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Do you want to experience the benefits of acupuncture but the thought of being stuck with tiny needles is scary to you still? Endpoint Wellness is very accommodating to needle-sensitive patients and offers non-needle acupuncture, or microlight electro-acupuncture, as an effective form of meridian balancing and pain relief.

It’s no secret that acupuncture has been proven effective for pain relief, stress reduction, injury rehabilitation, facial rejuvenation and more. However, microlight electro-acupuncture has many of the same benefits of acupuncture without the needles which may seem daunting to some people.Those hesitant to try acupuncture may want to start with microlight electro-acupuncture first.

What is microlight electro-acupuncture you ask? This non-needle form of acupuncture combines low-frequency microcurrents with specific colors of therapeutic light, providing relief and many of the same benefits as traditional acupuncture. Microcurrent is electric current in millionths of an ampere. It can relieve pain, increase the rate of wound healing, increase protein synthesis, stimulate the regeneration of injured tissue and stimulate lymphatic flow.

Microcurrent flows at one millionth of an ampere and is therefore delivered at a scale similar to current the body produces on its own in each cell. According to an article in acupuncture today, Microcurrent therapy is so effective because “every aspect of our bodies is pre-wired to respond to subtle electrical currents. Most parts of our bodies also produce endogenous electrical charges – including nerve cells, fascia (connective tissue), muscles, brain cells and our hearts.” Electro-acupuncture can also be used with needles, it just means that the pulsating electrical current is applied to acupuncture needles that are inserted at acupuncture points throughout the body. Below are some of the benefits.

Pain Relief

Microlight electro-acupuncture is one of the fastest known treatments of pain. The reason why microlight therapy works so well to relieve pain, according to eastwestseminars.com, is because the two forms of energy stimulation enhance each other’s effects when administered together. The microcurrent and specific colors of light create a “high-low Hz” biological resonance effect, targeting specific body tissues and enhancing the qi. Color light also enhances cellular functioning, speeding up the healing process if one is recovering from an injury.  IN addition, the microcurrent “reduces electrical resistance on the body areas and pathways onto which it is applied,” according to Acupuncture Today. This effect allows for better penetration of the therapeutic color light deep into the areas being treated. If you’ve considered acupuncture for pain relief, but are just not ready, microlight electro-acupuncture may be a more comforting alternative.

Soothing and Relieves Stress

The actual humming sound and motion of the electrodes used in electro-acupuncture is very soothing and relaxing in nature. Combined with the microlight therapy, the color light is also very therapeutic and builds off of traditional acupuncture’s stress relieving qualities. According to an article by Anne Hendren Coulter, phototherapy, or healing with light, may have been one of the first known natural therapies. Simulated sunlight in the form of bright light has been known to reduce stress and help with Seasonal Affective Disorder. Like acupuncture, therapeutic light has many natural healing properties that increase wellness in the body and mind.

Facial Rejuvenation and Anti Aging

Endpoint Wellness offers cosmetic acupuncture, which is essentially an acupuncture session where acu-points in the skin and face are manipulated. If you’re not sure if cosmetic acupuncture is for you, or too scared with the use of needles, you might want to consider non-needle microlight electro-acupuncture. microlight electro-acupunture is one of the fastest growing, most popular and effective forms of facial rejuvenation and anti-aging treatment. Microcurrent is unparalleled for collagen production, which is the protein that gives our skin strength and elasticity. Microlight therapy is a safe and natural alternative to procedures like Botox, chemical peels and dermabrasion. According to the MicroLight Institute, “The popularity of nonsurgical rejuvenation procedures is rapidly growing. There has been a 471% increase in the numbers of such procedures performed since 1997.” Endpoint Wellness offers a form of microlight electro-acupuncture called  Energy Light Rejuvenation™, which has been said to produce the following results:

• Increase in collagen and elastin production
• Smoothing fine lines and wrinkles
• A healthy, vibrant glow in the face
• Reduction or elimination of acne, blemishes and age spots
• Minimized puffiness
• No surgery, needles, redness, flaking, downtime or discomfort

According to Dr. Darren Starwynn, the acupuncturist who invented Energy Light Rejuvenation, the lifting and rejuvenation effects take place through the adjustment of facial muscle tone, detoxification and cleansing of the skin, and stimulation of the acupuncture meridian system.

