acupunctureworksllc
Acupuncture Works LLC
Acupuncture Works is Central Virginia’s premier clinic for your Integrative Medicine and Holistic Health care needs. As the first clinic in the Lynchburg VA area to offer the Soliman Auricular Allergy Treatment (SAAT) and Auricular Medicine, Debi is your expert in the treatment of all tick diseases including Alpha-Gal Syndrome, Lyme Disease and it co-infections.
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What is Moxibustion?
You might have heard your acupuncturist mention Moxibustion as a treatment option. This unfamiliar term needs some definition and clarification for most. So, what is it? Moxibustion is defined as a form of heat therapy that involves burning the dried moxa plant and leaving it on or very near the skin’s surface, thus promoting the flow of “qi” and eliminating certain pathogens in the body.
Moxa is made from the mugwort plant and can be made into sticks of varying sizes or it can be mixed with other herbs to enhance its benefits. Believe it or not, moxa has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years. It can be applied in what is called a moxa cone which rests on the patient’s skin at the specific treatment point. The acupuncturist will light the cones and let it burn slowly until the patient begins to feel the heat and then the cone is removed.
Typically, in the U.S. moxa is applied more indirectly as a safety precaution. Rather than placing the moxa cone directly on the skin, the acupuncturist will hold the moxa stick an inch or two above the specific treatment area. Another method is to place the moxa on the acupuncture needle and leave it to burn until extinguished, thus allowing the heat to travel through the acupuncture needle directly to a specific acupuncture point.
WebMD describes moxibustion as “founded on the belief that blockages in the flow of energy lead to mental and physical health problems.” They describe it as an option used to treat back pain, arthritis, headaches and migraines, muscle stiffness, ulcers, fatigue, infertility, menstrual cramps, cancer, and digestive issues.
What the Research Says
WebMD points to several studies that have been conducted regarding how moxibustion therapy can benefit health, including taking a close look at safety and effectiveness. One study found moxibustion to be excellent therapy for chronic kidney disease. Researchers determined it had a great effect on reducing serum creatinine, which is responsible for poor kidney function when found in high doses. Another study found that moxibustion helped to reduce the severity and frequency of hot flashes in 51 women in their postmenopausal stage after just 14 sessions.
What can Moxibustion Treat?
Moxibustion can be used to treat a variety of issues including pain. It is believed that Moxa heat can expel the cold and dry dampness that causes pain throughout the body (shoulder, abdominal, knee, back, and other joint pain).
Moxa works to improve digestion by warming up the meridians and strengthening the whole digestive system. Moxa treatments can also improve overall health and wellness by strengthening the immune system, thus reducing the risk of illness.
So, what does it feel like to have a moxibustion treatment? For many patients, it feels like a sudden flooding of warmth throughout the entire body. It has a pleasant smell and for most, it is a very relaxing experience as it promotes the flow of qi throughout the body.
As with any treatment, it is best to seek out a professional practitioner so talk to your acupuncturist to see if moxibustion is the right option for you. There are some potential side effects and your practitioner will go over them with you as you determine if this is the right course of action for your particular health concern.
What is Moxibustion? was last modified: February 27th, 2023 by admin
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What is Moxibustion?
You might have heard your acupuncturist mention Moxibustion as a treatment option. This unfamiliar term needs some definition and clarification for most. So, what is it? Moxibustion is defined as a form of heat therapy that involves burning the dried moxa plant and leaving it on or very near the skin’s surface, thus promoting the flow of “qi” and eliminating certain pathogens in the body.
Moxa is…
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Healthy Choices for a Healthy Spring
After a long cold winter, Spring is a time for renewal and growth. The flowers and trees begin to bloom once again and the grayness of winter transitions to the brightness and warmth of Spring. If you have struggled to keep those New Year’s resolutions going, Spring is a great time for a fresh start with healthy choices. Here are a few tips to keep you and your family healthy and ready to enjoy…
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Tips and Tricks for a Sparkling Spring
For some, Spring cleaning is a productive and anticipated right of passage each year. It’s a time to stock up on essential cleaning and organizational supplies and deep clean the house. For others, it’s a dreaded time to confront the messiness and chaos that can come with a long cold winter. Here are a few tips and tricks to get your Spring cleaning under control and make it less…
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Fitness Routine Spring Cleaning
With warmer temperatures and longer days, it’s time to evaluate your fitness routine and give it a Spring overhaul. While we might find comfort in being creatures of habit, it’s important to frequently switch up your fitness routine for a few different reasons. One reason is to avoid hitting a fitness plateau. But how do you know when it’s time for a change? If any of the following apply to you,…
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Healthy Choices for a Healthy Spring
After a long cold winter, Spring is a time for renewal and growth. The flowers and trees begin to bloom once again and the grayness of winter transitions to the brightness and warmth of Spring. If you have struggled to keep those New Year’s resolutions going, Spring is a great time for a fresh start with healthy choices. Here are a few tips to keep you and your family healthy and ready to enjoy the longer days of summer that are just around the corner.
