Acupuncture has been around for over 2000 years and that’s a conservative number. It started in China and spread throughout the World, now being used in nearly every country and double-digit styles. There have been countless attacks on acupuncture and the perpetuation of the myth (or outright lies) that there are not enough studies on acupuncture when, in fact, there have been thousands! The WHO (World Health Organization) supports the use of acupuncture for around 50 conditions. But what should you know about acupuncture? Why should you have an Acupuncturist? When is it the best choice and how do you compare it to other forms of medicine?
Acupuncture is a part of Chinese Medicine, which also includes moxa (a specialized heat therapy), cupping, gua-sha (scraping technique to open up soft tissue congestion), herbs, tui-na and other body work techniques, Qi-gong, Tai-Chi and other Martial Arts, diet, and more.
Acupuncture works by activating tissues and nerves that stimulate healing, both locally and in the brain. There is also the release of the body’s natural pain-killers (endorphins), which also provides the Patient with relaxation and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system which is when healing occurs. Acupuncture also stimulates function which may be sluggish or muted.
An Acupuncturist is a valuable member of many people’s healthcare team, and if I may share my biased opinion, SHOULD be, due the reasons listed above. By optimizing function and the performance of the nervous system, healing is not only more likely, but happens more quickly…and the results are often both symptomatic and addressing causal factors.
To compare acupuncture is to do it a disservice. Having worked in PT, many equate it to that as there is a great amount of cross-over in their Patient populations, however, having worked in both, I can say without any doubt that as an Acupuncturist, I am trained like a Naturopath or Natural Physician, to address nearly any health condition, both external and internal, acute and chronic, known Western Medical cause or unknown.
If you have a health issue, it is often best to visit your Dr for a diagnosis. In most of these cases, it is prudent to then go see your Naturopath or Acupuncturist for their perspective before acting. This allows you to make an informed choice. Is it best to take a Rx or herbs/nutrition/dietary approach? Is it best to go to PT/OT or get Acupuncture (or both)?
If you have any questions or concerns, which I’d like to think you would, may I suggest calling a local Acupuncturist to see if they have a complementary phone or in-person consultation. Some have a formal offer while others are willing to answer some questions on a 5-15 minute phone or in-person visit. This consult is less about learning specifics about the science behind acupuncture and more about finding out whether the Acupuncturist is someone with whom you are comfortable and someone who answers your questions satisfactorily.
Acupuncture is not a one-stop shop, but it IS part of a system of medicine that is adept at effectively treating many difficult health issues. Please consider making it part of your regimen, be it to treat active issues or for maintenance care.
Paul Gerst L.Ac. is a licensed Acupuncturist of nearly 25 years and co-owner of The Balanced Path Wellness Center in Medway, MA. For more information on how to make an appointment for in-person or telehealth visits, please email: thebalancedpath@pm.me or call 774-283-2726 and visit the website at https://www.yourbalancedpath.com