If you are interested in non-needle acupuncture, cosmetic acupuncture, or facial rejuvenation in Albuquerque, visit Endpoint Wellness or make an appointment today!

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With so much to do and see outdoors in the Albuquerque area, it’s no surprise how many people are active and exercise on a regular basis. However, with activity always comes the risk of injury. Endpoint Wellness offers holistic sports medicine treatments and sports acupuncture for athletes of all ages and skill levels to boost their athletic performance and recover more quickly from their injuries. Plus, acupuncture is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety before a big sporting event.

Before going over the sports medicine treatments that Endpoint Wellness has to offer, you might be wondering: is sports acupuncture right for me?

Trick question: sports acupuncture is right for everyone!

The term “sports acupuncture” might sound intimidating and like it’s only something “serious athletes” should use, but don’t be fooled, it is right for everyone! Whether you are a professional athlete, student athlete, outdoor enthusiast, exercise just for fun, or just starting to get into the routine of exercising, anyone is able to reap the benefits of sports acupuncture and holistic sports medicine.

What are the benefits of Sports Acupuncture & Sports Medicine?

Acupuncture and sports medicine treatments can help you recover from a sports injury or trauma, enhance your performance, and reduce muscle soreness for a more speedy recovery between workouts. Also, as mentioned above, acupuncture is known to release endorphins, which reduce stress, which can be very helpful when preparing or training for a big sporting event. And the best benefit of all perhaps is that it is a healthy, safe and drug-free way to take care of your body!

Endpoint Wellness incorporates principles from both Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western Sports Medicine in our treatment program. The sports medicine treatments at Endpoint Wellness include:

Traditional Acupuncture

The insertion of tiny hair-thin needles into specific acupuncture points in meridians (or channels) throughout the body is a method of manipulating the flow of vital energy, or qi. This activates the body’s own powers of healing and rejuvenation by reducing inflammation and boosting blood flow in injured or sore areas. In sports medicine, acupuncture is frequently used in injury recovery and therapy. It is also used by many elite athletes as a method for managing stress and anxiety before events as well as muscle recovery and rejuvenation afterward.

MicroLight Electro-Acupuncture

This treatment system combines micro-current and color light therapy to reduce pain and recover injuries. Using a wand or electrode pads, the micro-current (electric currents in the millionths of amp levels) is applied to specific acupuncture points or regions of pain. MicroLight electro-acupuncture works to help the body balance and restore its own electrical functions when they go awry, combined with therapeutic light which stimulates energy and increases endorphins and healing effects. The micro-current and color light therapy boost each other’s effects and results when combined.

Tui Na

(Pronounced “twee-nah”) is the oldest known form of massage and a key component of TCM that addresses specific patterns of disharmony throughout the body. Based on the same Oriental medical principles as acupuncture, tui na seeks to improve the flow of qi through the meridian channels. Tui na is particularly effective for conditions involving muscles, tendons and joints, such as structural misalignment, orthopedic problems and sports injuries. It can also be used to treat internal diseases

Kinesio Taping

Endpoint Wellness also offers kinesio taping, a proven way to reduce muscle soreness and heal injuries. Kinesiology tape is made up of cotton fibers with polymer elastic strands woven throughout, allowing for a full range of motion during exercise.

According to an article on Competitor Running, Kinesiology tape “offers structural or muscle support; it can correct postural problems and increase blood flow and lymphatic drainage.” It works by lifting the skin when the tape is applied to create a small space between the muscle and dermis layers. That space takes the pressure off swelling or injured muscles, allows smooth muscle movement and makes space for drainage and blood flow.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is an integral component of TCM and one of the oldest (and most popular) forms of health care. Herbal medicine refers to the use of a plant’s seed, berries, roots, leaves, bark or flowers for medicinal purposes. Studies have shown that herbal medicine can be used to treat conditions such as colds, digestive disorders, insomnia, headaches, arthritis, skin disorders, asthma and more. There are thousands of herbs in the Materia Medica (a pharmacological reference book used by TCM practitioners), of which about 300 are commonly used to treat ailments. In addition to being used in conjunction with acupuncture for added therapeutic effect, Endpoint Wellness will create a unique blend of herbs for each patient, tailored to their condition.

