Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used medical procedures in the world. Acupuncture enhances the flow of qi, or energy, which circulates in the body along twelve major pathways. The pathways, called meridians, are linked to specific internal organs and organ systems. To enhance circulation, very fine needles are inserted into acupoints located along the meridians. The stimulation of these acupoints helps to correct and rebalance the flow of energy, relieving pain and restoring health.
Acupuncture is effective for relieving a variety of acute and chronic conditions and is also a valuable form of preventative health-care, helping to support an overall feeling emotional and physical well-being. That’s why Dr. Sara Gomendi is part of the Tulsa Spine and Rehab team. Stacy has experience managing a wide variety of conditions, with particular focus on fertility and women’s health, migraines, stress and anxiety, chemotherapy-related side effects (including nausea), and fibromyalgia.
Acupuncture is one of the world’s oldest medical treatments. This procedure facilitates the flow of qi, or energy. Qi has 12 pathways through the body, and those pathways can be blocked by injuries, stress or poor alignment. For the past 20 years, this type of alternative medicine has become more popular and widespread. In the past year alone, more than 2.1 million Americans visited an acupuncturist for care.
How Acupuncture Works
An acupuncturist inserts sterile needles into strategic pressure points on the body. Those points align with specific energy pathways. It’s a non-invasive treatment that helps people with a wide variety of health conditions. Sometimes, the treatment is paired with another type of care for enhanced healing. It can be used with acupressure, magnets or electronic stimulation. Many people schedule a deep tissue massage after a acupuncture session. The massage boosts circulation through the energy pathways.
Benefits of Acupuncture
This treatment uses thin, solid needles that are much smaller than a hypodermic needle. Most people don’t even feel the needles, and others feel a slight pressure or pinch when the acupuncturist inserts them. The circumference of the needle is about the same as a human hair. During a treatment session, people often feel the energy release from the blocked pathway. This feels like a warm or tingling sensation.
What Acupuncture Treats
People visit acupuncturists for help with many different symptoms and health conditions. Some of the most common reasons why people seek treatment include allergies, sciatica, chronic migraines or tension headaches, PMS, IBS and fibromyalgia. Acupuncture may also help with chronic pain, frequent respiratory infections, chronic breathing problems, thyroid disorders, autoimmune disease and loss of or excessive appetite. Many people find that it helps with skin problems, irregular heartbeat and sensory disorders.
Pairing With Acupressure
Many people ask their acupuncturist to combine a session with acupressure. An acupressure treatment involves using gentle but firm pressure from a finger on a pressure point. When an acupressure point is stimulated, the body releases tension from muscles. The circulatory system responds by enhancing the rate of blood circulation throughout the body. This helps get rid of waste products and fluid that block the flow of energy.
Benefits of Combination Therapy
Combining these two treatments leads to many health benefits. Many people feel more relaxed after an acupuncture and acupressure session. Their muscles aren’t as tight or tense. The release of tension also reduces pain. People also report a lift in their mood or sense of well-being after visiting an acupuncturist for combination therapy. The increase in blood flow helps every system of the body, including the endocrine, reproductive, digestive, circulatory, musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
When to See an Acupuncture Therapist
When you have muscular tension, chronic pain, headaches and other conditions, visiting an acupuncturist is a wise decision. Releasing muscle tension and boosting circulation helps make other treatments, such as chiropractic care, more effective. You can have these therapies to prevent problems, such as sinusitis. If you already have symptoms, visiting an acupuncturist can lessen or even eliminate your issues.
