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Acupuncture, a form of alternative medicine, has been used to treat numerous ailments and chronic conditions. Originally developed in China more than 2,000 years ago, acupuncture is based on the idea that health is achieved by maintaining the body’s equilibrium. According to this view, illness occurs when something disrupts the flow of qi through the body.

Acupuncturists in El Cerrito seek to restore the flow and balance of qi by inserting hair-thin needles into specific points on the body, which they believe can improve your energy flow and trigger natural painkillers.

4 Benefits of Acupuncture Treatment

Proponents say that acupuncture has many potential benefits, which include:

Pain Reduction

The most common purpose of acupuncture is to ease different types of pain, including chronic pain related to health conditions such as arthritis and lower back pain. Acupuncture may also be effective at relieving different types of migraines and neck pain. In addition, it has also been used successfully for pain management in cancer patients who experienced chronic pain from surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy.

Improved Sleep Quality

Acupuncture may help treat insomnia, promoting better sleep quality as well as a more refreshed feeling upon waking up.

Relief from Nausea and Vomiting

Studies show that acupuncture can help reduce feelings of nausea and vomiting that result from chemotherapy treatments, surgery, or pregnancy.

Reduced Stress Levels

Many studies have found that acupuncture treatment reduces stress levels in people with certain conditions like heart disease and cancer. Some research also shows that acupuncture may help reduce the symptoms of depression, anxiety, and fatigue in patients.

3 Potential Side Effects of Acupuncture 

Although acupuncture is generally regarded as safe when performed by a qualified practitioner, you may experience certain side effects after acupuncture. These include:

Discomfort Where the Needles Puncture the Skin

This discomfort is brief and usually lasts less than a second. It’s often described as being similar to an insect bite or pinprick. People who are afraid of needles may feel more discomfort than others, especially if they tense up when the needle is inserted.

Bruising & Soreness

People who bruise easily may experience bruising at the site where an acupuncture needle punctured the skin. However, this type of bruising is typically harmless and should disappear on its own within a week or so. You may also experience soreness at the place where an acupuncture needle was inserted and removed.

Dizziness or Lightheadedness

It is usually associated with improper needle insertion. You could experience lightheadedness if the needle is inserted too deeply or if you have a very low blood pressure level. This symptom may also be caused by how you are positioned during treatment – lying down on your back can cause lightheadedness for some individuals. If you’re searching for a licensed acupuncture clinic in El Cerrito to treat chronic pain, anxiety, or other health conditions, Anchor Acupuncture can help. To schedule an appointment with our acupuncturist, dial (415) 855-3112.