Ready to try out sports acupuncture or any of the sports medicine treatments mentioned above for yourself? Contact Endpoint Wellness today to make an appointment.

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Why more people are turning to acupuncture instead of prescription pain medication?

While the United States is in the midst of an opioid epidemic, and the urge to offer patients an alternative to prescription pain medication is greater than ever, more and more people are using acupuncture as an alternative to treating pain. The ancient form of traditional Chinese medicine has left many with positive results and relieved symptoms while carrying none of the deadly, addictive ingredients found in prescription pain medication. As the number of opioid overdose-related deaths in the country rises, so does the number of people seeking another method for pain relief besides prescription drugs.

Acupuncture has been practiced since ancient times in Chinese culture, more than 2,000 years ago. Although it was known amongst some in the United States, it didn’t become widely recognized until the 1970’s and legal until the 1980’s. There is no evidence or articles currently published which state anyone has ever died from acupuncture, but plenty of evidence suggesting acupuncture has helped relieve pain symptoms for many conditions, among other benefits. On the contrary, since opioids became commonly prescribed for pain in the 1990’s, opioid overdose rates began to increase. Today, more than 115 people in the United States die after overdosing on opioids every day, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Why do people start taking prescription pain medication?

Doctors may prescribe painkillers for a number of different reasons. For example, if someone has been in a car accident or recent trauma leaving them with severe pain. Acupuncture for car crashes has become a common alternative to pain medications. Others with traumatic experiences leaving them with chronic pain are also turning to acupuncture instead of prescription drugs.

According to a recent Associated Press article, the military and Veteran Affairs “began promoting a range of alternative approaches to pain treatment, including acupuncture,” about a decade ago. Now, “two-thirds of military hospitals and other treatment centers offer acupuncture, according to a recent study.” Some veterans stated that they turned to acupuncture because they didn’t like how pain medication made them feel, and didn’t want to risk becoming addicted. Other studies have shown that in addition to acupuncture for pain relief, it can also help reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress.

Another reason one may begin taking prescription pain medication besides an accident or recent trauma, is because of a sports injury. Sports acupuncture has become more and more common over the past years, because of evidence that it works in many cases.  Most easily explained, acupuncture works well for sports injuries because the stimulation of the needle inserted at or near the site of injury “increases microcirculation in the area, thus increasing the blood to the tissues that are injured.” This may assist in the healing of the problem – sometimes noticeably faster, according to an article on the American College of Sports Medicine’s website.

Another benefit of sports acupuncture is that it is completely legal, and not banned by many competitions and sports organizations such as the U.S. Olympic Committee. There are also no known side effects of acupuncture. In addition to relieving pain due to sports injuries, endurance athletes use it as a drug free way to boost sports performance. Other benefits are that acupuncture reduces stress, increases circulation, decreases inflammation, and can be used as a preventative measure to correct imbalances in musculature and muscle firing patterns. If you are an athlete in the Albuquerque area, visit Endpoint Wellness today to learn if sports acupuncture may be right for you.

Another instance where acupuncture is a safer, healthier alternative to prescription pain medication is for chronic pain. According to a recent New York Times article, “Throwing powerful drugs at chronic pain problems may only add to the problem because ever higher doses are often needed to keep the pain at bay.”  This contributes to the growing opioid epidemic and increasing overdose rates of patients taking prescription pain medication. Drug-free alternatives to pain management are now a top priority among many health institutions, such as the American College of Physicians and the National Institute of Health. New drug-free suggestions for treating chronic or recurring back pain recently issued by the American College of Physicians include exercise, rehabilitation, acupuncture, tai chi, yoga, progressive relaxation and cognitive behavioral therapy. These non-invasive, safe treatments have proved highly effective in relieving chronic pain.

