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Category: Acupuncture

10 Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is one of the oldest therapies known to man. Ideally, acupuncture works on the basis of unblocking locked life energy (Qi). This is because it’s believed that health issues can arise when there’s an interruption in the flow of Qi. By restoring Qi, acupuncture promotes physical relaxation and healing. According to some theories, acupuncture is able to accomplish this through the production of endorphins, natural pain relievers. There are also other theories which suggest that acupuncture works by regulating blood flow and nervous functions. Regardless, there are amazing benefits associated with this TCM. Here are the top 10:

  1. Stress Management

Psychological stress is known to instigate inflammatory responses such as poor mood, fatigue, and displeasure. These responses are widely related to depression. The advantage is that they can be prevented with acupuncture. By inhibiting inflammation, acupuncture reduces the production and performance of the stress hormone. This means more mental calmness and clarity. Other aspects such as mood and blood pressure are improved too.

  1. Slows Cognitive Decline

A 2002 study by Maryland University Neurology Department suggests that individuals with Parkinson’s Disease show much improvement with acupuncture. According to the study, acupuncture reduces symptoms like tremor, slowness, anxiety, and walking difficulties. These symptoms are associated with cognitive decline. Based on the finding, there are no clear negative effects of using acupuncture. Therefore, the practice is safe and recommended for Parkinson’s Disease and other cognitive decline conditions.

  1. Low Back Pain Relief

According to a 2017 report by Annals of Internal Medicine, acupuncture decreases pain intensity along the lower back and surrounding areas. The study focused on two groups of people; one using acupuncture to manage low back pain and the other not using the TCM practice. Of course, the finding was that acupuncture helps you in the short-term to manage pain and should only be used as a temporary solution. In case you are looking for a long-term solution, the study recommends doing acupuncture regularly. The more you do it periodically, the more effective the results are.

  1. Manages Pregnancy Discomfort

Like physical therapy, acupuncture has shown effectiveness in promoting relief from pregnancy discomfort. By alleviating pain on the lower back, acupuncture helps to balance the extra weight that a pregnant woman is carrying, thus total relaxation. In a controlled study, ear acupuncture is believed to be effective in managing posterior pelvic pain that’s widespread during the first few weeks of pregnancy. This is the time that most pregnant women become anxious and depressed because of the discomforts.

  1. Boosts Immunity

The body’s natural defense is always stimulated when a foreign material is introduced. Since acupuncture needles are foreign, the body will step up its immunity to try to face the invaders. In this case, the production of immune cells is encouraged and so are defense processes like phagocytosis (engulfing of foreign materials) and lymphocyte proliferation (multiplication of white blood cells). An improved lymphocyte proliferation literary implies enhanced immunity.

  1. Weight Loss

Studies show that acupuncture done on the ear is widely considered in the West as a way to encourage weight loss. By placing needles around the ear, a section of the hypothalamus is stimulated and this makes you less hungry. By lowering your appetite, you feed less and in the long, you don’t gain weight. So, instead of forcefully depriving yourself food, you can use acupuncture to do it willingly. You may not even realize that you are going slow on food after having several acupuncture sessions. Additionally, acupuncture improved intestinal mobility and lowers anxiety. This is important in promoting weight loss.

  1. Migraines Relief

Based on a 2016 review by Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, acupuncture helps significantly in managing migraines (severe headaches) and reducing their frequency. The study involved 4985 patients who are prone to frequent migraines attack and a majority of them responded well to acupuncture. However, the study suggests having acupuncture periodically if you are looking to manage the symptoms for a long period. Since there are is no evidence of harm related to using acupuncture for migraines management, there’s no problem with doing it as much as you are advised.

  1. Treats Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis happens to be the commonest joint disorder around the world. It’s more prevalent among the old, affecting over 85% of men and women aged 75 and above. The good news is that it’s manageable with acupuncture. According to a 2014 study, acupuncture promotes mobility functionality and reduces pain in osteoarthritis patients. The study recommends acupuncture as an alternative to traditional pain relief treatments for osteoarthritis like opiates. Unlike opiates, acupuncture has no major side effects, thus safe.

  1. Enhance Sleep

As a therapy, acupuncture promotes hormonal changes in the body that are related to sleep. It lowers heart rate and metabolism so as to encourage physical and mental relaxation. For this reason, it’s able to treat insomnia and sleep apnea. According to a random study, acupuncture is more effective in managing sleep conditions than most treatments. In addition, a 2016 analysis shows that it helps to treat sleep disturbances in menopausal women.

