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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.

Acupuncture works best on those who expect it to work. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, evidence suggests that many factors like expectation and belief may play important roles in the beneficial effects of acupuncture.

Patients seek out acupuncture for a number of reasons, including:

• pain
• injuries
• depression
• allergies
• headaches and migraines
• facial rejuvenation
• cosmetic reasons

If you’ve tried medication, pharmaceuticals, or other conventional methods of dealing with these issues with no improvement, acupuncture may be the solution. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, many people find that acupuncture is the alternative treatment they never knew they needed. Many believe that acupuncture restores the body’s natural energy flow – or qi – while others believe that acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural painkillers. Depending on the symptom, both processes can be extremely beneficial.

In addition to treatment for the symptoms mentioned above, many believe acupuncture can contribute to the body’s overall well-being and can decrease stress and anxiety. The feeling of peacefulness and relaxation after an acupuncture treatment can be very helpful in treating depression for some patients.

You Want A More Holistic Approach To Your Health

More and more people are turning to acupuncture and herbal, natural treatments as we become more educated about chemicals in products (medications, cosmetics) and how they can be harmful to our bodies and the earth around us. A survey by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine revealed that an estimated 36% of U.S. adults use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).

Acupuncture and oriental medicine in particular have become increasingly popular over the past 25 years. In addition to treatment for pain, more and more people are turning to acupuncture for cosmetic benefits. Acupuncture increases the circulation in your skin, which can lead to better skin tone, facial rejuvenation and the lifting of baggy skin around the eyes. Unlike other cosmetic treatments and fillers, cosmetic acupuncture is completely free and clear of all chemicals. This can be a huge advantage for those who have had bad reactions to chemical treatments or cosmetics. Plus, cosmetic acupuncture is much cheaper than injectables, fillers or plastic surgery.

You’ve Recently Had A Traumatic Experience

If you’ve recently suffered a sports injury, trauma or auto accident, acupuncture may be beneficial for you. Acupuncture can be used to treat chronic pain or discomfort associated with a car crash or traumatic accident. Acupuncture may be helpful in that it can relieve the pain from the release of endorphins, as well as evoke a general sense of relaxation and happiness after treatment.

Some people also experience a boost of energy after a treatment. Both feelings could help cope with the recent emotional damage of the accident or trauma that occured. Being in a state of relaxation with a clear mind can make it easier to move on and accept what has happened, and harder to dwell on the negatives. A boost of energy may make it easier to deal with things that you might not have the energy to deal with otherwise.

You Have Chronic Pain, Migraines, or Headaches

Acupuncture is an ancient form of medicine that has been practiced in Asia for centuries to treat symptoms such as pain. According to an article in Harvard Medical School’s newsletter Healthbeat, acupuncture may relieve pain by releasing endorphins (the body’s natural pain-killing chemicals) when needles are inserted into the skin at specific “acupoints.”

According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, studies have shown that acupuncture may relieve several types of chronic pain such as lower back, neck and knee pain, and may help reduce tension headaches and migraines. A 2012 study showed that actual acupuncture was more effective in reducing headache severity than either no acupuncture or simulated acupuncture.

A similar analysis done in 2012 on participants with back and neck pain also revealed acupuncture was more effective in reducing symptoms than no or simulated acupuncture. In addition, in 2007 the American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians issued clinical practice guidelines recommending acupuncture as an alternative approach for physicians to consider when patients don’t respond to self-care (rest, heat/ice and taking pain medications).

You Want Something Quick and Effective

There are little known side effects or complications from acupuncture. This means  you can have your weekly acupuncture treatment (about 30 minutes) and then go on with your day immediately after. Acupuncture doesn’t require any downtime after treatments, and there is no soreness or impairment after. Initial acupuncture evaluations and treatment may take up to 60 minutes for the doctor to determine the type of treatment that will help the most. After the initial appointment, treatments are about a half hour and usually take one to two treatments a week for it to be effective.

Some cosmetic acupuncture treatments have long lasting effects that can last for years, so it may only be necessary to receive smaller treatments periodically every few months, if needed.

For many years now people have become more aware of the incredible healing benefits of acupuncture treatment but, it has only been in the past decade, that people have learned of the incredible healing benefits of cosmetic acupuncture.

