This finding probably does not come as a surprise to the many people who have had their low back pain effectively treated with acupuncture, since acupuncture is being more widely practiced in Florida for an increasing number of issues including stress, sleeplessness and menstrual discomfort. From a clinical perspective, we have seen the objective benefits of acupuncture in the management of pain, function and overall wellness at Neuroplasticity St Pete. Research now supports this evidence-based therapy, which is based on techniques from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and adds value to integrative healthcare for St. Petersburg individuals and others in the local area.
What is Acupuncture: Traditional and Modern concepts
According to TCM, the body stays healthy when qi — a vital life energy—flows harmoniously through meridians, or energy pathways. If this flow is hindered, we may become ill or suffer from discomfort. Acupuncture consists in the exact placement of very thin, sterile needles into individual acupoints in order that balance may be restored.
In a nutshell, from the view of biomedicine these are anatomical areas where stimulation can modulate nerve activity; release healthy neurochemicals; increase circulation and bolster immune function. The views of both sides are similar in terms of a return to homeostasis as being an important factor for recovery.
Combining acupuncture with other approaches like chiropractic care and functional neurology at Neuroplasticity St Pete, we believe in a whole-person methodology to caring for our patients.
1. Relief from Chronic Pain
Some of the best-documented benefits of acupuncture include its use in chronic pain relief, particularly in those who have osteoarthritis or musculoskeletal strain affecting the lower back and knees.
A meta-analysis of almost 18,000 participants found that acupuncture provides significant and sustained pain relief up to twelve months following treatment. More recently, for example, reviews appearing in the Annals of Internal Medicine suggest that measurable benefits from acupuncture may be obtained within hours of treatment.
Most notably, the addition of acupuncture for chronic low back pain through Medicare coverage demonstrates its place in current pain management strategies. Our patients often experience permanent relief from pain, improved mobility and overall enjoyment of life after visiting our services.
2. Allergy and Asthma Management
Asthma Drug Delivery/Novel therapeutic machines for allergic asthma. Asthma is a common disease which manifests as an antigen-mediated airway inflammation, and caused by multiple environmental and dietary allergens. In another case, clinical studies show that acupuncture can reduce interleukin-6 (IL-6), an inflammatory marker that is tied directly to chronic-type airway inflammation.
If acupuncture has an impact on inflammatory markers and immune regulation, then its use can be used in addition to traditional therapies which may help to reduce symptom severity in high-pollen areas such as Florida while minimizing the extent of medication required.
3. Reduction of Nausea and Vomiting
Chemotherapy, certain medications and pregnancy all commonly cause nausea and vomiting. There are many clinical studies supporting the effect of acupuncture on these symptoms, such as P6 acupoints established on the wrist to regulate stomach function and reduce frequency of nausea.
We often use this therapy to help patients be more comfortable and reduce the side effects of cancer treatment as well as to increase their tolerance for other medical interventions at Neuroplasticity St Pete.
Book An Appointment Now4. Improvement in Sleep Quality
Sleep loss can dramatically impede physical and cognitive performance. Research has demonstrated that Acupuncture Modulates the Sympathetic Nervous System, increases Serotonin and GABA levels, which Reduce Vasomotor Symptoms of Menopause.
The controlled trials have also shown that acupuncture is more effective than placebo treatment alone in improving the quality and duration of sleep, as well as daytime function. After a series, many of our patients say they have more reliable sleep and less night time restlessness.
5. Relief in Frequency of Headache and Migraine
If you are suffering from migraines, or chronic tension headaches your quality of life can be significantly affected. In a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, evidence showed that patients receiving acupuncture had fewer migraine days compared with patients who received sham treatments.
In practical use, acupuncture presents a non-pharmacologic alternative that can be very useful for patients wishing to decrease drug dependency or in those with contraindications of some drugs.
6. Relief from Menstrual Discomfort
Painful menstruation, or dysmenorrhea, affects many women and often prevents them from participating in day-to-day activities. A couple of studies have indicated that some forms of acupuncture, including electroacupuncture, are more effective than certain NSAIDs for the treatment of pain.
A time series evaluation of acupuncture demonstrates the superior symptom control and decrease in pain severity when treated with an acupuncture protocol just before and during menstruation, hence making acupuncture a possible integrative therapeutic option for menstrual health.
7. Post-Surgical Recovery Support
Surgery is recovery can be painful, and cause swelling pain discomfort nausea and difficult sleeping. There is evidence that acupuncture helps alleviate these symptoms, but also aids recovery of tissues and reduces stress responses.
Patients who received acupuncture have been noted to improve in various patient-reported outcomes, including pain after surgery, quality of sleep, anxiety and fatigue. It has also been used in oncology care to treat chemotherapy-related neuropathy, and for hot flashes.
Why Patients Choose Neuroplasticity St Pete for Acupuncture
Our approach here at Neuroplasticity St. Pete combines modern chiropractic techniques, functional neurology methods and proven natural therapies. Every appointment is 30 minutes long so we have the time to understand what you are feeling and need and can provide a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
With the use of traditional techniques flared with modern day medical sciences, our health team is dedicated to deliver paramount treatment and services to you in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Gulfport and Pinellas Park.
Conclusion of Acupuncture in Comprehensive Care
Acupuncture is an extremely low-invasive therapy with hundreds of clinical studies supporting its efficacy for various medical or health conditions when performed by trained acupuncture practitioners. Acupuncture can provide long-term functional improvement and quality of life enhancement benefits beyond simply relieving symptoms.
People interested in trying acupuncture should ensure their therapist has completed training and certification requirements before beginning treatments as this could delay receiving proper medical diagnoses and treatments.
For more information or to make an appointment, visit Neuroplasticity St Pete: (727) 202-6006