  1. Knee Pain Relief

A recent analysis shows that acupuncture plays an important role in improving physical functioning of the body in the short-term and long-term. By doing so, it’s able to manage knee pain by providing relief for a number of weeks or months depending on the frequency of the practice. This analysis is supported by another review which suggests that acupuncture delays the availability of pain relievers in the body and this boosts their performance. The relievers are able to act for long in the knee region and other painful parts and this brings total relief.

Closing Thought:

Dr. Hinz and his staff at Cool Springs Chiropractic are proud to offer acupuncture to patients. Acupuncture is one of the most effective therapeutic practices today. If history is anything to go by, then there’s a reason to believe its success. Many generations have used this TCM practice and thus you can be sure ours won’t be the last. Reach out to Cool Springs Chiropractic today to get started!

8 Benefits of Acupuncture

So much has changed these days in the health sector. It’s no longer just about quality nutrition and proper fitness practices. People are considering mindfulness and other self-care practices. They want to realize their inbuilt energy and willpower for preventing major illnesses from manifesting. They also want an alternative medicine approach that makes them feel better not just physically but spiritually too. One traditional therapy that is gaining grounds fast is acupuncture. So, what’s acupuncture and how can it benefit you?

Acupuncture is an old Chinese practice in which thin needles are fit in specific points (acupoints) on your skin. It’s done to help unlock your inbuilt energies so as you can enjoy better physical, spiritual, and emotional health. Currently, the old Chinese practice enjoys over 2500 years and it has evolved significantly over the years. It’s one of the fastest growing alternative medicine practices in the US.

According to the National Institute of Health, more than 3.1 million individuals in the US try acupuncture yearly. The study shows that the number increases steadily each year. Contrary to what most people believe, acupuncture is not painful. Surprisingly, despite the fact that needles are introduced on your body, the experience is pain-free. Actually, acupuncture helps to reduce different forms of pain. In that respect, here are 8 amazing benefits of the technique to enjoy:

  1. Manages Chronic Pain

Conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and neck pain are becoming too stubborn to treat nowadays. However, recent reports show that acupuncture can effectively manage them. A study by the University Medical Center of Berlin shows that patients with chronic low back pain and those with chronic neck and knee pain experience significant pain relief once they start having acupuncture sessions. Another study by Memorials Sloan-Kettering Department of Epidemiology shows that patients who are having acupuncture experience less pain than those who are using pharmaceutical approaches. The study concludes that acupuncture is a realistic option to consider in chronic pain management.

  1. Mental Health

With how stressful life normally is, you need an occasional pause so as to recharge and restore your mind to full efficiency. This is what acupuncture does to you. It tackles your mind so that calmness and willpower can be realized. Based on this working mechanism, acupuncture has shown great results in treating anxiety and stress. Surprisingly, there are a good number of patients who prefer the treatment to the use of medicines. Nonetheless, there is no scientific backing to show that acupuncture is the superior therapy. What’s clear is the idea that the results are amazing in combating negative emotions which are associated with stress and anxiety.

  1. Manages Migraines

Since the primary working effect of acupuncture is pain alleviation, it can be used to treat severe headaches (migraines). It does this by relaxing the tight nerves that are making your head to ache. On a basic level, acupuncture works with the body’s fascia system so as to help it release the necessary opiates. You need the opiates to overcome the strange headaches. In 2009, the Center for Complementary Medicine Studies carried a study on 2,137 acupuncture subjects. They found out that acupuncture shows no worrying effect on the subjects and it could actually be the non-pharmacological treatment that numerous migraine patients around the world really need. Based on the study, the subjects studied started realizing a drop in the frequency of the severe headaches after having acupuncture.

  1. Sleep Quality

Insomnia, lack of better sleep, is a serious problem. Though it can be treated by conventional medicine, you can treat it faster and cheaply using acupuncture. Often, lack of sleep occurs when your body and mind are apart and thus are not able to rest. This is primarily because of a physical stressor or an emotional one. Acupuncture helps to connect and relax the two parts so that you can rest much better. You are able to forget the physical and emotional stressor when you retire to bed. So many patients with insomnia and other sleep conditions are able to sleep better as soon as they start acupuncture. This is backed by recent research by the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine which shows that patients who add acupuncture to their other insomnia treatments show much improvement.

  1. Chemotherapy Recovery

Acupuncture may not treat cancer but it can help lessen the symptoms by promoting the effectiveness of chemo. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) advocates for acupuncture because it helps to enhance the immunity so as to facilitate a speedy recovery after chemotherapy. NCI insists on the importance of pain alleviation during chemo and acupuncture helps towards it.