Freshen Up Your Fitness Routine
If your fitness routine didn’t get off to a great start in the new year, it might be time to shake things up a bit as you head into Spring. With warmer temperatures and longer days, rethink how you approach your fitness plan and look at it as a chance to have some fun. Sign up for a 5k or join a weekend softball or basketball league. Pickleball and tennis are gaining in popularity across the country as well. And if a team sport isn’t your cup of tea, try hiking, biking or swimming.
Freshen Up Your Diet
Spring fruits and vegetables are coming back into season, so this is a great time to choose unprocessed whole foods rather than those full of sugar and preservatives. Avoid foods with corn syrup, dextrose, and fructose. If you are prone to afternoon snacking, choose raw foods like nuts, carrots, zucchini, or broccoli. Spring fruits and veggies are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients so hit that farmer’s market and stock up on the bounty of options.
Freshen Up Your Me Time
Whether single or married, kids or not, it is important to schedule some “me” time and make it a priority, just as you would a doctor’s appointment. And it doesn’t have to be a long time and it doesn’t have to be complicated. It could be something as simple as a morning walk before work with a good cup of coffee in hand. Or it could be a hot soak in the tub with a glass of wine and a good book. Or it could be time spent in the garden after a long day of sitting at your desk. And if you try something you thought would nourish your soul and it doesn’t, don’t be afraid to try something else.
Freshen Up Your Social Life
Use these longer days to connect with people in your life. Schedule game nights, movie nights, walks, hikes, or happy hours to enjoy time with family and friends. Force yourself to do a digital detox and put down the phone, tablet, or laptop and step away from social media. Other ideas include volunteering, getting involved in a new hobby or sport are great ways to meet people and connect in new communities.
Bonus Tip
Another great tip is to make sure you are getting enough sleep every night. It is best for adults to get at least seven hours of sleep per night. Establishing all these healthy habits in Spring can set you up for a great summer and beyond.
Healthy Choices for a Healthy Spring was last modified: March 13th, 2023 by admin
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Tips and Tricks for a Sparkling Spring
For some, Spring cleaning is a productive and anticipated right of passage each year. It’s a time to stock up on essential cleaning and organizational supplies and deep clean the house. For others, it’s a dreaded time to confront the messiness and chaos that can come with a long cold winter. Here are a few tips and tricks to get your Spring cleaning under control and make it less overwhelming.
Make it Manageable
The first tip is to break down your Spring-cleaning chores into more manageable chunks. Set the timer on your phone for 15 minutes and then tackle some simple tasks like dusting open surfaces and ceiling fans, door frames and switch plates, or baseboards. This can help you feel like you are accomplishing something without spending a ton of time. Using microfiber cloths and mops can help you pick up dust in a flash.
Make Your Own Cleaning Solution
If the chemicals in store bought cleaners concern you, make your own natural cleaning solution with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Combine the following ingredients in a spray bottle and shake it well:
¾ cup of water
¾ cup of rubbing alcohol
5 to 10 drops of peppermint, lemon, or orange essential oils
1 squirt of natural dish soap
Once your mixture is complete, spray on to surfaces and wipe with a clean cloth.
Keep Your Shower Clean
One easy way to keep your shower clean is to keep supplies in there so you can clean while you are in the shower. Keep a squeegee in the shower so you can wipe down the walls. Keep a spray bottle or dish wand with equal parts dish soap and vinegar in the shower to scrub things down and keep the potential mess under control.
Remove Stains
If your favorite coffee or tea mug is embarrassingly stained, use a little baking soda to make them like new. Fill the mugs with one part baking soda and two parts water. Then let it sit overnight and in the morning clean it out with a sponge.
Use the Right Tools
There are lots of tools to help you clean the toilet quickly and without getting too close to the mess. There are also some great tools to help you clean your blinds and windows. When the days get longer and sunnier, you want to open the blinds and windows, right? And that’s when you notice the dust on the blinds and smudges on the windows. Use tools that help you dust multiple blinds at once. And there are tools to help you tackle those hard-to-reach corners and tall windows.
