6 Reasons to Try Acupuncture
Source: The Cheat Sheet
http://www.cheatsheet.com/health-fitness/6-reasons-why-acupuncture-may-be-just-what-you-need.html/?a=viewall
You’re stressed. You’re tired. You’re sore. The answer to these ailments might be simpler than you think. It turns out that acupuncture, which has long been used in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of issues, can help treat these common afflictions and many more. Race day injuries, seasonal allergies, and fatigue are just some of the things that could be improved by turning to the ancient practice.
“Traditional Chinese Medicine can balance and restore health particularly with acupuncture, which works to help reinstate balance physically, mentally, and spiritually by holistically addressing the root causes of dysfunction,” Jenise Parris, licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and founder of Beauty Water, explains.
The thought of being covered in needles may seem daunting, but they actually cause almost no pain. The needles are sterile, made of stainless steel, and are very delicate (they’re the diameter of a hair); most people feel sensations of heat and tingling, but not pain.
While you’re not going to cure years of built-up tension in a single session, even acute conditions should see benefits after a few treatments. That being said, patients are evaluated on an individual basis and the course of treatment is based on their personal constitution and needs. Expect your initial visit to include questions about your diet, skin, hair, sleep patterns, and general lifestyle habits.
To find out more, we asked Parris to highlight some issues we can realistically expect to alleviate with acupuncture sessions.
1. Workout recovery
Did you know that acupuncture treatments could help you recover faster from sprains, strains, and muscle soreness? Treatment can help reduce swelling, bruising, pain, and inflammation. The body heals faster with increased circulation while improving muscular function with acupuncture and tui na, medical Chinese massage.
2. Sexual performance
Chinese medicine can improve sexual function and reproductive health by increasing blood flow and regulating the endocrine system. Men benefit from treatment and can see an improvement in erections, sperm count, and morphology. Prostrate health can be restored with a reduction in swelling and inflammation.
3. Sleep
Clinical research shows that acupuncture, improved sleep hygiene, and herbs can improve quality and quantity of sleep. Acupuncture can reduce stress hormones and increase serotonin and GABA, the feel-good neurotransmitters that help restore restful sleep patterns.
4. Stomach problems
Acupuncture can improve digestion and elimination by regulating gut motility and absorption. Treatments can reduce gas, bloating, and irregular bowels. When the digestion system is functioning well, optional weight is more easily attained.
5. Stress management
Balance and regulate your nervous system with acupuncture. Living on “high alert” can lead to major health implications. Many men feel more relaxed during and after acupuncture treatment, which can help in restoring a sense of calm and well-being.
6. Allergies
Turns out inserting acupuncture needles around the nose and sinuses can help stop sneezing and relieve congestion. There are also points on the feet that can soothe red, itchy eyes and other points to calm down an overactive immune system. If you’re prone to get allergies at a certain time of year, it’s best to start the treatment before that time to treat the root of the allergies before they manifest.