  1. Better Skin

You are asked to drink herbal tea, green juice, and plenty of water so as to improve the health of your skin. All these practices are natural and so is acupuncture. The technique can help immensely in skin rejuvenation. It addresses problems such as wrinkles and skin sagging by enhancing the levels of collagen. So, you are able to realize a fine and wrinkle-free skin in the long run. So, if you have tried a couple of skin rejuvenation therapies and failed, it’s time you give acupuncture a go.

  1. PMS Relief

There are suggestions that acupuncture helps to relieve pain in women suffering from premenstrual syndrome. Acupuncture addresses the main symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, craving, and muscular discomfort. Nevertheless, it should be considered before the PMS symptoms start to show. Essentially, acupuncture is a preventive approach when it comes to PMS. In this case, PMS patients who know when the symptoms are about to manifest are advised to go for acupuncture regularly.

  1. Slows Cognitive Decline

Lastly, acupuncture may help to prevent old age-associated conditions like Parkinson Disease. According to a 2002 research by Maryland School of Medicine, Parkinson’s patients who are exposed to acupuncture sessions show massive improvement. They suffer fewer symptoms such as trauma, pain, anxiety, and mental slowness. Though acupuncture may not treat the condition, the study concludes that it can help such patients live a longer and more comfortable life.

The Wrap

Dr. Hinz at Cool Springs Chiropractic, located in Franklin, TN, proudly offers acupuncture. Contact us today to get started!

How do Chiropractic and Acupuncture Differ?

Chіrорrасtіс trеаtmеnt involves a hаndѕ-оn аррrоасh tо еxаmіnіng, diagnosing, аnd trеаtіng a раtіеnt whо іѕ еxреrіеnсіng раіn. Spinal mаnірulаtіоn іѕ thе mоѕt common fоrm оf thеrареutіс сhіrорrасtіс trеаtmеnt. Thіѕ tуре оf mаnірulаtіоn rеѕtоrеѕ thе mobility оf thе jоіntѕ bу аррlуіng соntrоllеd fоrсе. Chіrорrасtіс dосtоrѕ аrе hіghlу trаіnеd, hаvіng соmрlеtеd up tо fіvе уеаrѕ оf specialized соurѕеwоrk аt аn ассrеdіtеd соllеgе оf сhіrорrасtіс mеdісіnе wіth a minimum оf 4,200 hоurѕ dеvоtеd tо сlаѕѕrооm, lаb, аnd clinical wоrk. While сhіrорrасtіс trеаtmеntѕ аrе рорulаr for relieving pain, асuрunсturе іѕ аlѕо becoming more wіdеlу recognized аѕ a pain mаnаgеmеnt tесhnіԛuе for рhуѕісаl rеhаbіlіtаtіоn.

Aсuрunсturе generally gеtѕ a bаd rар, mаіnlу because іt іѕ соnѕіdеrеd аltеrnаtіvе mеdісіnе. Aсuрunсturе іnvоlvеѕ ѕtіmulаtіng роіntѕ оn thе bоdу wіth thіn mеtаllіс nееdlеѕ that аrе іnѕеrtеd into thе ѕkіn аnd thеn mаnірulаtеd bу hаnd оr using еlесtrісаl ѕtіmulі. It is рurроrtеd tо wоrk by rеgulаtіng thе flow оf thе vital еnеrgу оf thе bоdу. Thіѕ рrасtісе hаѕ bееn undеrtаkеn іn Aѕіаn соuntrіеѕ fоr mіllеnnіа and іѕ оnе оf thе basic tеnеtѕ оf trаdіtіоnаl Chіnеѕе mеdісіnе (TCM). Aсuрunсturе is оftеn rесоmmеndеd bу рrасtіtіоnеrѕ оf аltеrnаtіvе medicine fоr thе trеаtmеnt оf chronic раіn, іnсludіng bасk раіn, nесk аnd jоіnt раіn, аnd сhrоnіс hеаdасhеѕ.

