Acupuncture

The 12 Meridians of the Body Explained

The meridian system is a phrase that comes up often during acupuncture treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that energy (also referred to as qi) flows throughout the body much like blood does. When this flow of energy becomes disrupted, symptoms and disease can occur. Acupuncture and other forms of Eastern medicine work to restore the flow of energy throughout the body using the meridian system. continue reading »

LED Light Therapy & Acupuncture: A Perfect Pairing

Acupuncture is a proven treatment option when it comes to dealing with a host of health problems, from allergies to depression to chronic pain. Acupuncture is the key to restoring the body’s energy flow and achieving balance. Acupuncturists also may use herbal remedies, acupressure massage, and other modalities like LED light therapy to enhance their treatment and get improved outcomes for their patients. continue reading »

Winning Combination: Cupping & Acupuncture

While you might be familiar with acupuncture or Traditional Chinese Medicine, cupping might be a new concept. It’s become more popular in recent years as celebrities and professional athletes have touted its benefits and proudly showcased the sometimes giant red welts on their bodies. But what is cupping and how does it work with a traditional acupuncture treatment? continue reading »

Acupuncture for Neuropathy: A Natural Approach to Pain Relief

What is Neuropathy?

Neuropathy is a condition that damages the nerves. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Neuropathy can be caused by a number of things, including diabetes, chemotherapy, alcohol abuse, and certain medications.

How Can Acupuncture Help with Neuropathy?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine treatment that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It is believed that acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing process and can help to relieve pain and inflammation.

A growing body of research suggests that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for neuropathy. One study found that acupuncture was more effective than sham acupuncture at reducing pain and improving nerve function in people with diabetic neuropathy. Another study found that acupuncture was effective at reducing pain and improving quality of life in people with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

How Does Acupuncture Work for Neuropathy?

Acupuncture is thought to work for neuropathy in a number of ways. It may help to:

Reduce pain and inflammation
Improve nerve function
Promote blood flow to the nerves
Stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers

What to Expect During an Acupuncture Treatment

During an acupuncture treatment, you will lie on a comfortable table. The acupuncturist will then insert thin needles into specific points on your body. The needles are usually inserted very shallowly and should not cause much pain.

Once the needles are in place, you will relax for 20-30 minutes. The acupuncturist may gently manipulate the needles during this time. After the treatment, the needles will be removed.

How Many Acupuncture Treatments Do I Need?

The number of acupuncture treatments you need will vary depending on the severity of your neuropathy and your individual response to treatment. Most people start with 2-3 treatments per week and then reduce the frequency of treatments as their symptoms improve.

If you are considering acupuncture for neuropathy, be sure to start with a consultation.

Additional Tips for Managing Neuropathy

In addition to acupuncture, there are a number of other things you can do to manage neuropathy symptoms, such as:

Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight can put additional pressure on the nerves.
Exercise regularly. Exercise can help to improve nerve function and blood flow.
Eat a healthy diet. Eating a balanced diet can help to provide the nutrients your nerves need to function properly.
Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can damage the nerves.
Manage any underlying medical conditions. If your neuropathy is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, it is important to manage that condition carefully.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for neuropathy. It can help to reduce pain, improve nerve function, and promote blood flow to the nerves. If you are considering acupuncture for neuropathy, be sure to begin with a consult.

Acupuncture for Spinal Stenosis: A Natural Way to Find Relief

Spinal stenosis is a condition that causes the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling in the legs and feet. Spinal stenosis can be caused by a number of factors, including aging, arthritis, and injury.

While there is no cure for spinal stenosis, there are a number of treatments that can help to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. One such treatment is acupuncture.

Acupuncture can help to relieve pain, inflammation, and other symptoms.

How acupuncture can help with spinal stenosis

Acupuncture can help with spinal stenosis in a number of ways. First, it can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Acupuncture releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relievers. It also helps to reduce inflammation by increasing blood flow to the affected area.

Second, acupuncture can help to improve nerve function. Acupuncture needles stimulate the nerves in the spine, which can help to improve nerve conduction and reduce nerve pain.

Third, acupuncture can help to improve range of motion and flexibility. Acupuncture helps to relax muscles and reduce stiffness, which can make it easier to move and exercise.

Research on acupuncture for spinal stenosis

A number of studies have shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for spinal stenosis. For example, a 2019 study found that acupuncture was more effective than sham acupuncture at reducing pain and improving function in people with spinal stenosis.

Another study, published in 2020, found that acupuncture was effective at reducing pain and improving quality of life in people with spinal stenosis who were not responding to other treatments.

Once you have found a qualified acupuncturist, they will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. Treatment typically involves weekly acupuncture sessions for several weeks or months, depending on the severity of your condition.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for spinal stenosis. It can help to reduce pain, inflammation, and nerve pain. It can also help to improve range of motion and flexibility. If you are considering acupuncture for spinal stenosis, be sure to start with a consultation with our doctor.