Tips and tools abound to help you get your living space sparkling clean for Spring and beyond so take advantage of what’s out there and tackle what you can in small bites and before you know it, your house will be a place of refuge and comfort.
Tips and Tricks for a Sparkling Spring was last modified: March 13th, 2023 by admin
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Fitness Routine Spring Cleaning
With warmer temperatures and longer days, it’s time to evaluate your fitness routine and give it a Spring overhaul. While we might find comfort in being creatures of habit, it’s important to frequently switch up your fitness routine for a few different reasons. One reason is to avoid hitting a fitness plateau. But how do you know when it’s time for a change? If any of the following apply to you, it might be time to freshen things up.
If your routine brings with it a sense of dread, it might be time to try something new. If you stop seeing results and you aren’t making any forward progress, then it’s time to make a change. If you feel unusually tired rather than energized after your routine and you watch the clock to count down the minutes, then you definitely need to switch things up.
Evaluation is Key
Before you just change everything up, make sure to take some time and evaluate your routine and how it relates to your fitness goals. Does your current routine challenge you? Do you look forward to your workouts or dread them? With Spring here, there are lots of options to explore to help you switch up your routine.
The first thing you can take advantage of with longer days and warmer temperatures is to take your workout outside. Sometimes a simple change in scenery is all it takes to snap out of a dull routine. Some cities offer classes in the park like yoga or aerobics or even an early morning fitness boot camp.
You also might consider registering for a running club or just register for a 5k or hiking challenge. And with longer days, you can get up earlier to work out before your day fully begins. And add a little variety to your routine by including some free weights, resistance bands, or Kettlebells. Sometimes, a new pair of shoes or yoga pants can provide just the right amount of motivation.
And if none of that works to infuse a little energy into your fitness routine, try a new class or take a lesson. Group fitness classes can provide you with a connection to a new community and new forms of movement. Take a golf or tennis lesson with family and friends. This can also be a way to get your friend group or family out for some fresh air and activity.
Whatever you decide to do, make sure that you enjoy it. If you dread your workout, then you aren’t going to reach your goals or enjoy the journey. If something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to try something new. Everyone’s routine and goals are different and as individualized as you are. Find the formula that works for you and don’t be afraid to make adjustments along the way.
Fitness Routine Spring Cleaning was last modified: March 13th, 2023 by admin
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Why You Should Choose Acupuncture to Treat Fibromyalgia
Why You Should Choose Acupuncture to Treat Fibromyalgia
According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, fibromyalgia is one of the most chronic pain conditions. They say, “the disorder affects an estimated 10 million people in the U.S. and an estimated 3%-6% of the world population. While it is most prevalent in women (75%-90% of people who have fibromyalgia are women), it also occurs in men and children of all ethnic groups.”
Acupuncture for the…
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Why You Should Choose Acupuncture to Treat Fibromyalgia
According to the National Fibromyalgia Association, fibromyalgia is one of the most chronic pain conditions. They say, “the disorder affects an estimated 10 million people in the U.S. and an estimated 3%-6% of the world population. While it is most prevalent in women (75%-90% of people who have fibromyalgia are women), it also occurs in men and children of all ethnic groups.”
Acupuncture for the treatment of fibromyalgia has increased in popularity in recent years, especially as more research has demonstrated the benefits of acupuncture treatment. According to a 2013 study, one in five people with fibromyalgia seek acupuncture treatment within two years of the diagnosis.
Fibromyalgia is notoriously difficult to treat and many who suffer from this disorder have difficulty tolerating the drugs and supplements commonly used. More and more people are turning to complementary and alternative treatment options to relive their symptoms and acupuncture has found its niche.
There are several benefits to using acupuncture to treat fibromyalgia. Benefits include lowering pain levels, improving sleep, stimulating the immune system, relaxation, and generally better health through achieving a balance of energy throughout the body.
A Cochrane research review actually found that another type of acupuncture treatment called EA or electroacupuncture appeared to be even more effective at treating fibromyalgia than traditional acupuncture. Electroacupuncture uses an electronic device to deliver a small current between pairs of needles. The research review found that EA improved patients’ pain, stiffness, sleep, fatigue, and overall wellbeing.
