Schedule highly rated acupuncture services by calling Align Health & Wellness at (609) 799-8444. We accept most insurance plans, including PIP and no-fault.
More Americans every year discover the benefits of acupuncture. Acupuncture has roots going back to ancient China, and the National Institutes of Health attest to the many present-day medical applications for acupuncture. Researchers are continually revealing new roles for acupuncture through clinical trials, including one study on acupuncture’s ability to treat the loss of the sense of smell in patients with COVID-19.
The doctors at Align Health & Wellness are West Windsor’s acupuncture therapy leaders. They have a deep understanding of the fundamentals of acupuncture techniques, years of practice in using acupuncture to help our patients, and up-to-date knowledge of the latest research.
What Is Acupuncture and Why Is It So Popular?
In a typical acupuncture therapy session, a trained practitioner inserts thin needles into the human body at precise locations. Acupuncture resembles acupressure, in which practitioners apply pressure from fingertips and other methods to influence pressure points.
Chinese practitioners in antiquity theorized that acupuncture worked by directing energies within the body. Modern medical science is developing alternative theories for why acupuncture works. Ancient and modern sources document its importance as a therapeutic technique.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 7,250 people practice acupuncture in the U.S. It is a dynamic and thriving discipline that attracts patients from all walks of life. Acupuncture has such a wide following because it has a history of producing demonstrable and dependable results in many patients.
What Are the Benefits of Acupuncture?
Without consultation and examination, our team at Align Health & Wellness might not be able to say for certain whether any patient will benefit in a particular way as a result of acupuncture therapy. However, if you suffer from any of the following conditions, you might be able to achieve relief from symptoms and improve your health.
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Acupuncture for Back Pain and Other Types of Chronic Pain
Many people who experience chronic pain seek acupuncture for its analgesic effects. Acupuncture works directly on the nerves and central nervous system, making it a promising route to pain relief for arthritis, neck injuries, joint pain, and much more.
The recent opioid crisis has led to limits on the use of opioids for chronic pain management. Many types of chronic pain do not respond well to conventional treatment. Acupuncture can be a treatment for addiction and self-injurious behavior, making it a potentially safer and more effective treatment than pain medication for some people.
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Acupuncture to Improve Mental and Neurological Health
Modern medicine, especially holistic medicine, stresses the connection between mind and body. Treating the peripheral nervous system through techniques like acupuncture can treat headaches and mental health conditions such as anxiety (according to a recent study in the Annals of General Psychiatry) and depression (according to a review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews).
Acupuncture can improve mental wellness indirectly. Patients who lose sleep because of chronic pain and loss of mobility or independence after an injury often experience psychological stress and symptoms of depression. An improved mental outlook might be one of the most important benefits of acupuncture because it impacts so many aspects of life.
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Acupuncture and Cardiovascular Health
The long-term benefits of acupuncture include changes to the cardiovascular system. A recent review discussed research on the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for:
- High blood pressure
- Coronary artery disease
- Cardiac arrhythmias
Reducing high blood pressure can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and other life-threatening cardiovascular conditions. Improving the heart’s function by influencing the nerves that regulate the heart can help the heart regain a healthier rhythm, according to some preliminary studies in a review from 2019.
As further research explores the effectiveness of treatment in various acupuncture points, patients and physicians are likely to show more interest in acupuncture in West Windsor, NJ, and other towns across America.
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Acupuncture and Digestion
Nerve problems, psychiatric conditions, psychological stress, and actions of the stomach and intestines can affect digestion. Acupuncture can improve the appetite, promote healthy digestion, and relieve chronic stomach pains by targeting the nerves that send signals to the digestive organs and the endocrine system. Healthline reports an association between some acupressure points and relief from symptoms such as gas and bloating.
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Acupuncture and Relief From Nausea
One promising therapeutic approach is the use of acupuncture to relieve nausea in patients who undergo chemotherapy for cancer. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center describes using the P6 acupressure point for treatment, and the Mayo Clinic lists acupuncture as a remedy for chemotherapy-induced nausea. While acupuncture does not substitute for cancer therapies, it can make it easier for patients to adhere to demanding cancer treatment regimens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Long-Term Benefits of Acupuncture?
As the studies above show, acupuncture improves physical and mental health in many ways. The actual benefits are likely to depend on your specific medical history, your current condition, and the treatment plan that you develop with your acupuncture therapist.
What Happens to Your Body After Acupuncture?
Acupuncture can trigger the release of natural chemicals that relieve pain and promote healing. It can help your body devote resources to the immune system and enhance the natural healing process.
The many benefits of acupuncture reinforce one another. Many patients experience an increase in subjective energy levels and improved overall health following acupuncture treatment.
How Long Does It Take To Benefit From Acupuncture?
Some benefits, such as improved mood, might occur immediately; others, such as healing after injuries, could take longer. Discuss your expectations with your acupuncturist throughout your course of treatment.
Make an Appointment Today with Align Health & Wellness
Explore our website to read reviews from elated patients and learn more about the benefits of acupuncture, chiropractic, and nutritional treatments.
Call Align Health & Wellness at (609) 799-8444 in West Windsor or use our online contact form to reach us today. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Use acupuncture in conjunction with nutrition, detoxification, and supplements to improve your quality of life.