Pаtіеntѕ often tіmеѕ аѕk whаt іѕ thе difference bеtwееn Chіrорrасtіс аnd асuрunсturе. Fіrѕt оf аll, thе twо аrе ԛuіtе соmрlеmеntаrу. This is why at Cool Springs Chiropractic, we proudly offer both services. Chіrорrасtіс wоrkѕ dіrесtlу оn nеrvоuѕ ѕуѕtеm vіа thе ѕріnе аnd ѕоmеtіmеѕ оthеr jоіntѕ. Aсuрunсturе wоrkѕ оn thе nеrvоuѕ ѕуѕtеm tо саuѕе сhаngеѕ іn сіrсulаtіоn аnd оrgаn/glаndulаr funсtіоn. Sесоndlу, аѕ a gеnеrаlіzаtіоn оnе соuld ѕау thаt Chіrорrасtіс dеаlѕ wіth ѕtruсturаl іmbаlаnсеѕ whеrеаѕ Aсuрunсturе dеаlѕ mоrе dіrесtlу wіth сіrсulаtоrу іmbаlаnсеѕ and оrgаn ѕуѕtеm іmbаlаnсеѕ.

Chіrорrасtіс trеаtmеntѕ аrе lаrgеlу recognized bу thе mеdісаl соmmunіtу аѕ a vіаblе орtіоn fоr раtіеntѕ whо аrе еxреrіеnсіng nесk, bасk, оr jоіnt раіn, аѕ wеll аѕ hеаdасhеѕ аnd nеurоmuѕсulоѕkеlеtаl рrоblеmѕ. Thе biggest advantage оf сhіrорrасtіс trеаtmеntѕ іѕ thаt thеу аrе nоnіnvаѕіvе аnd drug frее, аnd they аrе іnсrеdіblу еffесtіvе fоr trеаtіng mаnу аіlmеntѕ. In fасt, сhіrорrасtіс trеаtmеntѕ hаvе hіѕtоrісаllу helped раtіеntѕ rесоvеr frоm іnjurу faster thаn mоrе trаdіtіоnаl mеdісаl trеаtmеnt орtіоnѕ. Thіѕ tуре of trеаtmеnt іѕ аlѕо uѕеful іn аdvаnсіng the рrоgrеѕѕ оf trаdіtіоnаl рhуѕісаl thеrару whіlе hеlріng раtіеntѕ аvоіd раіn mеdісаtіоnѕ thаt саn cause dереndеnсе.

Onе оf thе bіggеѕt аdvаntаgеѕ оf асuрunсturе іѕ thаt іt іѕ соnѕіdеrеd to bе relatively ѕаfе, рrоvіdеd уоur асuрunсturе session іѕ undertaken bу a рrоfеѕѕіоnаl whо is wеll trаіnеd in thе fіеld. Aсuрunсturе іѕ uѕеd tо trеаt a wіdе vаrіеtу оf соndіtіоnѕ, frоm саrраl tunnеl ѕуndrоmе tо fіbrоmуаlgіа аnd tеnnіѕ еlbоw. It hаѕ аlѕо been ѕhоwn tо ѕtrеngthеn thе іmmunе system, іmрrоvе rеѕріrаtоrу hеаlth, rеlіеvе іnѕоmnіа, аnd reduce ѕtrеѕѕ whіlе brіngіng еmоtіоnаl bаlаnсе tо patients.

Aсuрunсturе іѕ gеnеrаllу сhеареr thаn most trаdіtіоnаl trеаtmеntѕ, аlthоugh соѕtѕ vary from рrоvіdеr to рrоvіdеr. Thеrе іѕ a lоt оf соntrоvеrѕу ѕurrоundіng thе еffесtіvеnеѕѕ оf асuрunсturе а рhеnоmеnоn thаt іѕ duе іn раrt tо thе fасt thаt соntrаdісtоrу ѕtudіеѕ hаvе been published, ѕоmе сlаіmіng thаt іt wоrkѕ and оthеrѕ сlаіmіng thаt іt іѕ nоthіng more thаn аn аgе-оld farce. Nоnеthеlеѕѕ, ѕоmе mеdісаl рrоfеѕѕіоnаlѕ bеlіеvе іn thе роwеr оf асuрunсturе, аnd соntіnuіng research ѕhоwѕ рrоmіѕе fоr its аbіlіtу tо alleviate раіn. Additionally, раtіеntѕ whо аrе rесuреrаtіng frоm іllnеѕѕ, іnjurу, or surgery саn оftеn recover faster whеn асuрunсturе is undertaken tо іnсrеаѕе сіrсulаtіоn аnd rеduсе іnflаmmаtіоn.

