You’ve probably heard of acupuncture and dry needling, both of which are used to treat pain. They are both effective therapies for many different types of pain.
However, deciding between these two practices depends on your preferences and needs. Acupuncture is a more regulated practice and has been shown to be more effective.
1. Acupuncture is a more traditional approach
Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and is a more traditional approach to pain relief. It’s a form of Eastern medicine that involves inserting needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues.
Chinese acupuncture practitioners believe that energy, or chi, flows through pathways in the body (known as meridians). By inserting needles into these points, they believe your chi will be balanced and you’ll feel better.
Western doctors also think Dry Needling Durham NC that acupuncture can help with various conditions by stimulating the central nervous system and sending signals to your body to release endorphins, immune system cells, opioids, neurotransmitters, and neurohormones.
Acupuncture has been shown to be safe and effective in treating a variety of ailments and symptoms, including pain, fatigue, depression, anxiety, headaches, and sleep problems. It can also be used to treat side effects of cancer drugs and surgery, such as nausea or vomiting.
2. Acupuncture is a more holistic approach
One of the most powerful ways that acupuncture promotes optimal health and wellness is by treating the whole person. This means looking at the body’s physical dysfunction as well as its mental, emotional and spiritual health.
By restoring energy balance, stimulating nervous system responses and counteracting stress hormones, acupuncture can help you get back on track without the use of medication or medical procedures.
Acupuncture also has been found to be effective in helping people who are struggling with insomnia. This is because acupuncture stimulates specific points that release chemicals that promote sleep.
3. Acupuncture is a more Western approach
Acupuncture is a traditional healing practice that promotes natural healing. It works by restoring the body’s natural energy, called Qi (pronounced chee), along pathways that are known as meridians.
When these meridians become blocked, pain and illness can occur. By restoring this flow of Qi, acupuncture allows the body to function more efficiently and reduces discomfort.
Western medical acupuncture is an adaptation of Chinese acupuncture based on current knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology as well as evidence based medicine. It is used to treat musculoskeletal problems such as back, neck and shoulder pain; migraine headaches; post-operative pain; anxiety and depression; nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy; menopausal issues and many other conditions.
4. Acupuncture is a more regulated approach
Acupuncture uses very thin steel needles to stimulate specific points in the body. It can treat a wide range of health conditions, including back pain and muscle pain. It can also be used alongside other forms of medicine, such as prescription medication or surgery.
As with any other medical treatment, acupuncture is a very safe and effective method of treating certain conditions and symptoms. However, it is important to choose a qualified and certified practitioner.
5. Acupuncture is more expensive
Dry needling and acupuncture both use thin, sterile, stainless steel needles to help relieve pain. However, they differ in many ways.
Acupuncture, for example, is based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Its primary goal is to restore balance in your body’s energy flow, or chi.
In acupuncture, the therapist inserts needles into specific points in your skin, along meridian lines that connect your organs. These points are meant to release tension and stimulate the brain to release natural painkillers, called endorphins.
Conclusion
The acupuncture session can last anywhere from 60 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the therapist. During the session, you’ll feel a small pricking sensation with each needle. The acupuncturist can also use mild electrical pulses to aid with needle manipulation. This therapy can be helpful for chronic pain, headaches, and migraines, as well as allergies and infertility.