A 2019 review found that, “acupuncture therapy is an effective and safe treatment for patients with fibromyalgia,” and that “this treatment can be recommended for the management of fibromyalgia.” The study concluded that, “acupuncture was more effective in the short and long term than conventional fibromyalgia medications and that no serious side effects were found.”
A 2018 trial suggested acupuncture was great at relieving the symptoms of fibromyalgia because it changes the levels of neurotransmitters critical to fibromyalgia. The first was serotonin, which impacts pain processing, the sleep cycle, alertness, appetite, mood, digestion and sex drive. All of which are believed to be low in those with fibromyalgia. The second was called “substance P” which is released when nerve cells detect painful stimuli which are typically elevated in those with fibromyalgia.
Even the Mayo Clinic encourages those with fibromyalgia to try acupuncture. Dr. Brent A Bauer said that “fibromyalgia can be difficult to treat, and a combination of treatments may be necessary to control your symptoms. If you’re having trouble finding relief for your fibromyalgia pain, it may be worth trying acupuncture.” He also noted that “when performed by a trained practitioner, acupuncture has few risks.”
If you suffer from fibromyalgia and have found your symptoms to be overwhelming and detrimental to your quality of life, follow the research and give acupuncture a try. Your practitioner will go over a detailed health history to determine the right course of treatment specifically designed to meet your needs. Don’t spend another day in pain and exhaustion. Reach out and make an appointment today.
Why You Should Choose Acupuncture to Treat Fibromyalgia was last modified: January 2nd, 2023 by admin
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Three Steps to Keep Winter Allergies at Bay
Three Steps to Keep Winter Allergies at Bay
You might think that the cold winter season would bring relief for seasonal allergy sufferers, however, it just brings about a different set of indoor allergens. As those colder temperatures become the norm, people tend to spend more time indoors which brings them into contact with indoor allergens.
Inside Allergy Triggers
These indoor allergy triggers have likely been in your house all year,…
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Healthy and Hearty Winter Recipes
Healthy and Hearty Winter Recipes
When the weather gets colder there is nothing better than a warm and comforting bowl of goodness to keep the chill away. But sometimes the challenge is to keep things healthy as the temperatures drop. We often tend to drift away from our fresh vegetable dishes of summer into carb heavy dishes of pasta and other carbs. That is all fine in moderation, but if you are looking to keep things healthy…
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Three Tips for Maintaining Your Mental Health in Winter
Three Tips for Maintaining Your Mental Health in Winter
Many people struggle during the winter months with their mental health. It could be the shorter days and darker nights, or it could be related to family issues and the holiday season. People deal with this in different ways, but it can lead to avoidance of social interactions, overeating or emotional eating, as well as a mental fogginess that can lead to negative thoughts and overwhelming…
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Three Steps to Keep Winter Allergies at Bay
You might think that the cold winter season would bring relief for seasonal allergy sufferers, however, it just brings about a different set of indoor allergens. As those colder temperatures become the norm, people tend to spend more time indoors which brings them into contact with indoor allergens.
Inside Allergy Triggers
These indoor allergy triggers have likely been in your house all year, but when you hibernate inside during the colder months with the windows closed and the heat on, they tend to become more pronounced. Some of the major triggers include dust particles, mold and mildew, and pet dander.
Perhaps the most unique winter allergy that really is a part of the season is Christmas tree allergies. This can be a complex problem as it could be an allergy to pine (or the tree itself) or the tree could be covered in allergens like pollen or mold spores. If you are sensitive to smells, the strong odor might be an issue throughout the Christmas season.
Outside Allergy Triggers
If you live in a wet and rainy area, outdoor mold can begin to form in late winter and early Spring. Much like an allergy to pine, cedar pollen can create havoc for people sensitive to this allergen. Cedar is largely contained in the areas of Southern Missouri, Oklahoma, central and western Texas and Northern Mexico. This allergy is often referred to as “cedar fever.” The cedar pollinates from December through March and can sometimes release so much pollen it looks like the trees are emitting smoke.
Allergy Symptoms vs. Cold Symptoms
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if you are suffering from allergies or a cold as some of the symptoms might be the same or similar. Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, a stuffy or runny nose, itchy eyes, ears, or throat, dry coughing, or a low-grade fever. In severe cases, symptoms can be related to asthma and include chest tightness, wheezing, rapid breathing, and feelings of exhaustion.
The way to tell the difference between allergies and a cold is to examine the source. Colds come from a virus that is passed by someone infected with it. Once your body fights off the infection, the cold symptoms end. Allergies come from your body’s release of histamine as a response to the allergens. Symptoms will persist if you are breathing in the allergens.
