Acupuncture is a form of holistic medicine that is becoming more and more popular in Wisconsin for its many benefits. Unlike traditional Western medicine, holistic medicine treats the whole body, which appeals to many patients. During a treatment session, the practitioner uses thin needles to stimulate the body in specific spots called “acupuncture points”, this helps to promote healing. Discover how acupuncture can help you by exploring its effectiveness in treating these four common conditions that you may not have known respond well to it.
1. Sinus Problems
Allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis often cause nasal congestion, sinus headaches/pressure, and difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose. As the name suggests, allergic rhinitis affects people with allergies that are environmental irritants like pollen, mold, pet dander, mold, etc. However, chronic sinusitis can affect anyone, and it is often caused by nasal polyps or a deviated septum.
Acupuncture can help relieve sinus problems by targeting certain acupuncture points. Using small acupuncture needles, the practitioner stimulates these points. In fact, in a 2015 review, some acupuncture treatments were shown to be more beneficial than antihistamines.
2. Gastrointestinal Issues
Gastrointestinal issues are so common that about 60 to 70 million Americans (source) suffer from some kind of digestive disease. Out of those people, 72 percent struggle with common digestive issues, such as acid reflux, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
There are many medications that help relieve the symptoms, but acupuncture can help by treating the whole body, so you see results instead of just masking symptoms. Acupuncture helps by improving imbalances and irregularities in the endocrine and nervous systems.
Overall, this also helps your body better absorb nutrients and eliminate waste. Acupuncture is so effective at helping with digestive issues that the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization recognize it as a valid and effective treatment for gut health.
3. Gynecological Issues
Acupuncture can also help treat a myriad of gynecological issues, such as cysts, endometriosis, PMS symptoms, fibroids, menopausal symptoms, ovulation disorders, polyps, and much more. One reason acupuncture is great for gynecological issues is that it helps balance hormones, and hormones are often the underlying cause of many conditions like menopausal symptoms.
Acupuncture can even help with some infertility issues because it has been shown to help initiate ovulation in women with PCOS. In addition, it seems to be able to do this without adverse side effects that would likely come with medications. One study showed that in a group of screened patients (to ensure they are likely to respond), there may be an ovulation success rate of up to 80 percent.
4. Circulatory Problems
Acupuncture is amazing at helping circulatory problems. It does this by causing mild tissue damage with the needles. As a natural response, the blood vessels dilate and there is increased blood flow to the area to heal it.
High blood pressure, in particular, responds well to acupuncture. It does this by decreasing muscular stresses and vascular tone. In some cases, you may see your blood pressure drop after just one session, and it may stay low for a long time.
Circulatory problems can also allow lactic acid to build in certain tissues. However, by improving circulation, the healthy oxygenated blood can easily remove lactic acid. This is beneficial for people with claudication, which often presents with cramps, especially in the legs.
Acupuncture can help with many conditions because it stimulates healing and blood flow. If you haven’t found relief for your condition from medication, it may be time to consider alternative, holistic treatments. If you would like to learn more, or if you want to schedule your first acupuncture appointment, contact us at Acupuncture & Holistic Health Associates.