Besides being a healthier, non-addictive and safer alternative to prescription drugs, acupuncture is 100% chemical free. With many pain medications,  patients are unaware of the chemicals they are putting into their bodies with every dose. The chemicals in pain medication alter the chemicals in the brain in an artificial way to relieve pain. The relief from acupuncture comes from the body’s natural reaction to the insertion of acupuncture needles throughout the body’s meridians. The comfort you’ll get from knowing what you’re putting into your body and how it’s being affected with acupuncture versus not knowing with pain medication should be enough to steer clear of prescriptions and try the healthier alternative: acupuncture.

If you are interested in trying acupuncture for pain management, allergy relief, stress relief, sports injuries, or cosmetic acupuncture for the first time, it is important to understand the origin of acupuncture, a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and how this increasingly popular form of alternative medicine came to be.

Acupuncture and oriental medicine is the indigenous medicine of East Asia. In particular, oriental medicine originated in the countries of China, Korea, and Japan. In more recent years, the practice of acupuncture has been referred to under the umbrella of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and have become more and more widely accepted in the United States and many other parts of the world.

Traditional Chinese Medicine in the US

The first acupuncture practitioners in the United States date back to the mid-19th century,  however, it was illegal and practiced discreetly in Chinese communities at first. It wasn’t until a report by journalist James Reston in 1971 stated that Americans and others became curious and were inspired to travel to China to begin to study the practice of acupuncture and other components of TCM.

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Traditional Chinese Medicine includes the following practices in addition to acupuncture:

• Chinese herbal medicine
• Moxibustion (burning an herb above the skin to apply heat to acupuncture points)
• Tui Na (Chinese therapeutic massage)
• dietary therapy
• Tai Chi and Qi Gong (practices that combine specific movements or postures, coordinated breathing, and mental focus)

In the United States, the most commonly used approaches include Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, and Tai Chi. If you are a patient looking to try alternative medicine in Albuquerque, you may want to make an acupuncture appointment at Endpoint Wellness. In addition to offering acupuncture for pain management and other symptoms, Endpoint Wellness offers a variety of different Traditional Chinese Medicine services.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is an integral component of TCM and one of the oldest (and most popular) forms of health care. One article in Acupuncture Today states “as much as 40% of all American adults use herbal products, with the amount of money spent on herbal remedies in this country each year in the tens of billions.”  Herbal medicine refers to the use of a plant’s seed, berries, roots, leaves, bark, or flowers for medicinal purposes.

Studies have shown that herbal medicine can be used to treat conditions such as colds, digestive disorders, insomnia, headaches, arthritis, skin disorders, asthma, and more. There are thousands of herbs in the Materia Medica (a pharmacological reference book used by TCM practitioners), of which about 300 are commonly used to treat ailments. In addition to being used in conjunction with acupuncture for added therapeutic effect, Endpoint Wellness will create a unique blend of herbs for each patient, tailored to their condition.

Moxibustion

Moxibustion has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years and involves the heating of acupuncture points with smoldering mugwort herb (known as moxa). Moxibustion stimulates circulation, counteracts cold and dampness in the body, and promotes the smooth flow of blood and qi. This safe, non-invasive technique may be used alone, but it is generally used in conjunction with acupuncture treatment.

Reiki

Although not technically considered a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine according to Acupuncture Today, Reiki is still a recognized and essential component of Asian healing. Reiki is thought to be rediscovered in Japan and the term “reiki” is derived from the Japanese language.

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique administered through light touch or by placing the hands near or above the body in specific positions or patterns. Most commonly, reiki is used to reduce stress and tension but has been used to help treat everything from impotence to heart disease.

Reiki is a simple, natural, and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that has been in use for more than 90 years. It is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. It works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery and is used in a number of hospitals, medical clinics, and hospice programs.

Tui Na

Tui Na (Pronounced “twee-nah”) is the oldest known form of massage and a key component of TCM that addresses specific patterns of disharmony throughout the body. Based on the same Oriental medical principles as acupuncture, tui na seeks to improve the flow of qi through the meridian channels. Tui na is particularly effective for conditions involving muscles, tendons and joints, such as structural misalignment, orthopedic problems and sports injuries. It can also be used to treat internal diseases. Contact Endpoint Wellness today to learn more about Tui Na and the other types of Traditional Chinese Medicine services we offer.

