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Acupuncture for Orthopedic Pain

Acupuncture for Orthopedic Pain

Orthopedic pain is a big deal for many Americans, and it comes in many different forms including knee, hip, shoulder, and other joint pain. Acupuncture has been proven an effective tool to deal with orthopedic pain…even Harvard Medical School thinks so.  continue reading »

Acupuncture & Athletes: A Winning Combination

Acupuncture & Athletes: A Winning Combination

Whether a weekend warrior or a seasoned semi-professional or professional competitor, athletes are always looking for that competitive edge, the thing that can keep them healthy and give them a bit more in the tank to defeat the competition. 

Sports acupuncture is a great tool athletes can use as part of their overall health care strategy. Sports acupuncture is a hybrid form of acupuncture and sports medicine that is specifically used to support sports-related activity. Athletes and runners especially can use sports medicine acupuncture to relieve pain, accelerate the healing of sports related injuries, improve performance, and increase muscle flexibility. Let’s unpack each of these benefits and see just how sports acupuncture can be used to treat athletes. continue reading »

“Do More in 2024” for Your Health & Your Future

At last, the new year is upon us. Will we live our best lives and manifest our fullest potential? What we do with all that potential, is always up to us.

One way to hone in on our resolutions, our health and wellness goals is to try something new, like acupuncture. Although acupuncture is technically anything but “new” being over 3,000 year old system of medicine originating from China, it may be a new experience for you.

Acupuncture is truly an excellent treatment approach for many ailments for several reasons. First, there are no side effects to acupuncture like there are with medications or surgery. Second, it is actually a very pleasant experience for most people, as most patients fall asleep during their session, and it is considered non-invasive. Third, it can treat multiple health concerns at the same time. Many times a patient will come in for their chronic pain, for example, and also see lasting improvements with their lifelong anxiety or insomnia, digestive issues or migraines. It even helps couples get pregnant who are struggling to start a family, or help with menopausal concerns and reproductive health.

Anything you would consider taking a pill for, you could try acupuncture.

With the New Year, many folks even use acupuncture to quit smoking, or use acupuncture to lose weight.

At Cloud 9 Acupuncture & Integrative Medicine, we take an integrative approach looking at many ways to naturally support your health and wellness, utilizing acupuncture, electro-stim, ATP Resonance BioTherapyTM, O3 Regenerative TherapyTM, and custom nutritional support.

While we specialize in complex, chronic conditions that are difficult to treat such as neuropathy, autoimmune conditions, infertility, migraines, and women’s health, we do treat many other conditions (and all ages) as well.

Interested in seeing what acupuncture can do for you?

Call 410-847-4766 to begin with a consultation with Dr. Laura Parks, our medical director who has over 13 years experience using acupuncture to change lives.

Acupuncture for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Path to Pain Relief and Improved Quality of Life

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints and connective tissues. It is characterized by joint pain, inflammation, stiffness, and fatigue. While there is no cure for RA, there are treatments available that can help to manage the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.

One of the complementary therapies that is gaining popularity for the treatment of RA is acupuncture. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It is believed to work by stimulating the body’s natural healing system and restoring balance to the body’s energy.

Evidence Supporting Acupuncture for RA

A growing body of research suggests that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for RA. A review of 43 studies found that acupuncture was associated with improvements in pain, joint function, and quality of life in people with RA. Another study found that acupuncture was more effective than sham acupuncture for reducing pain in people with RA.

How Acupuncture May Work for RA

There are several possible mechanisms by which acupuncture may work for RA. One possibility is that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relievers. Another possibility is that acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation, which is a key factor in RA.

What to Expect from Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture treatments typically last about 30 minutes. During treatment, you will be lying down or reclining in a comfortable position. The acupuncturist will insert thin needles into specific points on your body. You may feel a slight prick when the needles are inserted, but most people do not find acupuncture to be painful.

Acupuncture for RA: What the Experts Say

The Arthritis Foundation has stated that “there is some evidence to suggest that acupuncture may be helpful for the management of pain and function in people with RA.” The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has also stated that “acupuncture may be helpful for the management of pain and other symptoms of RA.”

Is Acupuncture Safe for RA?

Acupuncture is generally considered to be safe. However, there are some potential side effects, such as bruising, bleeding, and pain at the needle insertion site. In rare cases, acupuncture can cause more serious side effects, such as infection or nerve damage.

Begin with a Consultation

If you are considering acupuncture for RA, it is important to begin with a consultation. Call 410-847-4766 today.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment option for many people with RA. If you are looking for a natural way to manage your pain and improve your quality of life, acupuncture may be worth considering.

Acupuncture: A Natural Remedy for Sciatica Relief

Sciatica, a condition characterized by pain radiating from the lower back down through the leg, can significantly impact your quality of life. While traditional treatments often involve medication or surgery, acupuncture has emerged as a safe and effective alternative for managing sciatica symptoms.

Understanding Sciatica and Acupuncture

Sciatica stems from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in the human body. This irritation often results from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or muscle spasms. Acupuncture, a core component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), aims to restore balance and harmony to the body’s energy flow, known as qi (pronounced “chee”).

Acupuncture for Sciatica: The Evidence

Numerous studies have investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating sciatica. A 2019 meta-analysis of 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) concluded that acupuncture significantly reduced sciatic pain compared to sham acupuncture or conventional treatments.

How Acupuncture Works for Sciatica

Acupuncture practitioners insert thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints. These points are believed to correspond to energy pathways or meridians. By stimulating these acupoints, acupuncture can:

  1. Reduce Pain: Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.

  2. Improve Circulation: Acupuncture enhances blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.

  3. Regulate the Nervous System: Acupuncture helps calm the nervous system, reducing muscle spasms and nerve hypersensitivity.

Acupuncture: A Safe and Effective Treatment

Acupuncture is considered a safe and effective treatment for sciatica, with minimal side effects. Most patients experience mild discomfort at the needle insertion site, which quickly subsides.

Seeking Acupuncture for Sciatica Relief

If you’re considering acupuncture for sciatica relief, consult a licensed acupuncturist. They will assess your condition and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

Acupuncture for Sciatica: A Natural Path to Pain Relief

Acupuncture offers a promising and effective approach to managing sciatica symptoms. With its minimal side effects and growing body of evidence, acupuncture can provide a natural path to pain relief and improved quality of life.

Call 410-847-4766 to begin with a consultation.

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