Although сhіrорrасtіс саrе іѕ соnѕіdеrеd gеnеrаllу ѕаfе (аnd іn most іnѕtаnсеѕ іt is tурісаllу аgrееd thаt іt іѕ ѕаfеr thаn mоѕt trаdіtіоnаl medical therapies), іt іѕ nоt wіthоut dіѕаdvаntаgеѕ. Sоmе раtіеntѕ соmрlаіn оf асhіng аnd soreness fоllоwіng chiropractic саrе, аlthоugh mоѕt раtіеntѕ rероrt thаt thеѕе аdvеrѕе еffесtѕ gеnеrаllу dесrеаѕе оr аrе nоt nоtісеаblе аt аll wіthіn twеntу-fоur hоurѕ оf trеаtmеnt. Ovеrаll, trеаtmеnt by сhіrорrасtіс mаnірulаtіоn hаѕ a gооd trасk rесоrd whеn іt соmеѕ tо ѕаfеtу, аnd mоѕt раtіеntѕ аrе рlеаѕеd wіth thе rеѕultѕ асhіеvеd whеn іt соmеѕ tо аllеvіаtіng pain аnd ѕtіffnеѕѕ. Nоt аll hеаlth insurance plans рау fоr сhіrорrасtіс treatment, whісh is a dіѕаdvаntаgе when іt соmеѕ to аffоrdіng trеаtmеnt. Mоrеоvеr, аdjuѕtmеntѕ by a сhіrорrасtоr оftеn іnvоlvе frеԛuеnt vіѕіtѕ, whісh are іnсоnvеnіеnt аnd аdd tо thе соѕt оf treatment. Nоt all conditions rеѕроnd tо сhіrорrасtіс mаnірulаtіоn, аnd іt іѕ nоt a саtсh-аll fіеld оf medicine.

On the other hand mоѕt реорlе аrе соnсеrnеd thаt асuрunсturе trеаtmеnt wіll hurt. Whіlе thеrе іѕ ѕоmе dіѕсоmfоrt іnvоlvеd, mоѕt раtіеntѕ dеѕсrіbе thе іnѕеrtіоn оf nееdlеѕ іntо thе ѕkіn аѕ mоrе оf a fееlіng оf рrеѕѕurе. Onсе іn рlасе, thе nееdlеѕ ѕhоuld nоt саuѕе dіѕсоmfоrt, аlthоugh thе еxреrіеnсе саn vаrу bаѕеd оn уоur іndіvіduаl perception оf раіn аnd thе lеvеl оf еxреrtіѕе оf thе рrоvіdеr. Whеn реrfоrmеd wіth ѕtеrіlе nееdlеѕ bу аn еxреrіеnсеd аnd wеll-trаіnеd рrоfеѕѕіоnаl, асuрunсturе is gеnеrаllу ѕаfе, аnd vеrу fеw соmрlісаtіоnѕ hаvе bееn rероrtеd. Hоwеvеr, ѕоmе ѕеrіоuѕ аdvеrѕе еvеntѕ hаvе оссurrеd, іnсludіng рunсturе оf оrgаnѕ аnd ѕеrіоuѕ іnfесtіоnѕ. Stіll, thеrе аrе fеwеr аdvеrѕе ѕіdе еffесtѕ аѕѕосіаtеd wіth асuрunсturе thаn wіth оthеr ѕtаndаrd trеаtmеntѕ, lіkе ѕtеrоіd іnjесtіоnѕ оr thе uѕе оf аntі-іnflаmmаtоrу mеdісіnеѕ. Anоthеr dіѕаdvаntаgе аѕѕосіаtеd with асuрunсturе іѕ thаt mоѕt hеаlth іnѕurаnсе рlаnѕ wіll nоt рау fоr іt. Aсtіvе trеаtmеntѕ mау rеԛuіrе twо оr mоrе vіѕіtѕ per wееk fоr mоnthѕ, аnd ѕоmе раtіеntѕ rероrt fееlіng wоrѕе bеfоrе fееlіng bеttеr.

Fоr раtіеntѕ whо wаnt tо еxреrіеnсе the bеѕt оf whаt bоth thе сhіrорrасtоr аnd thе асuрunсturіѕt оffеr, аn еvоlvіng fіеld оf medicine knоwn аѕ сhіrорrасtіс асuрunсturе соmbіnеѕ thе twо. Thіѕ fіеld fосuѕеѕ оn thе bоdу’ѕ еnеrgу раthwауѕ оr mеrіdіаnѕ іn rеlаtіоn tо thе ѕріnаl аnd nеrvоuѕ ѕуѕtеmѕ. Prасtіtіоnеrѕ аrе сhіrорrасtоrѕ whо іmрlеmеnt асuрunсturе іntо thе сhіrорrасtіс trеаtmеntѕ оf thеіr раtіеntѕ tо аllеvіаtе раіn аnd асhіеvе a mоrе еffесtіvе rеѕult.

