Many people deal with pain, both physical and mental. Thankfully, modern society has begun to recognize the importance of overall health – and that includes mental health and emotional well being. We are now seeing more and more of a focus placed on caring for both your body and your mind, which are both very important.
One treatment that is effective at helping both physical and mental health is acupuncture.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the process of inserting very fine needles into the body in strategic places to improve overall wellness. These techniques have been used for thousands of years. With acupuncture, the needles are placed into certain points to stimulate muscles, nerves, and connective tissues. This process helps increase blood flow and stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. In addition, the acupuncture process releases endorphins, which are the body’s painkillers. This helps relieve pain.
There are many acupuncture benefits, from helping relieve tight and sore muscles to treating headaches and migraines. Acupuncture can also help with mental and emotional health.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Mental and Emotional Health
One of the most important ways that acupuncture helps with mental and emotional health is through the release of endorphins. As mentioned, endorphins are chemicals that your body releases to help relieve pain, reduce stress, and improve your overall state of mind.
Using techniques to trigger the release of endorphins has been shown to improve the symptoms of mild to moderate depression. That is because endorphins interact with receptors in your brain to reduce feelings of pain or stress.
This is also why many people choose acupuncture for anxiety. By stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture relieves tension and stress in your body. When you are able to relax and let go of pain or discomfort, your mind and body will be calmer. Many people don’t even realize how tense or uncomfortable they are every day until these issues are resolved. This overall pain and tension causes a state of anxiety and stress. Acupuncture treatments can help resolve these issues.
Also, acupuncture helps improve the quality of your sleep. Not only does it ease pain, reduce stress, and increase relaxation (which helps you sleep at night), but acupuncture treatments can also increase the release of natural melatonin in the body, which is a hormone that plays a role in sleep. Increased melatonin can help treat sleep disorders. Many people who experience stress or anxiety also have difficulty sleeping. If you can get a better, more restful sleep each night, this can improve your mental health, decrease anxiety, and boost your overall health as well.
Of course, each person is unique and there is no one-size-fits-all treatment that is perfect for everyone. When you come to My Physio Sports & Rehab Centre, we will talk to you about the available treatments and work to find a solution that is right for you.
What to Expect During your Acupuncture Session
When you come into our centre, one of our therapists will talk to you and work to understand your situation. They will then recommend a treatment plan based on your circumstances. Acupuncture sessions happen in a clean, comfortable, and quiet therapy room where you can relax and receive treatment.
We may also recommend additional healing techniques to improve your overall health and wellness and reduce your feelings of stress, depression, and anxiety. Our team always focuses on the unique needs of our clients, helping them find strategies and treatments that will boost their overall well being.
When you meet with us, we will be able to answer any questions you may have, from “what is acupuncture?” to “how can it help me?” to any specific questions related to your unique situation. We know that everyone is different and, therefore, each person’s wellness and treatment plan must be unique to them. For more information, or to talk to our team about what we can do for you, please contact us online or call our office at 905-850-6683.