Have you been on the fence, wondering if you should try acupuncture to better your health? Is the fear of needles or trying something new holding you back? Acupuncture is a safe, effective and enjoyable experience! It's surprisingly painless and relaxing when done by an experienced acupuncturist.
I've previously written a post called "Five Reasons to Get Acupuncture this Winter." It covers winter specific topics like holiday weight gain and catching colds and flus. There are so many reasons to get acupuncture any time of year. So, here are five more reasons why you should try acupuncture!
Acupuncture decreases stress. This is extremely important because chronic stress causes chronic illness. Short term stress can be a healthy way to activate the immune system get us turned on and energized. Examples include climbing a 14er or getting a huge project at work successfully completed. However, problems occur when there's no finish line and the stress response never turns off. Many people feel too wired and tired to just be, or have completely forgotten how. This is when we start to get physically, mentally, and emotionally worn down by stress. We become susceptible to illness, both from external pathogens like viruses and also genetic diseases, heart disease, and cancer. It's a big deal. Working with an acupuncturist can help reduce stress through the treatment itself and also with other lifestyle support.
Acupuncture improves your sleep. Because it decreases stress and relieves pain, acupuncture can also help you sleep better. It tends to be a positive side effect of any acupuncture treatment, but let your acupuncturist know if you're struggling with insomnia. There are specific acupuncture points that are safe and effective for insomnia, and this has been shown in research as well (click to read one study here.)
Acupuncture eases muscle tension. You can leave your acupuncture treatment feeling lighter and looser in those chronically tight areas like neck, shoulders, and low back. There are many ways to use acupuncture to relieve muscle tension, and these methods are often combined in one treatment for maximum results.
Acupuncture helps you get in touch with yourself. We tend to spend so much time in our heads. Acupuncture can help you drop your awareness into your body. This helps you to feel more grounded and centered, and like yourself again. You also get to learn what keeps you, as a unique individual, healthy. That's wisdom you can apply for better lifelong health.
Self-care is important. If you want your car to function optimally for as long as possible, you bring it in for regular maintenance. Why wouldn't you do the same for your body? You only get one, and it experiences regular wear and tear. Acupuncture is an excellent tune-up for your mind, body, and spirit.
Ready to see what acupuncture can do for you?