Acupuncture has been recognized for its efficacy in addressing a wide variety of health conditions. According to research and recommendations from sources like the World Health Organization (WHO) and National Institutes of Health (NIH), the following are among the top 10 health conditions acupuncture is successful in treating:
Chronic Pain is the most well recognized condition that is treated by acupuncture. Whether it is mild or severe, acute or chronic, burning, aching, numbish, stabbing, shooting, throbbing, pricking, etc., acupuncture has a reputation for effectiveness with pain anywhere in the body, including headaches of all types.
Mental Health: Acupuncture particularly is helpful for reducing the impact of stress on the body, anxiety, depression, anger, irritability, listlessness, and others.
Sleep: There are many reasons for insomnia, and many types – from difficulty falling asleep, to staying asleep, from hormonal imbalances (such as melatonin, cortisol and reproductive hormones) to health conditions that are interfering with sleep – acupuncture can help!
Digestive Issues: Acupuncture improves proper enzyme release, reduces inflammation, improves gut motility and repair, and reduces nausea. It aids in digestion and repair of several mechanisms. Irritable bowel, reflux, heart burn, improper gallbladder function, frequency of bowel movements and more can be helped by acupuncture.
Fertility and Reproductive Health: PMS (premenstrual syndrome), menopause, hormonal imbalances all along the way and infertility. Acupuncture can be a powerful ally in making life less miserable!
Allergies and respiratory conditions such as allergic rhinitis, asthma, sinusitis and other respiratory immune and inflammatory challenges can be benefited by acupuncture.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) is effectively addressed by acupuncture and lifestyle changes. With or without medications, chronic or a new condition, primary or secondary hypertension, acupuncture is a good resource. It regulates the blood circulation, lowers stress and balances autonomic function.
Neurological Disorders: Acupuncture can be efficacious for peripheral neuropathy, stroke recovery, Bell’s palsy, headaches, nerve pain and other neurological challenges. It promotes nerve regeneration, improves circulation, and supports motor function recovery.
Women’s and Men’s Health Issues that include the above mentioned, plus PCOS, prostate challenges, male as well as female hormonal imbalances, and functional difficulties.
Although not on the Top 10 List, but should be included is addictions. Especially alcohol, cigarettes, vaping, prescription drugs and others. In fact, when I first started acupuncture school, I only knew that it addressed pain and addictions.
In the more than 35 years that I have been a Licensed Acupuncturist and Doctor of Oriental Medicine, in active practice, I continue to be amazed at some of the things we can accomplish. While the above list from the WHO and NIH, include what acupuncture is most effective at by itself, by adding nutrition, nutritional supplements, herbal or phytotherapeutic agents and lifestyle modifications to our protocols, it expands the effectiveness of the acupuncture and allows for the effective treatment of many other conditions. After all this time in practice, I still love what I do. I am still pleased with the ability the human body has to recover, when given the proper conditions for it to happen. I love restoring function and restoring lives! If you haven’t yet given acupuncture an honest try, now is a good time to do so!
Want to hear more from Dr. Carling? Check out our podcast. Search for VitalHealth4You on your favorite podcast listening app or go to vitalhealthcda.com/podcasts/
©2024 Holly A. Carling, O.M.D., L.Ac., Ph.D.