While acupuncture is most commonly associated with relieving pain in a specific area of the body, many don’t consider acupuncture for car accidents or unexpected trauma. Evidence gathered over the years has shown that acupuncture can be beneficial in dealing with a car accident or recent trauma in many physical and emotional ways.

Calms Your Mind and Relieves Stress

Being in a car accident can be extremely scary and stress-inducing. Acupuncture is becoming a much more common treatment for stress and anxiety due to research over the years proving that it really does work. A study done in 2013 showed that acupuncture slows the production of hormones that are induced by stress. The same study also noted that stress can be detrimental to the body’s health and even cause things like heart disease and brain shrinkage.

Another article states that acupuncture for car accidents releases endorphins, and activates natural pain killers, which is the reason acupuncture is so effective in improving anxiety, stress, and depression. In addition, the experience of receiving an acupuncture treatment is very stress-relieving and relaxing in itself, similar to receiving a massage or facial.

Many patients are said to leave acupuncture treatments feeling “blissed out.” In the already stressful environment of dealing with an accident or recent trauma, acupuncture can bring relief to your body and mind when you need it the most. Regular acupuncture treatments could also help prevent long-term depression or ongoing anxiety resulting from the accident or trauma.

Eases Pain

Car accidents can result in a range of injuries, aches, and pains depending on the speed and severity of the crash. This can range from minimal effects such as bruising, muscle strain, or body stiffness to even more severe injuries. Often times, accident victims may delay going to the doctor and minor injuries may go unnoticed and ignored. It is important to seek out medical attention immediately, even if you don’t feel pain right away. This increases the ability to identify potential hidden injuries that could cause complications down the road.

Acupuncture is great to receive immediately after a car accident because it helps reduce inflammation and pain quickly. Western medicine states that acupuncture releases endorphins and activates natural pain killers in the body. It is also a passive treatment. This means that the patient is not stretching, moving or potentially aggravating any muscles that might need to heal, encouraging a shorter recovery time and preventing long-term health concerns associated with the accident.

According to a recent report commissioned by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) published on the Acupuncture Now Foundation’s website, acupuncture is at or near the top of every category measuring the effectiveness of treatments for low back pain.

In addition to back pain from a car accident, acupuncture has been found to be effective for treating neck pain, shoulder pain, chronic headache, and osteoarthritis. The report also found that acupuncture worked better or at least as well as higher risk medications commonly used to treat low back pain including  muscle relaxers or opioids.

A white paper published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine states that medical systems are in need of nonpharmacologic treatments to decrease the public’s opioid dependence in the face of a national opioid epidemic. According to the paper, “acupuncture has emerged as a powerful, evidence-based, safe, cost-effective, and available treatment modality suitable to meeting this need.”

Heals Whiplash After A Car Accident

Another common side effect of car accidents is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are tossed around violently, causing damage to the soft tissue in the spine. One article sites that acupuncture is beneficial for this common car accident symptom because it gets the Qi and the blood flowing, which is often times made stagnant from the crash.

Many acupuncture therapies have proven to be effective in relieving whiplash symptoms in patients. Other symptoms from whiplash include neck pain, pain between the shoulders and lower back pain, headache, dizziness and more. Many of these symptoms such as the pain and headaches have shown to be alleviated by acupuncture as well.

Prevents Development of Post-Traumatic Stress

If considering acupuncture, it is wise to start treatment as close as possible to when the car accident occurred. This keeps the pain and stress of the accident from settling in and prevents post-traumatic stress. Acupuncturists Without Borders uses a protocol developed by the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) to treat millions of people affected by disaster, conflict and violence, as well as substance dependence. This treatment consists of  the insertion of five tiny needles at specific points in the ear.

According to their website, research in the past decade has shown that acupuncture rebalances the brain after significant stress, as well as the nervous and hormonal  systems. With extended treatment, acupuncture can also help improve symptoms for those suffering from long term post-traumatic stress.