What Can Acupuncture Be Used For?

We are still researching all the ways acupuncture points affect the body, but we do know that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system directly.  Acupuncture’s actions on the peripheral and central nervous system likely account for the wide-ranging beneficial effects people experience from acupuncture treatments. 

This is a list of the conditions people seek acupuncture for most commonly in our practice, all of which tend to get good results when received with the frequency recommended by your acupuncturist. 

1. Pain – either acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain such as back, neck, upper back, shoulders, knee, hip, foot/ankle as well as various forms of tendonitis and jaw pain/TMJ. 
2. Stress – acupuncture has a calming effect on the body, it helps switch us out of “fight-or-flight” mode and allow us to fully relax.  This is particularly helpful if stress is causing other issues such as insomnia, muscle tension or digestive issues. 
3. Anxiety and PTSD - as with stress, acupuncture is excellent for reducing the “fight-or-flight” mode and increases our endorphin levels to quickly bring a feeling of calm to your body and mind.  A  series of regular treatments often greatly relieves symptoms associated with PTSD.
4. Women’s Health and Infertility – acupuncture is used to help regulate menstrual cycles and ovulation, can reduce the pain associated with the period, help address pelvic pain and many hormonal issues from the teen years all the way through menopause. 
5. Headaches – acupuncture can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines and relieve many types of headaches whether it’s associated with tension or sinus issues.
6. Digestion – having good digestive function is central to good health and acupuncture can help regulate the bowels and relieve uncomfortable symptoms such as those associated with IBS and GERD. 
7. Cancer Treatment – acupuncture is used very effectively to address side effects of cancer treatment such as fatigue, nausea, pain, insomnia, anxiety and other issues like dry mouth or skin. 
8. Respiratory Issues – we use acupuncture and herbal medicine to resolve symptoms related to colds and flus or allergies such as sore throat, stuffy nose, post nasal drip, cough, sinus pain and headache.

This is by no means a complete list of the wide range of conditions acupuncture can help with.  Acupuncture also plays an important role in preventative medicine, and is a wonderful way to support your immune system and keep your body in top shape throughout the year.  Please call our Raleigh office, 919-854-7311 or our Chapel Hill location, 919-933-4480 to find out how acupuncture can help you or your loved ones.