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Acupuncture is an ancient holistic treatment with roots in Chinese medicine that’s been practiced for more than 3,000 years. It’s based on the idea that energy (called Qi) flows through and around our bodies along pathways called meridians. But when this energy gets out of balance or blocked, health problems can occur. Acupuncture is believed to influence Qi and help it flow back into balance. If you are suffering from any health issues, consider scheduling an appointment in Albany for acupuncture for pain relief and improving your overall emotional well-being. 

How Does Acupuncture Work?

When you are anxious or stressed out, your body tends to go into survival mode with an increase in heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Acupuncture needles stimulate specific points on your body to alleviate symptoms hindering with body’s energy flow. In addition, it stimulates the nervous system and influences the release of endorphins, which are chemicals in your brain that make you feel good and relaxed. By unblocking and balancing out Qi, acupuncture helps regulate and improve your body’s functions, so they return to normal when stress levels decrease. 

In recent years, increasingly more people have started taking advantage of acupuncture for pain relief and treating various conditions, such as sleep disorders, osteoarthritis, and depression.

Pain Relief & Digestive Issues

Acupuncture is effective in helping relieve pain by triggering the release of natural chemicals called endorphins in your spinal cord. Endorphins are the same brain chemicals that are released by exercise or other activities that make you feel good. Acupuncture may also stimulate blood flow and promote healing in your muscles, tendons, and ligaments. In addition, it can help treat digestive problems by increasing blood flow to the stomach, intestines, and intestinal tract.

Sleep Disorders

Acupuncture has proven effective in treating sleeping conditions like insomnia. It releases specific neurotransmitters, including serotonin, melatonin, dopamine, and GABA, by triggering specific points and meridians of the body associated with various organs and systems. These chemicals play by restoring balance and harmony within the body, helping to regulate sleep patterns naturally. 

Acupuncture may help with a range of sleeping disorders and conditions, including Parasomnias, Restless Leg Syndrome, and Narcolepsy.

Emotional Well-being

When you are stressed, your body releases an organic chemical called norepinephrine, which makes you feel irritable, nervous, and on edge. Acupuncture focuses on unblocking energy channels through which Chi flows and triggers the release of endorphins. These naturally occurring chemicals influence parts of the brain responsible for stress and create a sense of emotional and physical well-being.

How Acupuncture Is Used

Acupuncture is usually done in a clinic by a licensed acupuncturist. A treatment typically lasts from 20 to 40 minutes and involves the insertion of several dozen tiny pins into the specific points on your body. The needles are left in place for about 20 minutes. 

You might be asked to sit quietly or allowed to move around gently by your practitioner.

If you are looking for acupuncture for pain in the Albany, Anchor Acupuncture is an excellent choice. Our team is well-trained, experienced, and compassionate while providing the best acupuncture experience around. Call (415) 855-3112 to book an appointment.