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Addiction

What is Acupuncture For

Addiction?

Acupuncture is a holistic modality that addresses emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental health. Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for treating numerous conditions. Ancient Chinese medicine used for thousands of years and acupuncture is based on the Meridian system.
Chronic Pain

Symptom Relief

Researchers at the Acupuncture Trialists’ Collaboration found ;
  • . Confusion
  • . Delusions and hallucinations
  • . Irritability
  • . Anxiety or paranoia
  • . Changes in heart rate
  • . Blood pressure and body temperature
  • . Nausea or vomiting with weight loss
How Does

Acupuncture Work?

Acupuncture is the practice of using very fine, sterilized needles — the thickness of a hair — at pressure points to stimulate parts of the nervous system. The needles are inserted into specific places to unblock a blockage, move blood flow, and promote overall balance in the body. Acupuncture is sometimes used in holistic mental health treatment and addiction treatment programs.
Can Acupuncture Heal

Chronic Pain?

Acupuncture as an alternative therapy for pain management may prove to be a powerful component of addiction recovery programs.

The path to recovery from addiction is often long, and the route it takes varies for different people. While addiction recovery requires sustained hard work, it also requires sustained self-care.

How people choose to care for themselves as part of recovery varies because of factors like upbringing, culture, and a person’s personality.

What are

other acupuncture techniques?

Instead of needles, other methods of stimulation are sometimes used over the acupuncture points, including:
  • . Heat (moxibustion)
  • . Pressure (acupressure)
  • . Friction
  • . Suction (cupping)
  • . Impulses of electromagnetic energy
What alternative treatments are available for

Addiction ?

Acupuncture for addiction can be a complement to traditional mental health disorder treatment. Some research shows acupuncture as a promising depression treatment when combined with antidepressants and therapy. It can help increase the quality of life and social-emotional health. Studies also suggest acupuncture can be an effective anxiety treatment.
How to Get

Acupuncture

Acupuncture practitioners often combine the Eastern and Western approaches to treatment. During the first visit, an evaluation is usually conducted to establish what form of acupuncture therapy will be most beneficial. The practitioner will usually ask questions regarding lifestyle, behaviors, and symptoms to tailor the best treatment approach. The acupuncture specialist may also observe,
  • . The areas of the body that are tender or aching
  • . The color, shape, and coating of the tongue
  • . The facial complexion
  • . The rhythm, strength, and quality of the heartbeat
The initial evaluation usually takes approximately one hour.
What To Expect

During An Acupuncture Session

An acupuncture session may take up to 60 minutes, although some appointments may be much shorter. A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one or two treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity. In general, it’s common to receive 6 to 8 treatments.
During The

Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain.

Your acupuncture practitioner will tell you the general site of the planned treatment and whether you need to remove any clothing. A gown, towel, or sheet will be provided. You lie on a padded table for the treatment, which involves:

Depending on the treatment area, an individual may need to remove their clothing and use a provided towel, gown, or sheet to maintain privacy. Acupuncture is performed while the individual is lying down on a padded table. The treatment involves the following:

Needle insertion

During a typical treatment, approximately five to 20 needles are inserted into the skin at different points and depths. Because the needles are so thin, most people cannot even feel them being inserted.

Needle manipulation

During treatment, the needles may be mildly manipulated, and heat or gentle electrical pulses may be applied to the needles.

Needle removal

Needles are usually removed after approximately 10 to 20 minutes. People usually do not feel the needles being removed.

Uses of

Acupuncture

 

Acupuncture is an anatomically defined area of complementary therapy that can help people to manage multiple conditions.

The benefits of acupuncture include the following:

  • . People can effectively combine acupuncture with other treatments.
  • . Effective acupuncture can help manage chronic painTrusted Source, migraine, and headaches.
  • . Acupuncture carries a low risk of side effects.
  • . It is a flexible form of treatment that can target numerous health concerns at once.

Risks

All therapies come with both risks and benefits. A person should always seek medical advice before undertaking any therapy.

Possible risks of acupuncture are the following:

Bleeding, bruising, and soreness may occur at the insertion sites.

Unsterilized needles may lead to infection.

In rare cases, a needle may break and damage an internal organ.

Results

Acupuncture points are supposed to stimulate the central nervous system. Hence, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may induce the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.

FAQ's

Is acupuncture effective for addiction?
Acupuncture is used in addiction because it releases endorphins, which are chemicals that cause pleasure and relaxation in the brain. These endorphins will help those with withdrawal symptoms or cravings to manage these sensations and to continue on their road to recovery.
Where is the acupuncture point for addiction?

Auricular or ear acupuncture is a popular form of this treatment that involves the shallow insertion of a thin needle at various points on the skin of the external ear to help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.

What is the role of acupuncture in the treatment of drug addiction?
  • We review the neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture for drug addiction.
  • Acupuncture reduces drug seeking via direct activation of the brain pathway.
  • Acupuncture normalizes dysfunctions of the mesolimbic dopamine pathway.
  • Acupuncture regulates neurotransmitters involved in drug craving modulation.
What are the stages of healing with acupuncture?

The Healing Process

  • First stage: relief care. …
  • Second stage: corrective care. …
  • Third stage: maintenance and wellness. …
  • Your acupuncture journey: When will I feel better? …
  • Pay attention to changes while you are undergoing treatment.

Begin The Process Of
Staying Well

Healing Pain and Balancing the Body Through Acupuncture
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