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?

• Allergies
• Anxiety and depression
• Osteoarthritis
• Chronic pain
• Hypertension
• Insomnia
• Migraines
• Many other conditions

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.

• Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/acupuncture-how-does-it-work-scientifically#home-alternatives

https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/acupuncture/about/pac-20392763