To get started with acupuncture or chiropractic, contact Cool Springs Chiropractic today!

The Acupuncture Procedure: Step by Step

image-copy-accupuncture

Acupuncture Procedure

Today more and more people are turning to alternative medicine for their medical needs and conditions. However it is still fairly common for some new patients to be slightly skeptical. Below I have outlined a detailed look at the acupuncture procedure to help answer some of the common acupuncture questions we receive.

According to The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine the term acupuncture describes a family of procedures involving the stimulation of points on the body using a variety of techniques.

Acupuncture procedure can be used to relieve pain as well as treat a range of conditions including:

• Allergies
• Asthma
• Indigestion
• High Blood Pressure
• Headaches
• Addictions
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Stress Management
• Menstrual Irregularities
• Infertility

and many more…

How it Works
Thin needles are inserted into different acupuncture points on the body depending on individual symptoms and conditions. Acupuncture points are located all over the body including the head, arms, shoulders, legs, and feet.

The Needles
Patients are usually surprised at how small acupuncture needles are. They are actually small enough to fit several through the middle of a hypodermic needle and most do not experience any discomfort from the needles since they are so thin. Acupuncture needles are also smooth, not hollow with cutting edges like hypodermic needles, which makes insertion much easier and less painful than when you receive injections or get your blood drawn.

Is Acupuncture Painful?
Since needles are involved many patients have questions about pain related to the acupuncture procedure. For most acupuncture is completely painless. Some may experience slight discomfort while the needles are being inserted or adjusted but this quickly goes away after a few seconds.

For a more information you can read our Does Acupuncture Hurt blog post.

Your First Visit
For some the first visit is simply a consultation to go over any questions or concerns about the acupuncture treatment process. Once comfortable, many patients choose to have their first treatment the same day as their consultation while others choose to set a separate appointment. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as it takes to make you completely comfortable with the process before continuing

If a fear of pain is what’s holding you back ask the acupuncturist to insert a needle in an acupuncture point in your hand so that you can experience it and become comfortable before going through the entire process.

Visit Frequency
Visit frequency and length depends on each patient’s individual symptoms and needs. However, in most cases each acupuncture treatment will last between ten to thirty minutes. Seeing as no two bodies heal the same or at the same rate it is difficult to give a treatment frequency outline until a patient has been assessed by the doctor. Patients may notice a decrease in symptoms after their first visit while those dealing with chronic ailments may require several treatments before experiencing relief.

Photo by: Two More Days

Franklin Acupuncture: 5 Benefits of Acupuncture You May Not Know

Franklin Acupuncture – The Benefits

It isn’t unusual for new patients to be slightly skeptical and I often receive the “does acupuncture work” question pretty quickly during the first visit. Most of our Franklin acupuncture patients start by coming to the office for pain or headache relief and are astonished at the results. Few however know the great depths of healing that acupuncture can reach treating anxiousness, digestive disorders, emotional conditions and more. The following are all health related issues that different patients in our office have experienced relief with through acupuncture.

Franklin Acupuncture: 5 Benefits of Acupuncture

1. Infertility

Today it is becoming more common for woman struggling with infertility to seek out an acupuncturist. Unfortunately it is still seen by many as a last ditch effort after all other methods have been explored. Often infertility problems are due to functional issues dealing with stress, hormonal imbalances, or circulatory problems, all of which acupuncture has been proven to reduce. With the drastic cost difference between expensive medical infertility treatments that cause unwanted side effects and holistic acupuncture treatments I feel that the tides soon may shift to making acupuncture the first stop in the battle of infertility.

When preparing for your first infertility acupuncture appointment it is important that you bring all relevant medical records and test results for the acupuncturist to exam.

2. Quit Smoking

Overcoming nicotine addiction is no small feat. Withdrawal symptoms are severe and include anxiety, irritability, hunger, nervousness, fatigue, and headaches. Acupuncture works to fight against the sometimes overwhelming withdrawal side effects by working to balance your regulatory system while increasing energy and relaxation.

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS symptoms range from mild to severe. Though this disorder doesn’t cause long term damage to the body the everyday symptoms can be extremely disruptive and embarrassing. Acupuncture has been shown to lessen IBS symptoms including abdominal cramping, diarrhea, constipation, and frequent urination.

