Acupuncture has gained popularity in the healthcare industry, and today, experts like Dr. Travall Croom LAC use this component of traditional Chinese medicine for pain relief and stress management. It involves inserting tiny needles at specific points in your body. Modern medicine practitioners view the meridians as places that stimulate muscles, nerves, and connective tissue in the body. Regardless of that difference, specialists recommend acupuncture as an alternative medicine to relieve discomfort associated with different conditions including cancer, menstrual cramps, labor pain, and back pain.
Why is acupuncture good for stress management?
- Treatment offers relaxation time
An acupuncture session requires you to lie flat on a padded table, which is relaxing. You change from your regular clothes to a gown for your practitioner to easily maneuver around your body. Most people can tolerate the pressure and mild discomfort as the specialist inserts the needles, meaning that you can fall asleep during this time. It is even better if you are among those who do not feel the needles as they are inserted. Practitioners leave the tiny rods to sit for 10 to 30 minutes, during which you can also rest and calm your mind.
- No adverse side effects
Acupuncture does not involve using any drugs, which reduces the risk of any side effects. Most of the medications used for stress and anxiety are associated with side effects such as headaches, confusion, dizziness, and blurry vision. With acupuncture, the good news is that you do not have to worry about adverse reactions to treatment because of your current medications. However, it is best to work with certified personnel to ensure that you have a reduced risk of side effects. Temporary side effects, such as soreness and minor bruising at the insertion points, are expected.
- Each treatment session is self-care time
When using acupuncture for stress management, that means you need to schedule and attend treatment, unlike medications where you may pop a pill. You become intentional about relieving stress since you have to plan for your treatment. Since acupuncture requires you to maintain a consistent schedule, you purposefully prioritize your needs, which is a good stress management strategy. In a way, it helps you change your habits and way of thinking or mindset.
- Reduced chronic pain
When stress remains unresolved for a long time, patients can develop pain in body parts such as the back and neck. Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins which are your body’s natural pain killers. It also improves blood circulation; therefore, tissues, muscles, and body organs acquire enough oxygen and nutrients and work efficiently. Because of improved blood circulation, unwanted chemicals such as cortisol are cycled out of your body, decreasing stress. Acupuncture is a calm and relaxing treatment that offers additional benefits besides stress relief.
While this treatment may be safe, it can result in complications if pregnant, having a bleeding disorder, and a pacemaker. For this reason, consult with Dr. Travall Croom, LAC to establish whether acupuncture is an option for you.