective anxiety treatment.

How To Get Acupuncture Treatment For Addiction

Acupuncture practitioners often combine the Eastern and Western approaches to treatment. During the first visit, an evaluation is usually conducted to establish what form of acupuncture therapy will be most beneficial. The practitioner will usually ask questions regarding lifestyle, behaviors, and symptoms to tailor the best treatment approach. The acupuncture specialist may also observe,

The initial evaluation usually takes approximately one hour.

What To Expect In Acupuncture For Addiction

An acupuncture session may take up to 60 minutes, although some appointments may be much shorter. A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one or two treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity. In general, it’s common to receive 6 to 8 treatments.

What Happens During Treatment Of Acupuncture For Addiction?

Depending on the treatment area, an individual may need to remove their clothing and use a provided towel, gown, or sheet to maintain privacy. Acupuncture is performed while the individual is lying down on a padded table. The treatment involves the following:

NEEDLE MANIPULATION

Your practitioner may gently move or twirl the needles after placement or apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles.

NEEDLE INSERTION

Acupuncture needles are inserted into various depths at strategic points on your body. The needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes little discomfort. People often don’t feel them inserted at all. The typical treatment uses 5 to 20 needles. You may feel a mild aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth.

NEEDLE REMOVAL

In most cases, the needles remain in place for 10 to 15 minutes while you lie still and relax. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.

Treatment Benefits Of Acupuncture For Addiction

Acupuncture is an anatomically defined area of complementary therapy that can help people to manage multiple conditions.

The benefits of acupuncture include the following:

Are There Any Risks Of Acupuncture Treatment For Addiction

All therapies come with both risks and benefits. A person should always seek medical advice before undertaking any therapy.

Possible risks of acupuncture are the following:

Bleeding, bruising, and soreness may occur at the insertion sites.
Unsterilized needles may lead to infection.
In rare cases, a needle may break and damage an internal organ.

Results

Acupuncture points are supposed to stimulate the central nervous system. Hence, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may induce the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is acupuncture effective for addiction?

Number of acupuncture sessions needed Acute cases: 3-6 treatments for a lasting resolution. Chronic cases: 6-10 treatments for positive changes, 10-20 sessions for consolidation of changes, and more lasting changes.

2. What is the role of acupuncture in the treatment of drug addiction?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice of medicine that has gained popularity in Western culture and around the world. It involves the insertion of thin needles into the skin to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues throughout the body to alleviate pain, tension, and stress.

3. Where is the acupuncture point for addiction?

One well-researched effect of acupuncture is reducing inflammation throughout the body. Acupuncture stimulates chemicals that reduce swelling and quiet unwanted immune responses and allergic reactions.

4. What are the stages of healing with acupuncture?

Six Fun Facts About Acupuncture
• There are More than 2,000 Acupuncture Points.
• It Doesn't Hurt and is Relaxing.
• Acupuncture Has Been Around for Thousands of Years.
• Acupuncture is Regulated.
• Can be Used with Electricity.
• Acupuncture Treats Everything from Pain to Infertility.

Begin the process of staying well

Healing Pain and Balancing the Body Through Acupuncture

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