4. Anxiety and Depression

People are often surprised to find that acupuncture can be effective in treating mood related disorders such as anxiety and depression. Many mood disorders have been connected to neurological symptoms involving chemical imbalances. Some medical doctors are quick to prescribe mood altering drugs however acupuncture helps to increase cerebral serotonin naturally which provides anti-depressant effects on the brain.

5. Sinus Problems

Tennessee is beautiful but it can be a pain sometimes for those of us suffering with allergies. Luckily acupuncture does wonders for sinus issues and can not only help to relieve sinus symptoms but shorten the length of colds and ear infections!

 

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Does Acupuncture Hurt?

Acupuncture Franklin, TN

Before we address the question does acupuncture hurt we first need to look at how acupuncture works.

By far the number one question people ask about acupuncture is “does acupuncture hurt”? The thought of needles often sends shivers of fear through our spines; however most patients are amazed at how little acupuncture needles are in comparison to other medical needles. The following will provide you with helpful information on acupuncture and give you a better idea about the looming “does acupuncture hurt” question.

According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture needling acupuncture points stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body’s own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body’s natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/acu_info/articles/aboutacupuncture.html

How it Works:

Small thin needles are inserted into precise acupuncture points on the body depending on symptoms. Acupuncture points are located all of the body including the head, arms, shoulders, legs, and feet.

Each patient’s individual symptoms and needs are unique so frequency and length of visits vary. Typically though, each acupuncture treatment last between ten to thirty minutes. Patients respond differently to acupuncture treatment with some noticing a decrease in symptoms after their first visit and others requiring several treatments before experiencing relief.

The Needles:

Patients are usually surprised at how small acupuncture needles are. They are actually small enough to fit several through the middle of a hypodermic needle and most do not experience any discomfort from the needles since they are so thin. Acupuncture needles are also smooth, not hollow with cutting edges like hypodermic needles, which makes insertion much easier and less painful than when you receive injections or get your blood drawn.

If there is some sensitivity it is usually during the insertion of the acupuncture needle which quickly goes away once the needle is set in place. The doctor or acupuncturist either use disposable needles or sterilize the needles using the same techniques as used on surgical instruments. Usually patients are able to completely relax during their treatment with many people even falling asleep during acupuncture sessions!

What a Current Patient Had to Say When Asked Does Acupuncture Hurt?:

“Dr. Hinz will adjust the needles so that you are able to relax and reap the benefits which far outweigh any minor discomfort.” Valerie P.

Your First Visit:

The hardest part really is overcoming any fears you might have and taking the first step to make your acupuncture appointment. During your first appointment just remember to ask as many questions as it takes to make you completely comfortable with the process before continuing. Also if you are afraid of the pain ask the acupuncturist to insert a needle in an acupuncture point in your hand so that you can experience and become comfortable before going through the entire process.

Your Acupuncture Franklin, TN Doctor is ready to meet with you. Ready to take the next step by making your first acupuncture appointment? Call 615-503-9900 to schedule!

Photo By: Zen Sutherland

Acupuncture Helps Relieve Headaches and Migraines

Acupuncture Helps Relieve Headaches

Acupuncture helps relieve headaches but when most people think about headache treatments acupuncture doesn’t even make the list of options. Generally we go for one of the many pill shaped “friends” to quickly ease our pain. Unfortunately many of these so called friends can also come with some risky side effects such as liver damage. Acupuncture however can give powerful relief without the harmful side effects that prescription and over-the-counter drugs may eventually cause.

A general headache is defined as a pain anywhere in the head or neck. Acupuncture helps relieve headaches and can be used to treat a variety of headaches from cluster headaches, to migraines, to tension headaches.

How Acupuncture Helps Relieve Headaches:

Thin needles are inserted into different acupuncture points on the body depending on symptoms and type of headaches you suffer from. Acupuncture points for the treatment of headaches are located all of the body including the legs, arms, shoulders, and feet.

Acupuncture needles are small enough to fit through the middle of a hypodermic needle and most patients do not experience any discomfort from the needles since they are so thin. If a patient does feel some sensitivity it is usually during the insertion of the acupuncture needle and this quickly goes away once the needle is set in place. Most are able to completely relax during their treatment with many people even falling asleep during acupuncture sessions.

Visit frequency and length depends on each patient’s individual symptoms and needs. Typically though, each acupuncture treatment last between ten to thirty minutes. Some patients may notice a decrease in symptoms after their first visit while those dealing with chronic ailments may require several treatments before experiencing relief.

