According to Chinese medicine, acupuncture promotes homeostasis, stimulates the central nervous system, and supports self-healing. Theory suggest that chemicals and hormones get released into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain upon insertion of sterile needles at specific points (known as “acupoints”) throughout the body, promoting physical and emotional well-being. 

Before deciding on a course of treatment, the doctor will take a thorough medical history and ask a series of questions about your lifestyle. Based on these responses, a plan of treatment can be catered to your individual needs. Some very common physical and mental conditions that acupuncture can be beneficial for include the following conditions.

1. Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is classified as any pain anywhere in the body that lasts for over three months. This pain does not have to be constant; it can come and go. Common instances of chronic pain include arthritis, back pain, neck pain, scar tissue build up, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle/strains. Acupuncture has been a proven remedy for all causes of chronic pain.

2. Headaches & Migraines

Headaches have a wide range of locations including the forehead, temples, and back of the neck. Headaches will typically stay local in the head and neck, and they typically cause a build up of pressure, but can also cause aching and pulsating sensations. Migraines, on the other hand, can cause nausea, vomiting, muscle aches, and make you sensitive to light and sound. The typical treatments for headaches and migraines include over-the-counter pain medication, however there are many individuals who experience no relief with medication. Acupuncture has been proven to reduce headache and migraine frequency and intensity, more effectively than painkillers!

3. Pre-menstrual Syndrome (PMS)

PMS is classified as a wide variety of symptoms that are both physical and emotional. The symptoms tend to re-occur in a predictable pattern before a woman begins her 29-day menstrual cycle, and as many as 3 our of every 4 women have experienced PMS in their life. Symptoms include mood swings, cravings, fatigue, depression, anxiety, breast tenderness, muscle pain, headaches, and a change in bowel movements. Acupuncture has been shown to improve both physical and psychological complaints associated with PMS.

4. Allergies

Allergies (including seasonal) are a condition to which your body’s immune system responds in an abnormal way to foreign substances, known as allergens. These allergens are harmless to most people, however, can cause an assortment of symptoms in those allergic to said allergens. These symptoms can be as mild as sneezing, a runny nose, and coughing, yet can be as serious as hives and anaphylactic shock. While acupuncture will not cure you of your allergies, it has been shown to help improve mild to moderate symptoms.

5. Mental Health

Acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms of many different mental health conditions. Studies show that acupuncture can be effective at reducing anxiety, severity of depression, and can improve insomnia. Evidence suggests this is possible due to the response certain acupoints have on neurotransmitters and hormones in the body.

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