Treatment Options
There are many different treatment options depending on the severity of the symptoms. Over-the-counter antihistamines are a common course of action for many allergy sufferers. Nasal irrigation or using distilled water to flush out nasal passages, is another option. Nasal sprays are also common and for those who have severe symptoms, allergy shots are an option.
If you are looking for a drug-free alternative, acupuncture has also been proven a successful treatment option. As a general assessment, typical allergy acupuncture treatments will involve weekly or twice-weekly appointments spanning several weeks or even months depending on the symptoms. Your acupuncturist can then determine if annual or semi-annual treatments are needed to maintain results.
The root cause of allergies is different for everyone. Another option your acupuncturist might explore with you is to add herbal formulas to your treatment plan as this can greatly increase the efficacy of the treatments. Adding herbal formulas along with the traditional needle treatment can be an effective one-two punch for treating winter allergies.
Prevention
Some easy steps to take as you head into the cold winter months is to regularly wash clothes, bedding, and any removeable upholstery covers. This helps to reduce the pet dander and dust build up. Regularly vacuum your home and in severe cases, you might want to think about removing carpet and replacing it with tile or wood flooring. Seal any cracks or openings near windows and doors and fix any leaks so mold doesn’t have the chance to form. Do what you can to limit exposure and keep your environment allergen free so you can feel better overall.
Three Steps to Keep Winter Allergies at Bay was last modified: December 12th, 2022 by admin
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Healthy and Hearty Winter Recipes
When the weather gets colder there is nothing better than a warm and comforting bowl of goodness to keep the chill away. But sometimes the challenge is to keep things healthy as the temperatures drop. We often tend to drift away from our fresh vegetable dishes of summer into carb heavy dishes of pasta and other carbs. That is all fine in moderation, but if you are looking to keep things healthy through the winter, this recipe is a great way to eat the rainbow.
During the long, dark nights of winter, it can be a treat to find something colorful, warm and filling to eat. Bowls are a great way to incorporate different food groups, keep an eye on portions, and still find the comfort that comes from a warm dish on a cold night.
Some nutritionists call these types of bowls “nourish bowls” and they are completely customizable depending on what you like and what’s in your pantry at the moment. They are perhaps the easiest way to incorporate grains, protein and lots of veggies. They are also a great way to mix textures and different flavors and if you have picky eaters in your family, remember they are customizable so you can incorporate different toppings to suit the needs of your household. And another pro tip, these are excellent options for meal prep so you can enjoy a warm, comforting, and nourishing dish whether you are working from home or heading to the office.
This recipe is just a sample of one bowl option. Remember, you can customize to what you like. This bowl will definitely help you to eat the rainbow during winter.
Ingredient Options
Start off with some sweet potatoes for a satisfying orange base. You can roast them in the oven alongside some chickpeas and spice them up for extra flavor. Quinoa can add some protein and bulk to your bowl. Kale and spinach add that nice leafy green touch of freshness. Red cabbage adds another touch of crunch and freshness, and Tahini makes a great base for sauce or dressing to toss with your bowl.
Assembling Your Bowl
After you have seasoned and roasted your sweet potatoes and chickpeas on a baking sheet for 25 minutes at 350 degrees, you can toss your kale with apple cider vinegar and salt and spread it onto a baking sheet. Roast for 10 minutes, flip the kale chips and roast for another five minutes. While the ingredients are roasting, cook your quinoa according to the package instructions. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, water, lime juice, maple syrup, garlic powder and salt for an amazing dressing for your bowl. Wash and chop your fresh spinach, red cabbage and half of an orange for some added zing and freshness.
Assemble your bowl with your sweet potatoes, chickpeas, quinoa, kale chips, spinach and red cabbage and then top with orange slices and some toasted walnuts or almost and drizzle with that amazing tahini dressing.
The only thing left to do is enjoy!
Healthy and Hearty Winter Recipes was last modified: December 12th, 2022 by admin
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Three Tips for Maintaining Your Mental Health in Winter
Many people struggle during the winter months with their mental health. It could be the shorter days and darker nights, or it could be related to family issues and the holiday season. People deal with this in different ways, but it can lead to avoidance of social interactions, overeating or emotional eating, as well as a mental fogginess that can lead to negative thoughts and overwhelming feelings.