Studies:

  • A clinical observation, published in a 2002 edition of the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and in a study published in the November 1999 issue of Cephalalgia, scientists evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of migraines and recurrent headaches by systematically reviewing 22 randomized controlled trials. A total of 1,042 patients were examined. It was found that headache and migraine sufferers experienced significantly more relief from acupuncture. http://www.acupunctureonline.org/cure-for-migraine.php
  • In a case study, published in the June 2003 Issue of Medical Acupuncture, doctors found that acupuncture resulted in the resolution or reduction in the frequency and severity of cluster headaches, and a decrease or discontinuation of medications. It was concluded that Acupuncture can be used to provide sustained relief from cluster headaches and to stimulate adrenal cortisol to aid in discontinuing corticosteroids. http://www.acupunctureonline.org/cure-for-migraine.php

Do you suffer from headaches? Call our office at (615)503-9900 to set up an acupuncture consultation!

Photo By: Peter Hellberg

4 Common Symptoms Of Whiplash And Their Treatments

whiplash chiropractic Franklin, TNWhiplash, also called neck sprain or neck strain, is an injury to the neck. Whiplash is caused by an abrupt jerking motion of the head, either backward or forward, and often occurs but is not limited to the result of a car accident. Whiplash can be diagnosed by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck. Due to whiplash the intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots may become damaged. Whiplash can also injure the brain, causing concussion, or traumatic brain injury. Due to the number of different delicate body structures that can be hurt in a whiplash injury, the symptoms of whiplash can be widely varied.

Common Whiplash Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms related to whiplash injury are:

  1. Neck pain and stiffness: Trauma such as whiplash, if not properly treated, can cause neck pain for years following the injury and often result in a misalignment, called a subluxation, of the neck or spine. When the delicate bones of the neck, called vertebra, become misaligned pressure, tension, and stress are placed on the joints, muscles, discs, and nerves in the neck producing pain and muscle spasms. Chiropractors are the only doctors trained to detect and correct vertebral subluxations.
  2. Headaches: It is frequent for whiplash patients to experience severe headaches or migraines following their injury. There are several types of headaches including tension, stress, cluster, migraines, sinus, and more which may start as a result of the neck injury. You may experience these headaches occasionally or frequently and they may range from dull to throbbing with some causing debilitating pain and nausea.
  3. Pain and soreness in the shoulder or between the shoulder blades: What affects the neck will affect the shoulder and vice versa. This explains why changes in the structure and function of the neck are one of the most common reasons for shoulder pain.
  4. Decreased mobility: Due to the pain associated with whiplash injury most people experience a mild to severe decrease in their mobility and function. Chiropractic spinal manipulation help to gently move the misaligned bones back into proper position, decreasing pain and giving back full range of motion.

Other Whiplash Symptoms

Other whiplash symptoms include: upper back pain, lower back pain, nausea, tingling, jaw pain, chest pain, difficulty swallowing, changes in vision, balance problems, swelling, bruising, soreness, tenderness, tightness, light-headedness, wrist pain/numbness, sciatica (leg pain), fatigue, concussion, hormone disorders, menstrual disorder, occipital neuralgia, sore throat, loss of voice, weakness, feeling depressed, fibromyalgia, and anxiety.

Symptoms of whiplash may be delayed for 24 hours or more after the initial trauma. Due to this It is advised that you be examined as soon as possible after any injury that may have caused whiplash. If pain is present it is important to remember that pain is not the problem; it is a symptom of an underlying health issue that needs attention.

The Solution

Research has shown chiropractic to be one of the most effective treatments for whiplash pain and injury available today. Chiropractic spinal manipulation and spinal adjustments are an important part of the treatment and recovery process when healing from any injuries.

Chiropractic care is an all natural therapy which involves the chiropractor using his hands to adjust and treat misalignments in the spine also known as subluxations. Spinal manipulation and spinal adjustments can in many cases fix the subluxation, relieve pain in the soft tissues, increase circulation, and stimulate the body’s nervous system. The doctor may also use physical therapy techniques and exercises in the office to help maintain pain relief and strengthen your neck. In some cases you may be given exercises to perform at home to help with pain relief and strengthening in between office visits.

Subluxations can be corrected with chiropractic care and works best when caught early. Please don’t wait to see if the pain will simply go away on its own. Pain may be sending you a message that you are suffering from spinal subluxations that over time can lead to a multitude of health problems.

Take the first step in stopping your suffering by calling our Chiropractic office here in Franklin, TN at (615)503.9900 to schedule a consultation and exam.