“Side Effects” of Acupuncture are Positive!
- Posted on: Jul 26 2017
We’ve all seen the commercials for the latest meds. “Side effects may include headaches, nausea, dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea and death” as they show images of people having the time of their lives, usually in slow motion on a sun filled grassy pasture. Unlike medications that often have negative side effects, Acupuncture treatments often yield positive “side effects”.
When people receive Acupuncture for one thing, such as shoulder pain for example, they often come back and report something like, “My shoulder feels better, and I’m sleeping better”, or “I’m more relaxed”, ”my mood is more pleasant”, “My digestion has improved”, “I’m not getting colds as much…” and “I feel more peaceful inside”. I like to refer to these reactions as positive side effects.
Positive side effects occur when we treat you to Acupuncture because there is a whole cascade of biological reactions that can cause a wide range of improvements. This includes a release of neurotransmitters, the chemicals that help regulate our bodies functions. One such Neurotransmitter known as Substance P plays a role in decreasing pain and inflammation, improving sleep, and regulating mood.
According to the article, “Neurobiology of Substance P and the NK1 Receptor”, on PubMed.Gov, The US National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health online publication, Substance P is being researched by drug makers for its ability to combat anxiety and depression. It’s no wonder Acupuncture recipients often notice improvements beyond their primary concerns. These improvements vary from the subtle to the transformative.
It is likely that all this time Acupuncturists were treating people for the past several thousand years their bodies were releasing neurotransmitters. Though the ancient practitioners may not have known about the exact chemicals that were causing the effects they were able to develop an incredibly nuanced system for health and wellness.
This ancient system of restoring the body and mind is founded on a framework of ideas that allow Acupuncturists to feel the qualities of your pulse, look at your tongue, ask a few questions and select the points we believe will help you feel your best. Not just to address your primary concern but with other aspects of your health, happiness, and well-being. After all when you sleep better and your stress levels are decreased you create an environment within your body that is most conducive to healing!
So if you’re considering receiving Acupuncture, be aware, side effects may include:
- Better Moods
- Improved Sleep
- Decreased Pain
- Inner Peace
- Improved Digestion
- More Energy
Posted in: Acupuncture
