8 Amazing Benefits of Acupuncture You Didn't Know

Many experts believe that Chinese physicians started using acupuncture to treat health conditions more than 2,000 years ago. When the acupuncturist inserts the needles at certain points in your body, the treatment either alters the flow of chi energy or stimulates pressure points that help the body heal itself.

Whatever your thoughts about acupuncture or reasons for considering it, there’s a good chance that you don’t know about some of these eight amazing benefits of this ancient treatment.

1. Acupuncture can offer you allergy relief

Acupuncturists say they can give you allergy relief by inserting needles into specific areas of your skin. If you have mild allergies, you may find relief after your first acupuncture session. If you have serious allergies, however, you may need several weeks of treatments.

Dr. Lee often recommends over-the-counter medications for people with allergies. Prescription medications can also prevent allergies. If medications cause unwanted side effects, though, you may want to see if acupuncture works for you.

2. Acupuncture improves the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease

Each year, doctors diagnose about 60,000 Americans with Parkinson’s disease, a condition that can cause tremors, muscle stiffness and cognitive decline.

While medical researchers have developed several medications that help control the symptoms of Parkinson’s, a cure has been elusive.

Clinical studies show that acupuncture has a significant positive effect on Parkinson’s patients, especially when combined with traditional medical treatments.

3. Acupuncture reduces chronic pain

America’s opioid epidemic has forced doctors to reconsider how they address chronic pain. Opioids make people feel better, but they can lead to addiction and long-term health problems.

Dr. Lee, like many physicians, avoids prescribing opioid medications whenever possible, and acupuncture may offer a healthier alternative for people seeking relief from chronic pain.

Acupuncture provides relief by helping tense muscles relax so your body can repair damage. Acupuncture may also stimulate natural opioids in your body. Since the natural opioids don’t cause health problems, you can count on acupuncture to reduce chronic pain without causing unwanted side effects.

4. Acupuncture helps treat arthritis

Arthritis causes joint inflammation that makes movement difficult and painful. Doctors can treat the condition with medications, physical therapy and surgery. Many people, however, don’t want to commit to surgery or taking pills daily.

While arthritis affects your joints, acupuncture can reduce symptoms by easing tension in muscles. When the muscles relax, joints experience less tension.

5. Acupuncture can reduce migraine pain and frequency

A bad migraine can make it impossible for you to live an ordinary life. In many cases, painkillers fail to alleviate the pain caused by migraines. Acupuncture, however, can reduce migraine pain — and frequency — by encouraging your body to release certain hormones that improve circulation and decrease pain.

6. Acupuncture limits indigestion

Occasional indigestion can happen to about anyone. Some people, though, have persistent indigestion and related conditions like ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

There isn’t much research showing how well acupuncture treats different types of indigestion. Many people, however, say that getting regular treatments improves their quality of life. Since acupuncture is so safe, you should try it to see how it affects your indigestion.

7. Acupuncture helps cancer patients recover

Considering that acupuncture alleviates pain and indigestion, it’s not surprising to learn that it can help cancer patients recover while taking chemotherapy. The combination of pain relief and a settled stomach makes it easier for cancer patients to stay healthy while undergoing chemotherapy treatments.

8. Acupuncture treats insomnia

Acupuncture doesn’t treat insomnia. Instead, it lessens the impediments that prevent people from falling asleep. If you have problems sleeping because of stress, anxiety or pain, for example, acupuncture is a safer alternative to medications like Ambien and Halcion.

It’s always a good idea to visit Dr. Lee at Refresh RX Hawaii when you have any of the above ailments. Depending on his diagnosis, acupuncture could help you find the relief you need.