Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. These points are to be connected through pathways called meridians, which are believed to carry a vital energy known as "qi" or "chi." The goal of acupuncture is to balance the flow of qi throughout these meridians, promoting overall health and well-being.
Who Can Benefit from Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is often used as a holistic supplement in your treatment plan. Aside from issues like insomnia, pain management, and digestive disorders, it can be used in combination with other therapies to treat:
- Alcohol addiction
- Stimulant addiction
- Nicotine addiction
- Opioid addiction
Acupuncture can also be a complementary therapy for mental health issues like:
If you choose to integrate acupuncture into your treatment plan, you can reap a myriad of benefits. Though these might vary from person to person, some of the benefits can include:
- Stress reduction
- Alleviated symptoms or cravings from your condition
- Pain relief
- Better sleep
- Higher energy levels
- Improved digestion
Is Acupuncture Effective?
While the research behind acupuncture has mixed results, it’s an ancient Chinese medicine that has stood the test of time. Acupuncture can provide great benefits, or there is a possibility to experience a placebo effect. Some studies have suggested that patients may experience symptom relief because they have positive expectations; however, this does not necessarily mean that acupuncture is ineffective. It all depends on a few factors, like the quality of the practitioner, how it’s combined with other therapies, and your condition(s).
Are There Risks to Acupuncture?
While acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by qualified practitioners using sterile needles, some risks and potential side effects are still associated with the practice. This could include faintness, allergic reactions, psychological effects (like intense emotional release), or infection.
Incorporating Acupuncture into Your Addiction or Mental Health Treatment Plan
Acupuncture should be seen as a supplementary component of your overall treatment plan. It's not meant to replace evidence-based therapies or medical interventions, but rather enhance them.
The first step is to find a qualified acupuncturist. Some acupuncture practitioners have experience working with clients with addiction or mental health issues. They’ll be able to tailor the practice to your specific needs.
You can expect to be in a session for around 30-60 minutes. The initial insertion of the needles is relatively quick and painless, and afterward you’ll rest with the needles intact for 15-30 minutes. For addiction and mental health recovery, you’ll likely have a set cadence for these sessions, like once a week, and continue with them for at least a few weeks.
Routinely check in with your acupuncturist and care team to see if this holistic method adds value to your treatment. Following each session, you can also do a self check-in. See if you’re experiencing any benefits or discomfort. Be upfront with your team about how you’re feeling.
Remember that everyone’s journey in recovery is unique. What works well for one person might not work the same for another. The key is to maintain open communication, prioritize evidence-based treatments, and approach complementary therapies like acupuncture as part of a holistic approach to health and healing.