Options before Opioids- Acupuncture

To continue our options before opioids series, this week will focus on acupuncture.

What is it?

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine-based approach, which triggers specific points on the skin with needles.
Minimally invasive method to stimulate nerve-rich areas of skin, to influence tissues, glands, organs, and various functions of the body.
Each needle produces a tiny injury at the insertion site, which is enough to stimulate the immune system, promoting circulation for healing and pain modulation.

What can it help with?

What to expect

Needle insertion: Needles are inserted at various depths, and points on your body. The needles are very thin, but some discomfort may be felt. Usually, 5 to 20 needles are used in a typical treatment.
Needle manipulation: Your practitioner may gently move, twirl the needles. They also might apply heat or mild electrical pulses.
Needle removal: Most times the needles remain in place for 10-20 minutes while you stay relaxed. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.