Acupuncture, a practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, has gained immense popularity worldwide, especially in cities like Houston. This ancient technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points in the body to stimulate energy flow, reduce pain, and promote overall well-being. In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 benefits of acupuncture and how it can enhance your health.

50% of All U.S. Acupuncture treatments are for pain.  It is one of the top methods of natural nerve pain releif.  In Acupuncture graduate school, we learn the Chinese medicine way to evaluate the patient, diagnose ailments and come up with a point prescription for that patient, including over 1000 hours in the acupuncture internship clinic before graduating. We also have 500 hours of classroom training in Western medical science including Histology, Physiology, Anatomy & Pharmacology. We graduate with an integrated perspective seeing how Eastern and Western Medicine complement each other.

One of the most well-known benefits of acupuncture is its effectiveness in relieving various types of pain. Many people in Houston seek acupuncture for conditions such as chronic back pain, arthritis, and migraines. Studies have shown that acupuncture can significantly reduce pain levels by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.

How it works for Pain Relief

• According to Chinese medicine, there are 12 major meridians that are related to the nervous system and related to each of the organ systems.   In Western terms this is related to the nerve channels while in Eastern terms “chi,” or energy flows through these 12 organ channels to regulate and balance the body naturally.  When a person experiences disease or pain, the free flow of chi throughout the body is disrupted. Inserting these needles can help the chi run more smoothly and directs the body to heal itself, and then you start feeling better.
• According to Acupuncture Today, there are also five Western medicine mechanisms explaining traditional Chinese Medicine theories.
  • 1st: Increases in pain threshold through extra-segmental analgesia. It increases the neuromodulators, including beta endorphins.
  • 2nd: Regulatory system stimulates the deeper parts of the brain to control pain, known as the limbic system.
  • 3rd: Vasodilation (increased blood flow) is increased by insertion of needles by the release of CGRP at the insertion site.
  • 4th:  Acupuncture simulates the alpha delta fibers, (calm and meditative state brain waves) which decrease the activity of the dorsal horn. That affects segments along the spine and how pain is perceived by the brain, causing the brain to feel less pain.
  • Last: Acupuncture causes a myofascial trigger-point release. When you have pain, let's say you have pain in your shoulder, the muscle gets shortened and that creates a trigger point that feels like a knot. When a needle is inserted into the trigger point, it physically disrupts the triggered muscle and causes a vasodilation of the area as well.

Acupuncture is also widely recognized for its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety by regulating your nervous system. Many individuals in the bustling city of Houston turn to acupuncture as a means of relaxation. Clinical practice & studies show that many individuals can greatly benefit from it, as it promotes relaxation and encourages a parasympathetic state, shifting you from a “fight or flight” mode to a “rest and digest” state. This shift enables your body to work toward homeostasis, achieving a sense of balance. Your body possesses the innate ability to heal; acupuncture simply serves as a tool to facilitate this process. It would be especially beneficial for Employees and students during high stress times. The treatment promotes relaxation responses in the body, balancing hormones and reducing cortisol levels, leading to a calmer state of mind.

Those suffering from insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns may benefit from acupuncture. By instilling relaxation and balancing the body’s energies, acupuncture can improve the quality of sleep. During treatments we determine the cause of the sleep issues and use appropriate treatments to balance the body accordingly. Many Houston locals have reported better sleep after regular acupuncture sessions, leading to enhanced overall well-being.

Regular acupuncture treatments can also help to strengthen the immune system. This is particularly beneficial in Houston’s vibrant environment where allergies and colds are common. Acupuncture enhances the body’s immune response, helping to fend off illnesses more effectively.

Acupuncture has a positive effect on mood, which is essential in today's fast-paced world. The hormonal balance created by acupuncture can lead to better emotional stability and an overall increase in happiness. Many patients have noticed an uplift in their mood after undergoing treatment in Houston acupuncture clinics.

For those who struggle with digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acupuncture can offer relief. By strengthening and harmonizing our digestive function which is the “engine of our body” we improve our energy, mood and immune function in turn improving overall well-being.  If we tune a car engine and feed it with good oils it will function better.  Our body works the same way.  The treatment promotes better digestion by regulating stomach function and increasing the flow of digestive juices, which can greatly enhance gut health.