The survival instinct for many of us, especially those living in extremely cold regions of the world, is to wrap up in a blanket, eat lots of comfort food, and hibernate indoors. But it’s important to take inventory of your mental well being as much as your physical. Here are three tips to follow when evaluating your mental health this winter.
Listen to the Needs of Your Body
The winter days are shorter and the nights colder and darker and this definitely has an impact on our internal clocks. This low light can have our bodies ready for sleep earlier than usual in the lighter summer months. You might find yourself going to bed 20-30 minutes earlier than usual. Your body will tell you what it needs so make sure you listen and possibly incorporate a power nap mid-day if necessary.
Nutrition is Key
As previously mentioned, our tendency can often be to eat more and move less in the cold weather. Warm bowls of soup or pasta are often our favorite things when the temperature drops. But feed your hunger wisely and make sure you don’t go completely overboard with the comfort foods. Stock your pantry with nutritious food like nuts, crackers and hummus, yogurt and sweet potatoes. This will keep your physical health and your mental health strong through this cold season.
Keep on Moving
When it’s cold and snowy or rainy outside, the tendency is to grab a warm blanket and curl up with a book or binge watch the latest show you have been saving for just such weather. And this is a great plan in moderation. It’s important that you keep moving even when it’s cold outside. Our bodies need movement to stay healthy. If you don’t have a time set aside for regular exercise, you should consider adding this to your daily schedule. If you work inside and sit at a desk all day, set an alarm that reminds you to get up every hour and move; take a walk, stretch, or simply take the stairs instead of the elevator. Anything to keep your body in motion. This is a great way to keep your mind active as well.
Our physical and mental health are tied together so make sure they aren’t neglecting one or the other. Taking care of them both will set you up for a productive winter and help you welcome Spring with a healthy mind and heart.
Three Tips for Maintaining Your Mental Health in Winter was last modified: December 12th, 2022 by admin
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Acupuncture for Chronic Back Pain
A Harris Poll released earlier this year found that approximately three out of ten U.S. adults currently suffer from chronic low back pain. To put it another way, that’s an estimated 72.3 million people! Common treatments usually include prescription medications which bring their own complications and side effects into the picture. If you are looking for a drug-free alternative to your back pain, acupuncture could be the solution you have been searching for.
What the Research Says
According to the experts at WebMD, chronic low back pain is one of the conditions most touted by research suggesting acupuncture could be an effective treatment tool. WebMD also pointed to guidelines from the American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians who say “doctors should consider acupuncture as an alternative therapy for patients with chronic low back pain that’s not helped by conventional treatment.”
How It Works
If you have never experienced an acupuncture treatment, you might be wondering just how it works. First, your acupuncturist will take a detailed health history to determine the best course of treatment for your pain. They may also prescribe herbs and dietary changes to help your condition as well.
A typical treatment involves inserting thin needles at specific points on the body. These points help to connect the meridians throughout the body, thus making sure the flow of energy (also known as Qi) is balanced. Stimulating the various points (depending on your particular health concern and the severity of the pain) can correct any energy imbalances, thus relieving pain with little or no side effects. The medical experts at WebMD also believe that “acupuncture has fewer adverse side effects than many of the standard treatments for back pain.
Many people wonder how many treatments it will take to find relief. It all depends on the severity of the issue but typically six to twelve sessions are scheduled. Again, depending on the severity of the condition, sessions can be done once or twice a week and can last for 30 to 90 minutes. Less severe issues could require fewer treatments, but in severe cases, additional sessions may need to be scheduled to completely address the condition.
In general, the acupuncture points that focus on treating back pain are found on the hands, at the back of the knees, on the hips, stomach, lower back, and feet. Two of the most common points that can help relieve back pain are Liver 3 and Kidney 3. A 2019 study published in Pain Medicine measured the effects of acupressure as a treatment of chronic low back pain. Researchers found that “the relaxing and stimulating acupressure groups showed a pain reduction of 35% and 36%, respectively, which was greater than the care group. The stimulating acupuncture group also experienced better fatigue improvement compared to the care group.”
It’s important to note that your chronic back pain could be a sign that there are other issues and imbalances happening in your body. This is something your practitioner will consider as they conduct the health history intake with you before treatment begins. In addition to relief from your back pain, you may notice other positive side effects like improved digestion, better sleep and less stress and anxiety.
If you suffer from chronic back pain and are looking for a treatment option with little to no side effects, call your local acupuncturist and make an appointment today!
Acupuncture for Chronic Back Pain was last modified: November 28th, 2022 by admin
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