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Does Acupuncture Really Work?

As chiropractic professionals, we’re passionate about helping you feel better. We don’t just want to address your symptoms – we want to treat the underlying cause of those symptoms to improve your well-being. That’s where acupuncture comes in. Patients and doctors have turned to acupuncture, a practice with roots in ancient China, for centuries. Needless to say, acupuncture has made its way from the East to the West since its creation thousands of years ago. Today, it’s a go-to medical procedure around the world and is used to treat a host of issues, from nausea to chronic pain. Its traditional roots do, however, lead some patients to question its usefulness. So, does acupuncture really work? At Loehr Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we firmly believe that the answer is “yes.” Read on to find out why.

Young woman getting acupuncture treatment in therapy room

Does Acupuncture Really Work?

The Proven Science Behind Acupuncture

Healthcare providers have practiced acupuncture for more than 2,000 years. In that time, our knowledge of the human body has increased dramatically. Now, the medical community has a much better understanding of the science behind acupuncture. The practice has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine; in fact, when it was developed, practitioners believed that it restored the flow of energy, or qi, in the human body. Whether or not you believe in the concept of qi, acupuncture’s creators actually weren’t that far off.

How It Works

During the treatment, thin needles are inserted through the skin. Those needles stimulate a series of points, which are specific areas of the body that signal the release of endorphins. Stimulating those points triggers the brain’s feel-good chemicals, generating natural healing mechanisms. That, in turn, helps patients with symptoms from depression to back pain. So, although we’ve found that the science behind the practice goes far beyond qi, it does help channel healing energy for a revitalizing effect.

Dozens of Tested Results

A common argument against acupuncture is that it produces little more than a placebo effect. However, there have been dozens of studies that prove its effectiveness. Again and again, acupuncture has dramatically reduced symptoms like pain, depression, and nausea. In 2012, one of the largest studies to date measured nearly 18,000 patients. The results were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, and they were extremely promising. The study found that, for the majority of patients, acupuncture is a medically sound option for chronic pain treatment. That debunked the myth that the practice serves solely as a placebo treatment.

A Broad Range of Benefits

Dozens of studies have been conducted to determine the effects of acupuncture on physical ailments like back pain and migraines. Perhaps even more exciting are its proven psychological benefits. Take, for example, a Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine study that found that electroacupuncture was just as effective as Prozac in treating depression. That’s a major win for individuals dealing with mental illness. Acupuncture has also been proven to help with other psychological issues like anxiety and stress. Studies like these show that the practice is a reliable treatment option for a host of ailments – both physical and psychological.

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Still asking yourself, “Does acupuncture really work?” If you’re unconvinced about its benefits, feel free to set up a consultation with one of our experienced medical professionals to see for yourself. The practitioners at Loehr Chiropractic & Acupuncture are committed to helping you find a treatment plan to enhance your quality of life. Upon setting up your consultation, you’ll meet with one of our acupuncturists to assess the best treatment plan for your situation with a preliminary exam. Ready to feel better? Call our office today at 417-887-8075.

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