Cosmetic acupuncture, which basically is acupuncture to treat cosmetic issues, has become one of the fastest growing use cases for acupuncture treatment and for good reason! The benefits of cosmetic acupuncture, especially when compared to traditional cosmetic procedures, are incredible. Let’s go over some of the many benefits…

It’s Completely Safe

One of the most relieving benefits to cosmetic acupuncture is that the procedure is completely safe. Negative side effects or chemical reactions are not found here and you don’t need to worry about scarring, lumps, bad experiences, or others. The procedure is painless, believe it or not, and the only side effects may include a small bruise, although not likely. Should you receive a small bruise, it will completely heal in a matter of days.

Cosmetic Acupuncture is Chemical Free

Unlike other cosmetic treatments and fillers, cosmetic acupuncture is completely free and clear of all chemicals. This can be a huge advantage for those who have had bad experiences with other chemical treatments and also those who would like to stay away from chemicals.

Cheaper Than Injectables/Fillers or Plastic Surgery

Although the price for cosmetic acupuncture varies depending on your treatment, it is far less than the hundreds and thousands of dollars you would spend with injectables, fillers, and/or plastic surgery.

Increases Circulation in Your Skin

As we age, the natural circulation in our skin starts to slow down. With the slowed down circulation, you often will notice an increase in lines on your face and neck, baggy eyes, less than perfect skin tone and more. With cosmetic acupuncture, a practitioner can safely and effectively increase the circulation in your face and neck, increasing your your collagen and elastin. With this, your skin tone will improve, lines will decrease and you will start to naturally look younger.

Related: Cupping Therapy: How It Works

Helps Clear Up Acne

When thinking of acne problems, many people would never guess that cosmetic acupuncture can be a very effective and safe treatment for acne. Regardless if the acne is caused by a chronic condition or random hormone fluctuations, using cosmetic acupuncture has been known to be a great treatment option.

Effective Treatment For Eczema and Rosacea

Similar to being an effective treatment for acne problems, cosmetic acupuncture has always been known to be a solution to those suffering from eczema and rosacea. With using cosmetic acupuncture for this type of treatment, the patient will not need to rely on medication and/or lotions which can be a big relief, especially with some of the known side effects.

Quick With No Down Time

Unlike other cosmetic treatments, cosmetic acupuncture can take place in less than an hour and you will not need the required down time after the treatment as you would with other options. This means you can have your cosmetic acupuncture treatment and then go about your day immediately after.

Long Lasting Effects

With cosmetic acupuncture, depending on what you are treating, your treatment could last many years, with periodic smaller treatments every six months or so (when needed).

Your face is one of the most noticeable parts of your body; therefore you want it to look as good as possible.

Unfortunately, as you age, the elasticity and collagen in your skin declines resulting in laugh lines, fine lines, crow’s feet, sagging skin, wrinkles, age spots, and other skin conditions. Smoking, poor diet, hormones, pollutants, health conditions, and excessive sun exposure can also cause your skin to break down.

Although it is expected that your skin will change over time, there are things that you can do to preserve your healthy, youthful appearance. Cosmetic procedures like facial rejuvenation treatments can help you regain your fresh, vibrant appearance.

Benefits of Facial Rejuvenation Treatments

There are many different benefits associated with having facial rejuvenation treatments, but it is important to note that these treatments cannot prevent your skin from aging. Facial rejuvenation treatments can, however, remove years from your appearance by reducing the signs of aging (i.e. crow’s feet, wrinkles, age spots, saggy skin, under eye circles, fine lines, etc.).

Ultimately the benefits depend on the condition of your skin and they type of treatment selected. Some facial rejuvenation treatments have fairly quick recovery times, while others have a longer down time. Moreover, the length of the results varies amongst facial rejuvenation procedures – some treatments may need to be repeated monthly, while others may only need to be repeated every 6 to 12 months.

Listed below are common benefits associated with facial rejuvenation treatments:

• Stimulates collagen production
• Tightens loose skin
• Reduces redness and puffiness around your eyes and eyelids
• Delays the aging process
• Reduces the appearance of a “double chin” by eliminating excess fat
• Increases your self-confidence by improving your facial appearance
• Lifts your jaw line, eyelids and eyebrows to smooth and improve your overall appearance
• Increases skin elasticity and improves your complexion and skin tone
• Minimizes and/or eliminates dark spots, pigmentation, scars and spider veins
• Reduces the appearance fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, etc.