Acupuncture For Addiction
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a holistic modality that addresses emotional, spiritual, physical, and mental health. Acupuncture is recognized by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for treating numerous conditions. Ancient Chinese medicine used for thousands of years and acupuncture is based on the Meridian system.
Symptoms Of Addiction
Confusion, delusions, and hallucinations. Irritability, anxiety, or paranoia. Changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. Nausea or vomiting with weight loss.
How Does Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture is the practice of using very fine, sterilized needles — the thickness of a hair — at pressure points to stimulate parts of the nervous system. The needles are inserted into specific places to unblock a blockage, move blood flow, and promote overall balance in the body. Acupuncture is sometimes used in holistic mental health treatment and addiction treatment programs.
Does Acupuncture Help Recover Addiction?
Acupuncture as an alternative therapy for pain management may prove to be a powerful component of addiction recovery programs.
The path to recovery from addiction is often long, and the route it takes varies for different people. While addiction recovery requires sustained hard work, it also requires sustained self-care. How people choose to care for themselves as part of recovery varies because of factors like upbringing, culture, and a person’s personality
Methods Of Acupuncture For Addiction
Instead of needles, other methods of stimulation are sometimes used over the acupuncture points, including:
- Heat (moxibustion)
- Pressure (acupressure)
- Friction
- Suction (cupping)
- Impulses of electromagnetic energy
Treatment Of Acupuncture For Addiction
Acupuncture for addiction can be a complement to traditional mental health disorder treatment. Some research shows acupuncture as a promising depression treatment when combined with antidepressants and therapy. It can help increase the quality of life and social-emotional health. Studies also suggest acupuncture can be an effective anxiety treatment.
How To Get Acupuncture Treatment For Addiction
Acupuncture practitioners often combine the Eastern and Western approaches to treatment. During the first visit, an evaluation is usually conducted to establish what form of acupuncture therapy will be most beneficial. The practitioner will usually ask questions regarding lifestyle, behaviors, and symptoms to tailor the best treatment approach. The acupuncture specialist may also observe,
- The areas of the body that are tender or aching
- The color, shape, and coating of the tongue
- The facial complexion
- The rhythm, strength, and quality of the heartbeat
The initial evaluation usually takes approximately one hour.
What To Expect In Acupuncture For Addiction
An acupuncture session may take up to 60 minutes, although some appointments may be much shorter. A common treatment plan for a single complaint would typically involve one or two treatments a week. The number of treatments will depend on the condition being treated and its severity. In general, it’s common to receive 6 to 8 treatments.
Treatment Benefits Of Acupuncture For Addiction
Acupuncture is an anatomically defined area of complementary therapy that can help people to manage multiple conditions.
The benefits of acupuncture include the following:
- People can effectively combine acupuncture with other treatments.
- Effective acupuncture can help manage chronic painTrusted Source, migraine, and headaches.
- Acupuncture carries a low risk of side effects.
- It is a flexible form of treatment that can target numerous health concerns at once.
What Happens During Treatment Of Acupuncture For Addiction?
Depending on the treatment area, an individual may need to remove their clothing and use a provided towel, gown, or sheet to maintain privacy. Acupuncture is performed while the individual is lying down on a padded table. The treatment involves the following:
Needle insertion
During a typical treatment, approximately five to 20 needles are inserted into the skin at different points and depths. Because the needles are so thin, most people cannot even feel them being inserted.
Needle manipulation
During treatment, the needles may be mildly manipulated, and heat or gentle electrical pulses may be applied to the needles.
NEEDLE REMOVAL.
 Needles are usually removed after approximately 10 to 20 minutes. People usually do not feel the needles being removed.
Are There Any Risks Of Acupuncture Treatment For Addiction
All therapies come with both risks and benefits. A person should always seek medical advice before undertaking any therapy.
Possible risks of acupuncture are the following:
- Bleeding, bruising, and soreness may occur at the insertion sites.
- Unsterilized needles may lead to infection.
- In rare cases, a needle may break and damage an internal organ.
- The rhythm, strength, and quality of the heartbeat
Results Of Acupuncture Treatment For Addiction
Acupuncture points are supposed to stimulate the central nervous system. Hence, in turn, releases chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may induce the body’s natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
FAQ'S
Is acupuncture effective for addiction?
Acupuncture is used in addiction because it releases endorphins, which are chemicals that cause pleasure and relaxation in the brain. These endorphins will help those with withdrawal symptoms or cravings to manage these sensations and to continue on their road to recovery.
What is the role of acupuncture in the treatment of drug addiction?
- We review the neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture for drug addiction.
- Acupuncture reduces drug seeking via direct activation of the brain pathway.
- Acupuncture normalizes dysfunctions of the mesolimbic dopamine pathway.
- Acupuncture regulates neurotransmitters involved in drug craving modulation.
Where is the acupuncture point for addiction?
Auricular or ear acupuncture is a popular form of this treatment that involves the shallow insertion of a thin needle at various points on the skin of the external ear to help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings.
What are the stages of healing with acupuncture?
The Healing Process
- First stage: relief care. ...
- Second stage: corrective care. ...
- Third stage: maintenance and wellness. ...
- Your acupuncture journey: When will I feel better? ...
- Pay attention to changes while you are undergoing treatment.