Acupuncture can be a valuable addition to addiction recovery programs. It helps manage withdrawal symptoms and decreases cravings, making it easier for individuals in Houston to overcome their struggles with substance abuse. This holistic approach provides physical and emotional support during recovery.

Feeling fatigued all the time can be disheartening. Regular acupuncture treatments are known to enhance energy levels. According to TCM theory, our energy or lifeforce is a function of our digestive system.  By improving the function of our digestive system we also improve our energy levels. By improving blood circulation and promoting a healthy flow of Qi (life energy), acupuncture helps individuals feel more energetic and ready to tackle their daily routines.

Acupuncture can provide relief from menstrual symptoms and help in regulating hormonal imbalances. Many women in Houston use acupuncture for conditions like endometriosis, PMS, Infertility or menopause. The treatment assists in relieving symptoms such as cramps, mood swings, and hot flashes, promoting overall reproductive health.

Fertility: Acupuncture can be a complement and adjunct to traditional IVF and fertility treatments with your OB GYN doctors as a support. We feel like acupuncture can be very supportive in addition to Western medicine. Patients can benefit from treatments before receiving IVF or  during their treatments.  Some patients prefer to try acupuncture first before they try, for example, in vitro fertilization (IVF).

How it Helps: Dr. Sara Florida in Houston has helped many patients who have tried getting pregnant unsuccessfully and after a year and a half of trying they consulted physicians, who found no medical issues with either partner. Many patients are recommended to start medications that increase egg production each cycle, enhancing the chances of conception. During this time, Acupuncture will help increase chances of pregnancy through hormonal balancing and stress reduction.

Women of All Ages helped: We’ve helped women of all ages balance hormones naturally and  up to age 48 get pregnant in combination with their fertility treatments.  Many women come in during or a few months prior to their treatments. 

Satisfied Patient said: "I've heard that acupuncture can help with this. I'm going to try acupuncture first." I'd never tried it before. I found an acupuncturist and within two sessions I was pregnant. So, I said to myself, "Someday, I'm going to study this medicine. This is incredible."

Ultimately, one of the greatest benefits of acupuncture is its holistic approach to health. Whether one seeks treatment for a specific ailment or simply wishes to maintain overall wellness, acupuncture can be a great addition to any health routine. It promotes balance and harmony within the body, making it a beneficial therapy for everyone.

The needles used in acupuncture are tiny hair thin and generally cause minimal discomfort. You will feel the insertion, and some areas of the body may be more sensitive than others. Overall, the experience is significantly less painful than receiving an injection or a hypodermic needle in the arm, as 16 acupuncture needles can fit within the width of a pin. Additionally, the more skilled the acupuncturist, the smoother the insertion process tends to be. It's also important to note that the needles are never reused.

For individuals who have a fear of needles, the experience may not be the most enjoyable; however, it's worth noting that the needles used are quite small. Additionally, if someone is prone to fainting, it could happen on rare occasions with acupuncture needles. We recommend having a meal or snack prior to treatment.

The acupuncture technique I prefer is known as the Traditional Chinese Method. We use master points, abdominal acupuncture and ear acupuncture in our approach.  We treat areas of pain locally;  and utilize the channels and meridians to treat digestive, hormonal, chronic and emotional conditions. We have specialized treatments for neuropathy and nerve pain that are highly effective for successful outcomes.

For example, headaches are often related to the liver meridian. To alleviate the headache, I would stimulate the corresponding scalp and liver channel points. This method is unique because patients frequently experience a reduction in pain right from the very first session. It’s uncommon not to notice immediate improvement. However, results can vary depending on the patient, the duration of their condition, and the specific issue at hand.

Acupuncture offers a wide array of benefits that can improve physical, emotional, and mental health. Whether you are struggling with chronic pain, seeking stress relief, or simply wishing to enhance your overall well-being, Houston acupuncture clinics can provide the support you need. The versatility of acupuncture makes it an invaluable resource in today’s health landscape. Consider exploring this ancient practice to discover how it can positively transform your life.