The practice of Acupuncture has been widely used as a complementary, natural therapy to treat a wide range of health issues. Whether you are struggling with pain, or simply trying to improve your overall health and well being, Acupuncture may give you the results you have been searching for, without having to rely on medication or other surgical procedures and treatments.
What is Acupuncture and how does it work?
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine based on the belief that vital energy known as qi flows through the body along a network of meridians or pathways which affect a person’s spiritual, emotional, physical and mental state. When the paths are blocked, the body reacts negatively, often in the form of pain, dysfunction or disease. However, once those paths are unblocked, symptoms can be relieved or eliminated.
Acupuncturists apply needles, and often heat, pressure and other treatments to one or more places on the skin, known as acupuncture points, where the energy flow has been interrupted. These points are believed to stimulate the brain, releasing neurochemicals and hormones, creating a deep relaxation, and relieving pain and dysfunction.
Western medicine often takes a more scientific approach to the art of acupuncture and views the practice as a way to stimulate the body’s nerves, muscles, connective tissue, and pain receptors.
Regardless of different interpretations, the results from Acupuncture are indisputable, which is why it is one of the most popular alternative therapies in Australia. Here are some of the ways Acupuncture can help.
5 Ways Acupuncture can Benefit your Health and Wellness
1. Acupuncture for Anxiety & Stress
Mental Health is one of the biggest issues facing the world at present, with anxiety and depression being two of the most common disorders. For many, taking medication is a last resort due to the large range of potential side effects, which is why they seek out more natural therapies to try initially like Acupuncture.
Blockages of energy flow in the body don’t just result in physical symptoms such as pain, they can also lead to mental health issues, such as anxiety and depression. Acupuncture balances the energies within the body, and minimises the frequency and intensity of mood swings. It helps increase endorphin, dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which produces a positive mood state. Studies by CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics suggest that acupuncture is comparable to cognitive-behavioral therapy, which psychologists often use to treat anxiety.
2. Acupuncture for Sleep Issues
The most effective way to heal your body is with rest. Acupuncture is a natural way to calm your mind and get a good night’s sleep, whether that means getting to sleep, staying asleep or getting a more restorative rest. Studies have also shown great results in managing sleep apnea.
3. Acupuncture for the Immune System
Blocked pathways and higher stress can negatively impact your body’s immune system. Acupuncture can reduce stress, balance the chemicals in your immune system and defend your body from any harmful bacterias or illnesses.
4. Acupuncture for Migraine and Headaches
Headaches and Migraines can be debilitating for sufferers. Again, if sufferers want to avoid using long term medication, or perhaps have tried medicines or treatments with no results, they often turn to alternative or natural therapies, such as Acupuncture. Acupuncture techniques have been very successful easing Migraine pain, as it activates the pathways in the brain responsible for turning pain off.
Also as the body’s circulation and immune system are stimulated, it will release different hormones that cause healing in your body. This can result in relief from cluster or tension headaches and migraines. It can also help with the frequency and intensity of migraines.
5. Acupuncture for Back and Chronic Pain
Some people believe certain types of pain can only be treated with medications, but Acupuncture can be a very effective way to relieve pain in targeted areas of the body. Acupuncture is recognized by various national and international groups to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of medical problems associated with chronic muscle, bone and nerve pain.
Chronic pain areas shown to be significantly relieved include conditions like: back pain, neck pain and migraines, arthritis, musculoskeletal problems, such as fibromyalgia; nerve pain, and pain associated with muscular overuse, such as tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Acupuncture at SPHC
Acupuncture is a natural, pain free way to treat conditions without the use of drugs. At Sandgate Physical Health Clinic, we specialise in sports or musculoskeletal acupuncture for back pain, sports injuries, and so many other injuries done to the soft tissue. This type of treatment can also be used to treat a range of other issues such as, improving relaxation, ease any pain, restore balance, reduce inflammation, and decrease swelling.
We are extremely lucky to have a highly experienced and well known Acupuncturist and Massage Therapist, Neil Whillans at SPHC. Neil started his career back in 1995 and commenced work with us in 2001. He has an extensive history of providing comprehensive Acupuncture and Massage Therapy treatments with a focus on musculoskeletal injuries.
His highly sought after skills also sees him working with Olympic level athletes, and local sporting athletes.
If you would like to learn more about how acupuncture can help you with your wellness goals, we encourage you to contact us on 3869 1099. Call us to make an appointment today or BOOK ONLINE.