Acupuncture is an alternative medicine technique conceived in Ancient China thousands of years ago. It is still used to treat a variety of health issues today, often alongside modern medical treatments. Here’s how you might benefit from this traditional method.

How Acupuncture Can Help You

1. Regulates Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) affects approximately 47% of U.S. adults, making it one of the biggest public health concerns in the nation. When combined with standard medical treatment, acupuncture may be an important tool in managing hypertension. Studies have found that patients who receive treatment regularly had lower systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. 

2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Chronic stress and anxiety can have a serious impact on your physical and mental health. Therapeutic treatments like acupuncture might help alleviate stress by regulating and relaxing the nervous system. The body releases specific neurotransmitters in response to stress, including dopamine and adrenaline, but acupuncture can help suppress this reaction. It may also stimulate the production of endorphins, the body’s “feel good” chemicals.

3. Improves Sleep

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it harder to fall or stay asleep through the night. Luckily, people with insomnia experience better quality sleep with acupuncture compared to other treatments. Additionally, combining acupuncture with medication is significantly more effective in improving sleep duration than medication alone.

4. Relieves Allergies

Whether your allergies are seasonal or affect you year-round, acupuncture may help soothe your symptoms. This technique appears to be capable of influencing the cytokine profile, the cell-signaling proteins that control different steps during an allergic reaction. Individuals with allergic rhinitis, dermatitis, and asthma may benefit from treatment, especially when medication is not sufficient.

5. Treats Back Pain

Between sedentary office jobs and work that requires prolonged standing or lifting heavy objects, back pain has become an increasingly common complaint. While it is not fully understood how acupuncture eases pain, it is thought that the technique targets acupuncture points that stimulate the nervous system, releasing chemicals that provide natural pain relief.

If you want to take advantage of the health benefits acupuncture can provide, reach out to Marie Gonzales, L.Ac. Acupuncturist Marie A. Gonzales specializes in holistic, drug-free therapies aimed at improving health and wellness, easing pain and discomfort and supporting medical treatments like chemotherapy. She designs custom programs based on your current health and goals, so your treatment will be tailored to your needs. Learn more about her available services online and call (845) 398-1312 to schedule an appointment.