Jeremy Ohara

Author
Jeremy Ohara

6 Reasons To Try Acupuncture in 2024

  Mar 18, 2024
Reviewed by Ravinder Kaur

Acupuncture has existed for centuries as a healing alternative but its practice remains relevant today as well. 

The reason for its continued preference is the benefits it provides to the body as a non-invasive holistic therapy.

Inserting needles into your skin may be intimidating, but in needle therapy, energy flows through different pathways through the physical being. 

Once a path gets blocked, that’s when pain or sickness manifests in different forms. So, to remedy it, the needles relieve the blockages to restore a healthy energy flow.

If you’re still wary about trying acupuncture, maybe knowing how it can help the body will make you reconsider booking a treatment this 2024! 

Benefits of Acupuncture

Relieves Pain

One of the main benefits of acupuncture is its ability to relieve pain. It does this by stimulating the central nervous system, triggering the production of endorphins – the body’s natural stress reliever.

If you have tight or stiff muscles, a few needling sessions can reduce the pain. Aside from relieving sore muscles, it can also be effective in alleviating other musculoskeletal conditions, such as:

  • Sciatica
  • Bursitis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Myofascial pain syndrome

A  study shows that needle therapy can reduce the intensity, duration, and symptoms of period suffering after sustaining procedures for a year. 

If you don’t want to use medication to reduce the agony and symptoms of the aforementioned conditions, acupuncture can be a great alternative solution.

Speeds Up Recovery

If you’re suffering from a muscle injury and don’t want to spend days in bed recovering, a consistent acupuncture procedure can help speed up the recovery. 

Stimulating the nervous system activates the natural healing abilities, reducing the inflammation in target areas.

Moreover, needling can be beneficial if you’re a professional athlete or live an active lifestyle. Aside from shortening the length of healing injuries, it allows faster recuperation. 

Although resting after an intense sport or workout is relevant, getting a needle treatment relaxes your body to bounce back quicker.

DO YOU KNOW? 
There are over 300 acupuncture points on the body.

Enhances Mobility and Flexibility

Another great thing about getting consistent acupuncture treatments is it enhances your mobility. 

Placing the needles at specific points on the body can reactivate weak muscles, enhancing freedom of movement.

This can be beneficial if you have a physically active job or lifestyle which requires flexible movements, but you are unable to perform them. 

Needling helps unblock stiffness allowing simple activities like stretching arms or bending legs. 

Simultaneously, it also prevents injuries since being active will no longer be as strenuous on the muscles.

Eases Migraines and Headaches

If you’re struggling with chronic headaches or migraines, consider getting an acupuncture procedure. 

Inserting needles into the head and neck releases endorphins and other hormones to alleviate the discomfort.

A scientific review reveals that acupuncture can reduce the duration and frequency of migraines over time. 

It is also a safer and cost-effective alternative to medication since getting the needle therapy from a licensed practitioner shouldn’t have any side effects. 

With a consistent process, its effects can last up to 6 months, indicating it may be as effective as prophylactic drugs.

As for frequent headaches, the impact of needling can last for months or years as long as your practitioner targets the active points of the pain. 

The graph below shows the global expansion of the Acupuncture treatment market since 2022. It is forecasted to grow further consistently till 2032 because of customer’s high demand. 

Global Acupuncture Treatment Market

Treats Insomnia and Improves Sleep

If insomnia stops you from getting a good night’s rest, consider getting acupuncture treatments. 

It’s shown to improve the sleep quality and reduce other causes of insomnia, such as:

  • Sleep apnea
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Restless leg syndrome
  • Chronic pain

The needle therapy stimulates the norepinephrine and Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitters to help you fall and stay asleep at night. 

In addition, it also stimulates the production of melatonin in the brain to help your body wind down to sleep. 

However, even if you don’t have insomnia, its benefits can still be availed for its calming effects for better sleep at night.

Alleviates Depression and Anxiety

Aside from physical ailments, acupuncture can help you manage mental conditions like anxiety and depression. 

Needling stimulates the neurotransmitters and releases oxytocin, reducing stress levels and improving overall emotional well-being. A scientific overview suggests that it can slightly reduce the severity of depression. 

The research also reveals that needle therapy is more effective compared to some antidepressants, or the treatment can improve its effectiveness. However, its long-term effects on anxiety need further research. 

However, its calming impacts are shown to be effective for reducing anxiety in specific situations, like going through an operation or going to the dentist.

Ready to Book An Acupuncture Session?

If you’re ready to try acupuncture, book your sessions at Lycoming Orthopedic & Sports Acupuncture

They have a team of licensed acupuncturists aiming to create customized treatments to help you achieve your health goals. 

They also offer cupping, dry needling, and electrostimulation services. For questions or inquiries, feel free to visit their website.




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